FULTON, Mo. - Westminster wrestling earned a 48-6 win over MacMurray in the team's home debut in the Historic Gym.
"This was truly a historic event in the Historic Gymnasium," said Westminster Athletics Director Matt Mitchell. "Our boys dominated and we saw a great student and community turnout."
"Tonight was better than I expected," said Westminster Head Coach Tony Eierman. "The team really showed up with a determination. This team is a family and they were there for each other tonight, and the great crowd provided a huge advantage to pump the team up."
Despite opening with a forfeit, Westminster then added three pins in the first period from Dalton Landreth, Drake Winder, and Sean T Sax. Sax, nationally ranked in the 149 weight class, pinned his opponent in 16 seconds.
"I've been wrestling for Tony and Mike (Eierman) for years," said Sax. "Wherever they are feels like home to me. We had a great crowd and it feels good to be supported by the College."
"When you walk out on the mat, you have to walk out like you own it," added Sax on his 16-second pin. "You have to go out there and fight for your team and what you believe in, and that's what Tony and Mike teach us."
Jacob Warren then earned a tech fall in the 157 weight class to take the 23-6 lead halfway through the match. Payton Price followed that up with yet another pin for the Blue Jays, the fourth of the day. After Hunter Tessman added three more points with an 8-2 decision, Zachary Hazen and Kodie Bellury scored 12 more points with the fifth and sixth pins of the match.
Deryl VanNostrand ended the night at heavyweight, recording a 12-4 major decision to make the final score 48-6 in favor of Westminster.
"This match shows them what they are capable of," said Eierman. " For some of them, it was an eye-opener and boosted their confidence level. Mike and I are so proud of them, this is their team and watching them come together as a family is what we as coaches are searching for. This was a special night and they felt it. The whole community was part of this win tonight."
Westminster wrestling continues Sunday at the Roger Danker Open in Warrensburg, Mo.
