With 15 seconds left in his match, true freshman Tyler Hodges was tied 1-1 in his first career dual bout against his opponent at California Baptist University. Trying to avoid overtime, Hodges attempted a single-leg takedown, circling to his left and completing the takedown to finish out a 4-1 victory, flexing and letting out a scream of victory as soon as time expired.
Hodges was one of nine wrestlers to come out with a win in Cal Poly wrestling’s (6-5, 1-4 Pac-12) 32-3 victory over the Lancers (4-10, 1-6 Big 12) on Friday, Feb. 16.
There were a few starters that were replaced in this one, including No. 12 ranked 133-pounder and redshirt freshman Zeth Romney, redshirt sophomore 184-pounder Kendall La Rosa and redshirt sophomore 197-pounder Jarad Priest.
No. 31 ranked 125-pounder and redshirt freshman Dom Mendez kicked the dual off by upsetting the No. 28 ranked 125-pounder in a close 4-1 decision.
Romney’s replacement in redshirt freshman Ty Chandler just squeaked out a 6-4 decision over his opponent in the 133-pound weight class.
After redshirt sophomore Abe Hinrichsen pulled out a 4-1 victory in the first overtime period, No. 12 ranked 149-pounder and redshirt sophomore Chance Lamer shut out his opponent in a 15-0 technical fall early in the third period.
His older brother in No. 33 ranked 157-pounder and redshirt junior Legend Lamer recorded a 12-2 major decision before No. 9 ranked 174-pounder graduate Adam Kemp finished his bout with a 5-1 victory.
Redshirt junior Daniel Vizcarra filled in for La Rosa in the 184-pound weight class pulling out his first career dual victory in a 13-7 decision.
No. 23 heavyweight and redshirt sophomore Trevor Tinker put the cherry on top for Cal Poly after securing a 16-0 technical fall seconds into the third period and finishing out the 32-3 win.
As the Mustangs prepare for the Pac-12 and NCAA National Championships, it was very important that they finish the dual meet season on a high note, snapping their three dual losing streak.
The next time Cal Poly takes the mat will be in the Patriot Last Chance Open hosted by George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia on Sunday, Feb. 25.