RESULTS

ROANOKE, Va. – It was a challenging opening Friday at the NCAA Division III Championships for Ryan Whitten (157) and Jarrod Setliff (197), as two of the best student-athletes in program history ended their careers in the double-elimination event.

The accomplished duo, both recently qualifying for nationals a second time, end their time in an Otterbein singlet with a combined record of 179-63. Whitten delivered a 91-24 mark since arrival while Setliff rests with an 88-39 tally.

Setliff got his day off on a high note, avenging last year's NCAA loss to Alvernia'a Mauro Pellot-Vazquez in a "wrestle-in" contest. Setliff turned the tables this time around for a 9-2 decision after at least one takedown in all three period.

Whitten unfortunately suffered a pair of losses, first coming to Jason Rezac (Alvernia) by an 8-2 margin. Whitten actually led the bout 2-1 early in the third period, but a reversal and late near fall in the closing seconds allowed Rezac to prevail.

Setliff dropped his second bout against UW-Osh Kosh standout Beau Yineman, another opponent from nationals last year. Yineman found the upper hand once again with a fall late in the first period.

Both seniors then had some time to regroup in the middle of the day before retaking the mat for eliminations bouts. Whitten dropped a tough 10-0 major decision to Aiden Brosinki of UW-Platteville.

Setliff went toe-to-toe with James Cruz of U.S. Merchant Marine. He found himself behind 6-0 after a near fall in the opening period, but tried roaring back with three takedowns over the next two frames. Setliff also ended up with a point of riding time, but it unfortunately wouldn't quite be enough as Cruz held on for an 11-7 triumph.

Both upperclassmen, NWCA All-American Scholars for their efforts in the classroom, will now focus on graduation and soon representing the program as decorated alums.