CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - SIUE wrestling opened the 2023-24 season the State Farm Center, dropping a 28-7 decision to Illinois.

"We wrestled pretty well in most of the weight classes," said SIUE Head Coach Jeremy Spates.

Marcel Lopez, at 133 pounds, and Caleb Tyus at 149 pounds, were victorious in their season debuts. Lopez bested Kole Brewer 5-3. Tyus earned a major decision, 9-1, over Jake Harrier.

The match was on a lifted stage and came with a large crowd at the State Farm Center.

"As a pressure situation, our guys did a good job of stepping up," said Spates.

Next up for the SIUE wrestling team is the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open Saturday.

"It was a good early season event for our young guys," said Spates. "It was a good test to see where we are at as a team."


Illinois 28 SIUE 7
125 - Justin Cardani (I) def. Davian Guanajuato (SIUE), 4-1
133 - Marcel Lopez (SIUE) def. Kole Brewer (I), 5-3
141 - Danny Pucino (I) def. Danny Martinez (SIUE), 19-4
149 - Caleb Tyus (SIUE) def. Jake Harrier (I), 9-1
157 - Joe Roberts (I) def. Brock Woodcock (SIUE), 4-0
165 - Luke Odom (I) def. Bradley Gillum (SIUE), 8-6
174 - Edmond Ruth (I) def. Dominic Lopez (SIUE), 20-6
184 - Dylan Connell (I) def. Deron Pulliam (SIUE), 5-4
197 - Isiah Pettigrew (I) def. Ryan Yarnell (SIUE), 10-6
285 - Luke Luffman (I) def. Bryson Buhk (SIUE), 15-4