INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The University of Mount Olive men's wrestling team competed against a deep national field at the 46th Annual Midwest Classic, hosted by the University of Indianapolis on Dec. 13–14, finishing 35th out of 46 teams at one of Division II's premier regular-season tournaments.

UW–Parkside captured the team title with 150 points, followed by Pitt–Johnstown (132) and Central Oklahoma (113). Gannon and Tiffin tied for fourth at 109.5 points to round out the top five. 

Among the field were several teams ranked in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Men's Coaches Team Rankings. Teams ranked top ten nationally in attendance included: Lander (2nd), Tiffin (3rd), Tiffin (3rd), UW–Parkside (4th), Gannon (5th), Central Oklahoma (7th), Pitt–Johnstown (8th), and Glenville State (10th), underscoring the depth and national caliber of competition at the Midwest Classic.

Mount Olive saw multiple wrestlers earn wins across the two-day event, including bonus-point victories against quality competition.

At 133 pounds, Brock Christian led the Trojans with two wins, opening with a 10–7 decision over Dylan Roth (Drury) and adding a commanding 15–2 major decision against Samuel Hutchinson (UNC Pembroke). Christian narrowly dropped an 8–7 decision in his final bout to Aiden Sprague of host Indianapolis.

Benjamin Hernandez put together a strong run at 141 pounds, advancing past a bye before recording a fall over Bronson Richins (Southwest Minnesota State) and a 5–1 decision against Khyvon Grace (West Liberty). Hernandez battled through two tight decision losses to close his tournament run.

At 174 pounds, Cole Hivnor rebounded from an early setback with an emphatic 2:23 fall over Erik Anderson (Western Colorado), showcasing Mount Olive's ability to score bonus points against a loaded field.

Jack MacKiernan competed well at 184 pounds, earning a 6–3 decision over Kyle Snider (Wheeling) after a first-round bye before facing nationally tested opponents later in the bracket.

In the heavyweight division, John Domencic picked up a first-period fall over Andrew Dupree (Davenport) at the 2:02 mark and pushed several matches to one-score decisions against ranked competition.

Other Trojan competitors included Christian Decatur (125) and Hunter Newell (157), each gaining valuable experience against some of the top programs in Division II wrestling.

Mount Olive will look to build on the Midwest Classic experience as the Trojans continue their season against Conference Carolinas and regional opponents.

125 - Christian Decatur

• W, Bye
• L, Fall 2:21 vs Cole Hunt (Montevallo)
• L, Med. For. vs Jordan Williams (Fairmont State)

133 - Brock Christian

• W, Dec. 10-7 vs Dylan Roth (Drury)
• L, Dec. 5-1 vs Nicholas Cottone (Millersville)
• W, Maj. Dec. 15-2 vs Samuel Hutchinson (UNC Pembroke)
• L, Dec. 8-7 vs AIden Sprague (Univ. of Indy)

141 - Benjamin Hernandez

• W, Bye
• W, Fall 6:12 vs Bronson Richins (Southwest Minnesota State)
• W, Dec. 5-1 vs Khyvon Grace (West Liberty)
• L, Dec. 6-0 vs Ethan Hardy (Glenville State)
• L, Dec. 7-3 vs Krayle Stromer (Northern State)

157 - Hunter Newell

• W, Bye
• L, Tech. Fall 15-0 vs Casey Barnett (Tiffin)
• L, Fall 2:47 vs Kevin Boston (CSU-Pueblo)

174 - Cole Hivnor

• W, Bye
• L, Maj. Dec. 11-0 vs Kane Kettering (Seton Hill)
• W, Fall 2:23 vs Erik Anderson (Western Colorado)
• L, Med. For. vs Max Wiezorek (Southwest Minnesota State)

184 - Jack MacKiernan

• W, Bye
• W, Dec. 6-3 vs Kyle Snider (Wheeling)
• L, Dec. 8-4 vs Luke Ciampa (East Stroudsburg)
• L, Dec. 5-2 vs Braxton Westendorf (Upper Iowa)

285 - John Domencic

• W, Bye
• L, Dec. 8-3 vs Judson Rowland (Central Oklahoma)
• W, Fall 2:02 vs Andrew Dupree (Davenport)
• L, Dec. 5-4 vs Evan Thompson (Southwest Minnesota State)