Men’s Wrestling Secures First Dual Win, Concludes CCIW Duals

Titans defeat CUW for first dual win since program’s reinstitution

1/25/2025 4:24:00 PM

KENOSHA, Wis. - For the first time since the program was reinstated prior to the 2023-24 season, the Illinois Wesleyan University men's wrestling team picked up a dual win. The Titans defeated College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin foe Concordia University Wisconsin, 43-12. The win kicked off the program's first appearance in the CCIW Duals Saturday, Jan. 25, where IWU would ultimately post a 1-2 record on the day.

Illinois Wesleyan 43, Concordia Wisconsin 12
IWU kicked off the day with a commanding win over CCIW affiliate Concordia Wisconsin, marking the first dual win since the program was reinstated prior to the 2023-24 season.

Freshman Chandler Gardner (Marengo, Ill.-Marian Central Catholic) picked up a win by forfeit at 125 pounds, while fellow freshman Jackson Castaneda (Oak Forest, Ill.-Oak Forest) earned the win via forfeit at 165 pounds.

With the match even after alternating forfeits, sophomore Austin Johnston (Normal, Ill.-Normal West) took down CUW's Anastacio Martinez. Johnston earned his 12th win of the season, taking the match by major decision, 15-3.

Freshman Ameer Alamawi (New Lenox, Ill.-Lincoln-Way Central) was the first of four pins by the Titans on the day, as he needed just 1:39 to take down Mason Markham.

After the forfeit at 165 and a 14-11 win for freshman Evan Carel (Hamilton, Ill.-Hamilton) at 157, sophomore Jeremy Olson (Tremont, Ill.-Tremont) and senior Bobby Conroy (St. Louis, Mo.-St. Louis University HS) secured back-to-back pins.

Sophomore Alexander Jackson (Harvey, Ill.-Breman) finished off the match in thrilling fashion as he picked up the first win of his career. Jackson pinned Peyton Smith (4:59) to close out the 43-12 victory.

Illinois Wesleyan 16, Elmhurst 38
Competing in its second dual of the day, the Green and White fell to EU, 38-16. IWU saw wins from Johnston, Conroy, and Jackson in the contest.

Johnston secured his second bout win of the day at 141 pounds with a pin, forcing the fall against Zach Carter at the 3:17 mark. Conroy added his second pin of the day, dropping Connor Kelly (1:36).

Jackson also secured his second win of the day and his career, this time coming in a major decision, as he defeated David Ortiz, 15-6, to snag four points for the Titans.

Illinois Wesleyan 12, Wheaton 40
Continuing his unbeaten day, Johnston won by forfeit to collect his third win of the day, giving the Green and White six points, giving IWU its first points in the battle, as the Titans trailed 12-6 after three weight classes.

IWU's other win in the dual came at 174 pounds. Olson logged his second win of the day, as he pinned Jack Barron at the 7:56 mark, cutting the deficit to 24-12, but the Titans could get any closer, ultimately falling, 40-12.

Illinois Wesleyan turns its attention to the Dubuque Invite, hosted by the University of Dubuque, Saturday, Feb. 8. Action is set to begin at 10 a.m. in Dubuque, Iowa, at Stoltz Sports Center.

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