Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team, ranked 13th nationally, opened their season with a commanding victory over SIU-Edwardsville, winning 41-3. This match took place on Saturday in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Illini last scored over 40 points in a dual against the same opponent on November 15, 2015.

Lucas Byrd, ranked third at 133 pounds, secured the first win for Illinois with a major decision of 12-3 against Marcel Lopez from SIUE. This victory gave Illinois an early lead of 4-3 and set off a series of wins for the team.

Danny Pucino, ranked 19th at 141 pounds, followed with another major decision by defeating Danny Martinez of SIUE with a score of 14-2. Kannon Webster, ranked tenth at 149 pounds, achieved the first technical fall of the season for Illinois by defeating Hayden Whidden from SIUE with an 18-3 score.

Jason Kraisser overcame an early deficit to pin Brock Woodcock at the 2:18 mark in their match at 157 pounds. Braeden Scoles continued the team's success with a technical fall over Bradley Gillum at 165 pounds.

At 174 pounds, Danny Braunagel secured another technical fall against Griffin Ray. Edmond Ruth faced challenges during his match but ultimately won in sudden victory against Deron Pulliam at 184 pounds.

Zac Braunagel recorded a technical fall over Nick Nosler at 197 pounds. Luke Luffman closed out the night with a major decision win over Bryson Buhk in the heavyweight category.

Illinois will next compete in WrangleMania in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on November 9-10. They are scheduled to face Arizona State and Binghamton before participating in the Journeymen Collegiate Classic tournament.