Arkansas Wrestle (All images via lrtrojans.com)
TULSA, Okla. — Little Rock Wrestling may not have gotten the results it hoped for Saturday at the National Duals Invitational, sponsored by Paycom, but the Trojans still saw strong efforts from returning veterans and gained valuable experience for younger wrestlers on one of the biggest stages of the early season.
No. 15 Little Rock dropped its opening dual to No. 11 Illinois, 22-13, then suffered an uncharacteristic 34-6 loss to Missouri in the first consolation round, ending the Trojans’ run on the opening day at Tulsa’s Bok Arena.
“It was a tough weekend for us. This was a great event—it felt like a national tournament—and we were honored to be here. We just have some growing up to do,” head coach Neil Erisman said. “I’m not worried or concerned; it just feels like we have two different teams at this point. We have old veterans who know what it takes, and then the young guys who are still trying to find their way. But I believe in these guys, and we’ve got a long way to go. We’ll find a way, it’s what we do.”
Little Rock won four of 10 matches against Illinois but managed just two wins against Missouri while suffering eight defeats, including three by fall. Returning All-Americans Matty Bianchi and Stephen Little each went 2-0 on the day. Little recorded a major decision and a decision, outscoring his opponents 16-4. Bianchi posted two decision victories while surrendering only one point across both matches.
“I’m super pumped and blessed to be at such a competitive dual tournament,” Bianchi said. “I was hyped to face some high-level guys early in the year to test myself and our team. Hopefully we can take the positives, expand on them, and eliminate those mistakes and negatives. I’m super excited to get back to work and keep improving as a team and individually.”
Brennan Van Hoecke and Brock Herman supplied Little Rock’s other wins against Illinois, each notching a decision.
The Trojans now have two weeks to prepare for their next competition on Dec. 4, when they travel to Mequon, Wisconsin, to face No. 9 Minnesota.
Illinois 22, Little Rock 13
125: Tucker Harper — lost by major decision, 15-1
135: Dylan Cooper — lost by technical fall, 20-3 (4:35)
141: Brennan Van Hoecke — won by decision, 8-4
149: Brock Herman — won by decision, 13-6
157: Jaivon Jones — lost by decision, 7-3
165: Matty Bianchi — won by decision, 4-1
174: Gunner Holland — lost by major decision, 14-2
184: Brock DelSignore — lost by decision, 9-4
197: Stephen Little — won by major decision, 13-4
285: Michael Gasper — lost by decision, 5-1
Missouri 34, Little Rock 6
125: Tyson Roach — lost by fall (2:46)
133: Jackson Tucker — lost by technical fall, 18-1 (2:54)
141: Brennan Van Hoecke — lost by decision, 4-1 (SV)
149: Brock Herman — lost by decision, 6-2
157: Jaivon Jones — lost by decision, 4-0
165: Matty Bianchi — won by decision, 5-0
174: Gunner Holland — lost by fall (0:16)
184: Brock DelSignore — lost by major decision, 15-6
197: Stephen Little — won by decision, 3-0
285: Kaden Darwin — lost by decision, 2-0
