KENOSHA, Wis. - The Elmhurst University men's wrestlng team took home two victories from the 2025 CCIW Duals, hosted by Carthage College, on Saturday (Jan. 25).

EU improved to 5-4 in CCIW and overall dual action in the 2024-25 season. The Jays took down Illinois Wesleyan, 38-16, and Milwaukee School of Engineering, 26-25, after falling to Aurora, 34-14, in the opening match to go 2-1 on the day.

MATCH 1 | AURORA 34, ELMHURST 14

Aurora University secured a 34-14 victory over Elmhurst in the opening dual of the meet. Despite several setbacks, Elmhurst notched three impressive wins to highlight their resilience.

At 157 pounds, #15 Rhenzo Augusto delivered a dominant performance for Elmhurst, securing a technical fall over Aurora's Austin Abitua with a commanding 18-1 victory. Mataeo Blessing followed suit at 165 pounds, earning a hard-fought 3-1 decision over Austin Martin, and at 197 pounds, Eugene Lee added another win for the Bluejays via forfeit.

While Aurora controlled the majority of the matchups, including several pins and technical falls, Elmhurst wrestlers showed tenacity, particularly in narrow losses like Diego Garcia's 5-4 decision at 149 pounds and Caleb Smith's 4-1 sudden victory loss at 174 pounds.

MATCH 2 | ELMHURST 38, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 16

Elmhurst delivered a commanding performance against Illinois Wesleyan, earning a 38-16 victory in their first dual matchup since the Titans revived their program a few years back.

Donovin Fields set the tone for Elmhurst at 125 pounds, securing a fall over Chandler Gardner in 4:03. Joe Fornaro followed with a win by forfeit at 133 pounds, adding to Elmhurst's early momentum. Diego Garcia continued the surge at 149 pounds, earning a victory by injury default over Ameer Alamawi just 2:48 into the match. At 157 pounds, Augusto delivered an explosive performance, pinning Omar AlQammaz in just 2:50. Blessing battled hard at 165 pounds, edging out a 10-8 decision over Lucas Blanton in a thrilling contest. Caleb Smith capped off Elmhurst's dominant run with a technical fall at 174 pounds, shutting out Jeremy Olson 15-0.

While Illinois Wesleyan picked up wins at 141, 184, and 285 pounds—including a pin by Bobby Conroy and a major decision from Alex Jackson—Elmhurst's depth and ability to capitalize in critical moments proved too much, with the Bluejays taking the dual.

MATCH 3 | ELMHURST 26, MSOE 25

In the final dual for the Jays on the day, Elmhurst and MSOE traded victories across weight classes, with both teams showcasing standout performances. Elmhurst leveraged several key wins, but MSOE's dominance in certain matchups made for a tightly contested event.

At 125 pounds, Fields delivered a strong start for Elmhurst, securing a major decision with a 16-4 win over Jesse Johnson. Garcia (149 pounds), Augusto (157 pounds), and David Ortiz (285 pounds) all added wins via forfeits, boosting Elmhurst's score. Corey Bradley provided another highlight for the Bluejays at 174 pounds, overwhelming Diego Snell-Martinez with a commanding 19-9 major decision.

MSOE responded with a series of impressive victories. Liam Anderson earned a technical fall over Joe Fornaro at 133 pounds (17-2), while Max Sanderfoot pinned Zach Carter in just 2:56 at 141 pounds. Toren Vandenbush dominated at 165 pounds, securing a 15-0 technical fall over Mataeo Blessing, and Gavin Graham pinned Connor Kelly in 4:05 at 184 pounds. The most dramatic bout came at 197 pounds, where Jake Schmitt edged out Lee in sudden victory, 4-1. Despite the run from the Raiders, Elmhurst held on for a narrow 26-25 victory to wrap up the day.

UP NEXT 

Elmhurst will compete in the annual Pete Willson Invitational next Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb 1, in Wheaton.

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