Match Results (.pdf)
 
WAYNESBURG, Pa. (Feb. 13) – The Waynesburg University wrestling team wrapped up its regular season schedule Wednesday night with a home match against Division II opponent West Liberty. After celebrating senior day, the Yellow Jackets stayed with the Hilltoppers for most of the evening, but a pin at 197 pounds propelled the visitors to a 22-18 victory.
 
West Liberty (6-6) took an early 3-0 lead with a decision at 125 pounds, but sophomore Josh Kuslock (Hickory, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) responded in a big way, pinning his opponent in 2:42 to give the Jackets (7-8) a 6-3 advantage. Kuslock is now 5-0 with five bonus point victories since dropping to his current weight.
 
A pair of decisions followed by a major decision at 157 put West Liberty ahead 13-6 going to 165 pounds. Junior Dan Verhovsek (Johnstown, Pa. / Richland) got Waynesburg off the slide by gritting out a 6-5 decision at 174 pounds.
 
The Hilltoppers grabbed another decision victory at 174 pounds, but redshirt sophomore Tony Welsh (Fredericktown, Pa. / Beth-Center) pulled the Jackets back into contention for a win with a hard-fought 6-5 triumph after bumping up to 184 pounds. Unfortunately, a fall at 197 sealed the match's final outcome for the visitors.
 
After being honored alongside teammates Matt Claxton (Columbia, Md. / Oakland Mills) and Nick Kusich (Avella, Pa. / Avella) prior to the start of the match, senior heavyweight Jake Evans added another pin to his storied collegiate career. He stuck his opponent in 1:53 to bring about the final score of 22-18.
 
The Jackets are off until Friday, Feb. 22, when they travel to the two-day NCAA Division III Southeast Regionals, which are being hosted by Lycoming College. It also marks the first step in Evans defending his national heavyweight title.