(All images via lrtrojans.com)
Little Rock Wrestling gears up for a packed weekend featuring an appearance at Cougar Clash at SIUE Saturday and a home dual against Central Michigan Sunday.
Cougar Clash
Little Rock heads to Edwardsville, Illinois, for the 2024 Cougar Clash tournament. The Trojans will be joined by Bellarmine, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Northern Colorado, Northern Illinois, and the host team SIUE. Fifteen Trojans will hit the mat Saturday looking for a great showing.
The Cougar Clash is set to begin at 10 a.m. with matches continuing all day. Follow along throughout the tournament here.
Little Rock vs. Central Michigan
The Trojans return to the Jack Stephens Center this Sunday, December 8, as the Chippewas of Central Michigan visit the Capital City. This marks the first meeting between these two programs.
Scouting the Chippewas
Central Michigan was the preseason favorite to win the MAC, totaling 106 points. The MAC favorites are poised for a big weekend as Oklahoma will welcome them prior to their visit to the Capital City. This season, the Chippewas took a tough loss against Indiana in their lone dual, by a score of 17-16, followed by a strong outing at the Keystone Classic, earning third place. The Chippewas’ probables are as follows:
125: Kaden Chinavere (4-5) or Grant Stahl (2-5)
133: Sean Spidle (3-4)
141: Kellan Aure (5-5) or Colin Kacena (4-2)
149: Mason Shrader (7-2)
157: #14 Johnny Lovett (7-2)
165: Chandler Amaker (7-3)
174: #15 Alex Cramer (5-0) or Mason Alessio (7-4)
184: #32 Adrien Cramer (5-3)
197: Luke Cochran (6-3) or Cameron Wood (5-4)
285: #25 Bryan Caves (6-3)
A Look at Little Rock
The National Wrestling Coaches Association has ranked Little Rock as the 20th-best team in the nation. However, if you ask anyone in the program, that number should be much higher. With confidence at an all-time high and a lot to prove, the Trojans will look to make a statement at home. Little Rock is fresh off a resounding victory over Northwestern, by a score of 29-10, to remain undefeated in dual action. Coach Neil Erisman will slate seven ranked wrestlers in this weekend’s probable lineup. The probables are as follows:
125: #32 Reid Nelson (4-4) or Tyson Roach (1-2)
133: #3 Nasir Bailey (3-1)
141: Jayden Gomez (4-2) or Cole Minnick (0-1)
149: Brennan Van Hoecke (4-2)
157: #22 Matty Bianchi (6-2)
165: #21 Brendon Abdon (5-2)
174: #29 Tyler Brennan (6-1)
184: #10 Brock DelSignore (4-1)
197: #5 Stephen Little (5-0)
285: Apollo Gothard (1-1)
The dual is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will be streamed on the Little Rock Sports Network. Follow along on social media for live updates.
For the latest information on Little Rock Wrestling, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockWRES on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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