CORBIN, KY. (November 7, 2020) - St. Thomas University (STU) Wrestling began the inaugural campaign for the program by competing in the Patriot Open, hosted by the University of the Cumberlands (KY.).

STU Wrestling had three participants in the 133-weight class competition, with Malik Cook-Bey, Osniel Carnesolta, and Nick Foster competing.  Foster earned the first win in program history, defeating Marcus Abreu from Life University (GA.), before being defeated in the third round by Elijah Griffin (Reinhardt University). Carnesolta, who was beaten, in the second round, following a first-round bye, faced Keyshaun Taylor in the consolation bracket and was eliminated. Foster redeemed Carnesolta's defeat by eliminating Taylor in the Quarterfinal of the consolation bracket. Foster's competition ended in the semi-final round of the consolation bracket. Cook-Bey was eliminated in the first round of the consolation bracket. 

Drake Campbell and Kevin Augustin represented St. Thomas in the 149 lb. bracket. Augustin advanced to the quarterfinals, earning his first STU win by defeating Brent Hudgins from Midway University. Campbell wrestled his way to the wrestle-back semi-final round, earning two wins in under one minute. 

In the 157-bracket, Kade Clute, Gannon Janssen and Daniel Garlin wrestled for the Bobcats. Clute was beaten by Ismael Cornejo from Marian University in the second round of the main bracket and first bout in the consolation bracket. Janssen advanced to the second round in the main bracket, winning with a fall in 4:20. Once in the consolation bracket, Janssen advanced to the semi-finals, winning a 9-4 decision and a fall in 6:58. Garlin was defeated in both matches. 

The 165-weight class featured Caleb Casas, who was defeated in both matches.

Cole Griffith was the lone representative 174-bracket, losing twice.

Esteban Hoyos represented the Bobcats in the 184-group, winning a consolation bout match-up with a fall in 2:06. Jonathan Evans, Jesus Perez, and David Alvarez were all representatives of the Bobcats in the 197-bracket. Evans earned a consolation win, beating Joseph Bryant from Williams Baptist in a 3:51 fall. Perez obtained his first STU win, emerging victorious via fall in 4:40. Perez was defeated in the consolation bracket, dropping consecutive matches. Alvarez won in a 3-1 decision against Kevin Ixpanel from Midway University.

Jaxxson Pardon earned his first win of the season in the consolation bracket, via fall against Jiovanni Forbes, in the 285-lb pool. Jonathan Vil won a match in the consolation bracket, with a 2:29 fall. Maximo Fernandez defeated teammate, Pardon in 1:39.

The Bobcats return to the mat on Saturday, November 14, in the Life University Open in Marietta, Ga.

-STU-