WHEATON, Ill. – The Concordia Wisconsin wrestling team dropped a hard-fought dual, 33-21, at Wheaton on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons move to 2-7 on the season in dual competition.
 
Concordia Wisconsin jumped out to an early advantage, earning wins by forfeit at 125 and 133 from freshman Elijah Torres (Chicago, Ill.) and sophomore Sam Bagler (Braidwood, Ill.) to take a 12-0 lead.
 
At 141, sophomore Anastacio Martinez (Albuquerque, N.M) continued the strong start for the Falcons, quickly taking control of his bout against Aidan Laird and securing a pin at the 1:34 mark to add six more points.
 
Freshman Ben Kaus (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) followed with a competitive match at 149 against Nicholas Bittner. Kaus gained an early edge and took over in the second period with a pair of nearfalls. Holding a 12-3 lead entering the final period, Kaus fended off a late push from Bittner to earn a 13-7 decision after being awarded the riding time point.
 
After Concordia's early momentum, Wheaton responded by winning the next six bouts. Freshmen Tyson Skubal (Menoqua, Wis.-157) and Hunter Burr (Cuday, Wis.-165) both fell by pin in their respective matches.
 
At 174, freshman Kyle Sorenson (Union Grove, Wis.) battled Sean King but came up short in a 15-2 major decision. Freshman Tylan Watts (New Orleans, La.) suffered a similar outcome at 184, falling by technical fall to Jacob Kraker late in the third period.
 
The dual concluded at 197, where senior Dawson Galvan (Chula Vista, Calif.) was pinned by Zeke Harris. Wheaton secured the final points with a forfeit at 285.
 
Concordia Wisconsin returns to the mat on Friday, Jan. 16, for its final regular-season home dual. The Falcons will host Aurora in the R. John Buuck Field House, with the event serving as both Faculty Appreciation Day and Senior Day. Action is set to begin at 7 p.m.