After a successful beginning to the season last weekend, Indiana Wrestling sent a group of nine wrestlers to compete at the Michigan State Open on Nov. 9. Head coach Angel Escobedo elected to bench the starting lineup and sent a group of backups to compete. Despite the loss in firepower, the Hoosiers continued to impress by putting seven wrestlers on the podium.
Seven wrestlers climbed on the podium after a long day of wrestling, including two wrestlers who reached the finals match. In the freshman/sophomore division Chris Crawford won the 165 lbs. bracket delivering a 6-4 decision to win the title.
“I just kept my cool and just had to get the job done basically,” Crawford said. "I was really glad that it all came together, and I am excited to get more wins”.
Graduate student Derek Gilcher’s return to the mat was also notable for Indiana. Gilcher, a former national qualifier, has spent time in the national rankings in past years. He won four straight matches, reaching the finals of the open division at 165 lbs., before medically forfeiting in the finals match. He also spent the majority of last season in medical redshirt after sustaining a season ending injury.
Redshirt freshman Joey Buttler, freshman Ryan Garvick, redshirt freshman Aidan Torres, freshman Nick Pavlechko and redshirt sophomore Cole Rhemrev all joined Crawford and Gilcher on the podium, placing third, third, fourth, fourth and fifth, respectively. Their performances against opponents from Big Ten rivals Purdue, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State and other top programs underline the depth and potential in Indiana’s ranks.
“It shows that the team is coming up and everyone is here to get better and wants to win,” Crawford said. “It’s only going to get better from here.”
Indiana wrestling will go to Michigan again to compete in a dual meet against Central Michigan University on Nov. 15 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
