WAYNESBURG (Oct. 26) – Wednesday night the Waynesburg University wrestling team got its first action under the new coaching staff in the Orange/Black Wrestle-Offs.

Waynesburg head wrestling coach Aaron McKinney was not able to be at the event because of a personal matter, but the coaching was left in the trustworthy hands of the accomplished assistant coaches.

Recent Waynesburg Central graduate and three-time state place winner Cole Homet was on one side of the mat. Across from Homet was former Waynesburg University All-American wrestler Nick Garber.

“We’re seeing these guys are working hard,” Garber said. “They’re doing everything we’re asking them to do.”

Senior 133-pounder, Harley Constable led the night off with a dominant performance. Constable got an early takedown against freshman Daniel Collins. Once Constable was on top, he turned Collins four times earning four near-fall points each leading to a 18-0 technical fall just 2:22 into the match.

“I feel like a lot of guys try to only focus on [wrestling from] their feet,” Constable said. “They end up missing a lot of points, whether it’s top or bottom.”

Constable was back on the mat for the last match of the night against another freshman, Christian Michaels. Once again, Constable was in full control with another early finish in his 15-0 tech fall victory.

“Sports in general are such a good life metaphor,” Constable said. “It’s always good to finish really hard and keep that as a habit.”

Ryan Bachar, a 157-pound freshman, was able to pick up a couple of victories of his own. Bachar defeated junior grappler Kyle Hinerman with a 12-3 major decision. He followed that up with a hard-fought 4-3 win against fellow freshman Nick Putt. 

The two pins of the night were Michaels over Collins and Hinerman over Putt.

At the 125-pound weight class, freshman Clayton Lamb grinded out a 3-2 victory against senior Noah Grossnickle.

Senior Luke Lavanway was able to secure his spot at 197 pounds in a 4-1 win over sophomore Ayden Bishoff.

Junior Colby Morris showed that his year off the mat for military service did not hurt his wrestling prowess. Morris won his bout with a 19-3 tech fall over Bill Simpson 22 seconds into the second period.

The team will see its first real action next Saturday at the Ned McGinley Invitational at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

“I’m looking forward to having a good time with the team,” Constable said. “I love them all. Every single one of them.”