WILKES BARRE, Pa. (Nov. 4) – The Waynesburg University wrestling team opened the 2023-24 season at Saturday's Ned McGinley Invitational, which was hosted by King's College. Senior Colby Morris (Waynesburg, Pa. / Waynesburg Central) validated his status as the top seed at 174 pounds by going 5-0 and winning the weight class.
 
Morris started his run with a pin in 1:32 and followed that with a 17-1 technical fall in 5:38. In the quarterfinals, the returning national qualifier had no problem with eighth-seeded Justice Hockenberry of York. Morris pinned Hockenberry to advance to the semifinals, where he squared off with fifth-seeded Frankie Theroux of Kings. For the first time this season, Morris had to wrestle all seven minutes of a match, but by the time the final whistle blew, he had doubled up Theroux 10-5 to reach the finals.
 
In the title tilt, Morris squared off with third-seeded Jared Townsend of York. After a scoreless first period, the Waynesburg native showed off his talents from the top position by riding his opponent for the entirety of the second period. Morris escaped to start the third, added the bout's only takedown before giving up an escape and locked in his riding point for a workman-like 5-1 victory to take the crown.
 
Four other Yellow Jackets earned wins on the day, two of which logged their first-ever collegiate victories. After missing all of last year with an injury, sophomore JT Hollyfield (Oakdale, Pa. / West Allegheny) went 1-2 on the day with a pin. Freshman Brayden Barbao (Donora, Pa. / Ringgold) also had his hand raised after sticking his opponent.
 
Juniors Seth Evans (Sharon, Pa. / Sharon) and Ayden Bishoff (Kingwood, Pa. / Preston) also posted 1-2 marks. Evans earned his win at 157 with a major decision, while Bishoff pinned his first opponent of the season.
 
The Yellow Jackets mat men are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 11, when they travel to the Washington & Jefferson Invitational. Start time is scheduled for 9 a.m.