(CLEVELAND) – The Truett McConnell University wrestling team is set to begin their 2022-23 season at Thomas More University on Friday, November 4, with match time set for 7:00 p.m.
The Bears started their 2021-22 season with three ranked wrestlers: No. 16 Geowel Silvestre, No. 19 Ian James, and No. 16 Ethan Powell. At the AAC Tournament, TMU secured third place, which featured two Bears earning their ticket to the NAIA National Championships: Powell (285) and Leonel Silvestre (149). At nationals, Powell finished going 2-2, while Silvestre went 0-2. TMU concluded their 2021-22 season with a program record of 6-14, 4-6 AAC.
“The goal for this season is the same for our guys as it has been,” said Head Coach Patrick James. “We want to strive for excellence in all things for the purpose of glorifying God by growing closer to Him as a team, striving to be the best in the classroom, and training for national titles on the mat. We are proud of the fact that we have the largest senior class in the history of the program this season, and hope these guys take every opportunity to wrestle with a heart of gratitude. Go Bears!”
According to the NAIA Top 20 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the Bears were featured receiving votes (19), along with four individual rankings: No. 16 Ian James (174), No. 24 Evatt Hans (184), No. 22 Nolan Cook (197) and No. 23 Ethan Powell (285).
“We are proud of the fact that we have the largest senior class in the history of the program this season, and hope these guys take every opportunity to wrestle with a heart of gratitude. Go Bears!”
TMU will host their home opener Wednesday, November 9, where they will face Life University at 7:00 p.m., inside the TMU Volleyball/Wrestling Arena.
