OKLAHOMA CITY - Texas Wesleyan University's wrestling team delivered a strong performance at the AMC/SAC Conference Championship, securing fourth place overall with 131 points.
The Rams showcased their talent with multiple podium finishes, highlighted by Dominic Chavez's dominant championship win and subsequent recognition as both Wrestler of the Year and Outstanding Wrestler of the Meet.
Ventura Takes Runner-Up Spot at 125 lbs.
Nehemiah Ventura represented Texas Wesleyan in the 125-pound division and reached the championship bout after an impressive run through the bracket. However, he fell short in the final, losing by technical fall (18-3) to Oklahoma City University's Garrett Johnson. Ventura's efforts secured a second-place finish, providing a strong start for the Rams in the tournament.
Chavez Claims 133-Pound Title in Commanding Fashion
Dominic Chavez was the standout performer for Texas Wesleyan, continuing his dominance in the 133-pound weight class. Chavez controlled his championship match against Missouri Baptist's Daryl Mills, winning by technical fall (20-3) in 6:23. His stellar performance throughout the tournament earned him both Wrestler of the Year and Outstanding Wrestler of the Meet honors, solidifying his place among the best in the NAIA ranks.
Whitehead Secures Fifth Place at 141 lbs.
At 141 pounds, Camden Whitehead delivered a strong performance, ultimately finishing in fifth place. He clinched his podium spot with a quick fall in just 1:03 over Coby Vollmer of Central Christian College.
Murabito and Lopez Earn Podium Spots at 149 lbs.
Texas Wesleyan had two place winners in the 149-pound bracket. Freshman Timmy Murabito advanced to the third-place match but was defeated by Oklahoma City's Jake Moon in a 10-3 decision, landing in fourth place. Meanwhile, Wilfredo Lopez fought his way to a sixth-place finish after a hard-fought tournament run, dropping his final match by fall to Missouri Baptist's Brandon Bollinger in 2:07.
Milster Claims Fifth at 157 lbs.
Dylan Milster delivered a solid showing in the 157-pound division, capping off his tournament with a 6-3 decision win over William Woods' Whit Nichols to secure fifth place.
Baller Wins 165-Pound Championship in Dominant Fashion
Senior Braeden Baller gave the Rams their second individual champion, overpowering William Woods' Alexander Sederburg in the finals with an 11-3 major decision. Baller's undefeated run in the tournament cemented his status as one of Texas Wesleyan's top wrestlers this season.
Ward Battles to First Place at 174 lbs.
In another gold-medal effort, Johnathan Ward emerged victorious in the 174-pound division, earning a hard-fought sudden victory (8-5) over William Woods' Elijah Brocksmith in the championship bout. Ward's perseverance and grit helped secure a crucial win for the Rams.
Martin Finishes as Runner-Up at 285 lbs.
Heavyweight Wilbert Martin also made a deep run for Texas Wesleyan, reaching the finals in the 285-pound class. He faced Wayland Baptist's Emmett Bivens in the championship match but was pinned at the 4:59 mark, earning a second-place finish.
Team Results and Final Standings
1 Wayland Baptist University 180.0
2 Oklahoma City University 153.0
3 Missouri Baptist University 151.5
4 Texas Wesleyan University 131.0
5 William Woods University 87.5
6 Central Baptist College 34.0
7 Williams Baptist 19.0
8 Jarvis Christian University 14.5
9 Central Christian College 8.0
Complete list of award winners:
Wrestler of the Year - Dominic Chavez, Tex Wes
Outstanding Wrestler of the Meet - Dominic Chavez, Tex Wes
Newcomer of the Year - Emmitt Biven, WBU
Most Falls - Emmitt Biven, WBU
Freshman of the Year - Jake Moon, OCU
Coach of the Year - Stryder Davis, WBU
