The Chattanooga wrestling team split a pair of non-conference matches in Columbia, Mo., today. The Mocs downed Missouri Valley College (28-21) before falling to No. 12 Missouri (32-7). UTC was led by freshman Demetrius Johnson and junior Cody Cleveland who both posted two wins on the day. Chattanooga moves to 7-7 on the season, but is still 1-0 in Southern Conference action.
The Mocs took on MVC in the first dual match of the afternoon, coming away with six individual wins. Johnson started the day at 125 with a strong 10-8 decision over senior NAIA All-American and second-ranked Billy Exline.
Sophomore Josh Statum kept the momentum going with a 9-0 major decision over Jesse Knott. Junior Cody Cleveland pinned his opponent, Eric Graham (6:51) for his fourth fall of the season.
Freshman Brandon Wright (157) and senior Seth Garvin (165) both won their individual matches against Missouri Valley. Chattanooga was forced to forfeit both the 184 and 197-pound classes against the Vikings, but still managed the 28-21 win.
UTC was scheduled to wrestle Big East power West Virginia. However, the Mountaineers were forced to pull out of the duals at the last minute.
Johnson continued his strong day with 12-7 decision over Missouri's Troy Dolan. He evens his season record at 3-3 with two wins on Sunday.
Cleveland, ranked eighth in this week's Intermat rankings at 141, posted a solid result over No. 12 Marcus Hoehn. He scored four points with a 14-5 decision, giving UTC a 7-3 lead after three matches. Cleveland is now 14-4 on the year.
Unfortunately for the Mocs, it was the last win of the duals. Forfeits at 174 and 197 kept UTC from having any chance at holding on to the lead. The Tigers eventually wrapped up a 32-7 win.
The SoCon season gets back in action next weekend when Chattanooga travels to Appalachian State and UNC-Greensboro. The Mocs take on the Mountaineers in Boone, N.C., on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 6:00 p.m. (E.S.T.). UTC then heads to UNCG for a 1:00 p.m. match on Sunday, Jan. 25, in Greensboro, N.C.
The Mocs' next home match is Friday, Jan. 30, against The Citadel and Campbellsville. Action begins at 6:00 p.m. in McKenzie Arena.
