Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked No. 12 nationally, opened its season with a 24-12 victory over Rider University at the UI Armory on Saturday night. The dual meet took place during Military Appreciation Night and drew an attendance of 411.

The competition began in the heavyweight division, where Illinois' No. 8 Luke Luffman secured a 4-0 decision over Steyn De Lange, giving the Illini an early lead. Rider responded at 125 pounds as No. 24 Tyler Klinsky defeated Illinois' No. 15 Spencer Moore by a score of 6-3, evening the match.

Illinois regained momentum at 133 pounds when reigning NCAA and Big Ten Champion Lucas Byrd, ranked No. 1, shut out Will Betancourt with a 3-0 win. This marked Byrd's 97th career victory as he approaches the milestone of 100 wins.

At 141 pounds, NCAA qualifier Danny Pucino extended Illinois’ advantage with a 5-1 decision over Eli Griffin. Rider's Dylan Layton pinned Will Baysingar at 149 pounds; however, due to a penalty assessed against Rider’s coaching staff for mat control infringement, only five points were awarded instead of tying the score.

Illinois then pulled ahead decisively with strong performances from redshirt sophomores Kannon Webster (157 pounds) and Braeden Scoles (165 pounds). Webster earned a major decision over Liam Scrivanich (9-1), while Scoles achieved a technical fall against Brendon Abdon (23-8), pushing Illinois to an 18-8 lead.

Redshirt freshman Colin Kelly made his debut for Illinois at 174 pounds and won his match against Enrique Munguia by a score of 4-2. Chris Moore returned to action for Illinois after redshirting last season and moved up to compete at 184 pounds, defeating JP Hangey with a score of 10-7.

Rider closed out the meet with Brock Zurawski winning by major decision over Dylan Connell at 197 pounds (13-5), setting the final tally at 24-12 in favor of Illinois.

Illinois will next compete in the National Duals Invitational sponsored by Paycom in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 15–16.