The Wabash wrestling team opened its 2006-07 dual meet season Wednesday night at Chadwick Court with a 25-16 victory over the University of Chicago.
The Little Giants trailed 7-0 after dropping decisions in the first two bouts of the match. Will Clarke began the comeback effort with a 12-5 victory at 184 pounds over Justin Lucas.
Keith Garrard took over at 197 pounds, spinning Chicago's Drew Marriott onto his back to record the only pin of the match by either team at the 2:14 mark. Chicago retook the lead with a 10-9 victory at heavyweight, taking the same 10-9 edge in the team scoring. (View Garrard's pin and other pictures from the Little Giants' victory in this photo album.)
After trading to forfeits in favor of Wabash at 125 and 141 pounds with a 7-1 win by Chicago at 133 pounds, the Little Giants rallied once again. Sophomore Jared Tribbett dominated his 149-pound match against Jack Toussaint from the outset, cruising to an 11-2 major decision. The Maroons took the final win at 157 pounds to finish the evening.
Garrard's pin moved him to 5-1 for the season after picking up four victories last weekend at the Concordia Open. Clarke improved to 4-1 on the season with his victory.
The Little Giants will participate in the Indiana Little State Tournament this weekend at Manchester College. The two-day event begins Friday afternoon.