Wildcats host first Jimmy May-hem Open

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Story by Lauren Bechard

The No. 19 Baker University wrestling team was able to pay tribute to former head coach Jimmy May during the first annual Jimmy May-hem Open on Saturday in Collins Center.

The ‘Cats ended the day with two first-place finishes from freshman Bryce Shoemaker in the 133-pound weight class and sophomore Trevor Sutton in the 165-pound bracket.

Shoemaker took care of business by pinning each of his opponents, one of whom was teammate junior AJ Gassman in the championship bout. However, Shoemaker’s most impressive bout was his first of the day, when he pinned his opponent in just 34 seconds.

In the 141-pound weight class, sophomore Nathan Garcia fell in the finals to take second place, while teammate senior Josh Wolfe won the third-place match.

Junior Nick Haugen pinned his first opponent of the open, but lost by major decision, 9-1, to finish in second place in the 149-pound bracket.

A third place finish from senior Alek Bowles followed up Sutton’s first place finish in the 165-pound class.

Senior John Hambleton had one pin on the day and took second in the 184-pound bracket, while senior Michael Faison and junior Beau Bennett each took third place in the 197-pound weight class and heavyweight match, respectively.

The ‘Cats will compete in the NAIA Central Regionals at 9 a.m. on Feb. 22 in Marshall, Mo.