Ate, left no Krums: sophomore seals win in home dual

CJ Krum's pin was the exclamation point after erasing a 17-3 deficit.

Photo courtesy of Savannah Waddick

ALBION – You couldn't write a better script.

Hosting their first home dual since 1975, the Albion College men's wrestling team erased a 17-3 deficit, defeating Trine University 21-17. Down to the heavyweight bout, sophomore CJ Krum sent a packed Kresge Gymnasium into a madhouse, pinning his opponent in 1:30 to lift the Britons to victory.

Freshman Gabby Motz ignited the night with a quick pin in the women's bout. The 109 pounder erased an early deficit, pinning her opponent in just 54 seconds.

The Thunder were quick to silence the crowd, pinning Albion at 125.

At 133, Austin Matheney and Trine's Joseph Langeman put on a show, with last minute takedowns by both wrestlers in the third period. In the overtime period, Matheney needed just eight seconds for a takedown, earning a 10-8 victory and three points for the Britons.

Trine went on to win the next three matches to take a 17-3 lead into the 165 match.

After an intermission, Thomas Potter stepped to the mat at 165. Potter battled the entire match, earning a 10-5 victory and giving Albion three points back.

At 174, freshman Jack Smith continued to swing the momentum in favor of the Brits after picking up a 6-1 victory. Heading into the final three weight classes – where Albion has two wrestlers regionally ranked – the Britons were poised for a memorable finish.

Sophomore Owen McDaniel was in complete control in a 9-3 win at 184. It was McDaniel's team-leading 19th win of the season, moving the Brits to within striking distance at 17-12.

Bode Brown tirelessly worked his way to a 6-2 win at 197, firing up the Kresge Krazies. Everyone in the gym got on their feet for the final bout, as Albion trailed by two after a fantastic fight from Brown.

Krum, another regionally ranked Briton, was in control from the get-go. After picking up two early points, the sophomore pinned his opponent in just 1:40, vaulting off the mat and flexing for the packed house. This was Krum's sixth pin of the season, and his fourth in his last five matches.

It was Albion's first MIAA dual win of the season with one conference match to go before Championships. Albion is now 11-5 in duals this season, winning five straight.

The win comes as a picture perfect birthday present for head coach, Adam Wilson.

On Feb. 1, Albion will take on Alma for the final MIAA dual of the season. The match will be held at Harper Creek High School, slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Bode Brown: 197; Sophomore

CJ Krum: 285; Sophomore

Owen McDaniel: 184; Sophomore

Austin Matheney: 133; Freshman

Thomas Potter: 157; Redshirt Freshman

Jack Smith: 174; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Bode Brown
: Sophomore
: 197

CJ Krum
: Sophomore
: 285

Owen McDaniel
: Sophomore
: 184

Austin Matheney
: Freshman
: 133

Thomas Potter
: Redshirt Freshman
: 157

Jack Smith
: Freshman
: 174