CHICAGO - The University of Chicago wrestling team opened their season with a pair of victories in dramatic fashion on Saturday, marking the first wins for new head coach Matt Gentry.

Dual 1: UChicago vs. Olivet
In their first matchup since 2013, the Maroons defeated the University of Olivet Comets 28-12, winning seven of the ten bouts. First-year Zack Parisi got UChicago on the board with a decision at 133 pounds. The marquee matchup of the dual came at 141 pounds, where third-year captain Sean Conway earned a hard-fought 6-5 victory over No.10 nationally ranked Dylan Phelps.

At 157 pounds, fourth-year Darian Estevez added a critical 7-2 decision against a regionally ranked opponent. Despite trailing 12-9 after six matches, the Maroon upper weights dominated to seal the win with four consecutive victories, three of which earned bonus points:

• Fourth-year Tyler Joseph tied the match with a decision.
• Fourth-year Wyatt Haynes followed with a major decision.
• Third-year Gunnar Garriques delivered a first-period fall.
• Second-year heavyweight Teddy Perry capped the dual with an exciting second-period reversal and pin, marking his second straight victory over a regionally ranked opponent.

Three Maroons—Estevez, Haynes, and Garriques—made their season debuts in this dual.

Dual 2: UChicago vs. No. 6 North Central
In a closely contested matchup against North Central College, the Maroons rallied to win 22-20, splitting five bouts apiece. First-year Matteo Littman opened with a decision at 125 pounds, but the Maroons dropped the next three bouts to trail 13-3.

Fourth-year Darian Estevez again provided a spark, earning his second win of the night with a 16-2 major decision. Despite another North Central win, Tyler Joseph's decision brought the team closer at 20-10 heading into the final two matches.

Third-year Gunnar Garriques delivered another first-period fall, setting the stage for the night's most dramatic moment. Trailing by four in the team score, fourth-year heavyweight Michael D'Orazio faced No.3 nationally ranked Robby Bates. D'Orazio stunned the crowd with an explosive takedown, pinning Bates to secure the upset victory and clinch the dual for the Maroons.

Coach Gentry's Reflections
"In the first dual meet, we got pretty tired but kept wrestling hard. Our team did an excellent job staying composed and fighting for positions and points," said head coach Matt Gentry. "In both meets, our upper weights stepped up, and I'm proud of how the team supported each other. The finish against North Central was incredible. Watching the team react to Michael's upset victory was special. We have a lot of room for growth, and I'm excited to see what the winter quarter brings."

Athlete Reactions

• Michael D'Orazio: "When you trust your coaches and training, it's easy to let it fly. My teammates kept us in it by competing in every match, and I just did my part."
• Teddy Perry: "I had a good win today individually, but as a team, we did even better. Seeing Mike get that pin to seal our win over North Central will be one of my best memories of wrestling here."

Next Up
The Maroons will return from winter break to host the UAA Challenge on Saturday, January 4, featuring two-time defending national champions Augsburg, along with Millikin and Aurora. The event begins at 11 am and will also be celebrated as Youth Wrestling Day.