SANDUSKY, Ohio – The Otterbein wrestling team wrapped up its final date of competition on Saturday heading into the turn of semesters, taking part in the annual Kalahari Duals hosted by Heidelberg.

The Cardinals finished an even 2-2 on the day in team competition, besting Defiance and Trine while dropping showdowns with Adrian and Mount St. Joseph.

ADRIAN RECAP (L 32-11):
The Bulldogs built a 20-0 lead before Otterbein got onto the scoreboard. Ryan Whitten won by tech fall and Cale Callahan followed with a 9-4 decision, bringing the Cards within 20-8. Unfortunately, Adrian won three of the remaining four matches to pull away. Otterbein's victory down the stretch was courtesy of Joey Bradberry's narrow 4-3 decision over Michael Jacobs at 184 lbs.

DEFIANCE RECAP (W 30-21):
Otterbein fell behind again, this time trailing 17-6 before kicking into gear and claiming six of the final seven bouts. Whitten had a decision and Callahan delivered a tech fall, but the Jackets won at 174 to remain ahead… 21-14.

However, the Cardinals soared back in the heavier classes. Braderry pinned his opponent within 90 seconds, Jojo Simcoe had a nice major decision at 197 for the go-ahead points, and Billy Reed-Bodey preserved the team win on a huge pin after seven full minutes of action.

MOUNT ST. JOSEPH RECAP (L 29-24):
This match remained interesting throughout, on the team scoreboard, from multiple angles. Otterbein trailed 13-0 after forfeiting 141, but the Lions forfeited themselves at the next three weights as the Cards flew ahead 18-13…

MSJ's national standout Cornell Beachem got his team back in front with a pin at 174, but Bradberry returned the favor with a fall of his own shortly thereafter. After a major decision for Mount St. Joseph at 197, the dual went to the heavyweight showdown with Otterbein ahead 24-23.

Unfortunately, Bradley Smith (MSJ) caught Abel Garantche (OTT) for a pin midway through the second period to help his team escape victorious.

TRINE RECAP (W 32-17):
The dual was locked at 12-12 approaching the midway point, before Otterbein found some momentum. Callahan had a major decision, but the Thunder had a tech fall in the next bout to jump back ahead at 17-16.

Nevertheless, the Cardinals finished strong by winning the last three matches. Bradberry and Simcoe each on by tech fall before Garantche wrapped up the afternoon with a 47-second pin.

LOOKING AHEAD:
Otterbein will now have a full month off before getting back to varsity action in mid-January, beginning the 2022 portion of its schedule at the Case Western Reserve Duals.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!