CHICAGO - For the second year in a row, the University Athletic Association (UAA) Challenge duals were held as the University of Chicago hosted for the first time. This unique format pits the three UAA schools—Case Western Reserve, New York University, and UChicago—against three invited programs. This year, the UAA members faced two nationally ranked teams, No. 2 Augsburg and No. 17 Millikin, as well as Aurora University. Next year, NYU will host the event as part of the rotation.
Vs. Aurora: Win, 39-3
UChicago opened the day with a dominant performance, earning a 39-3 victory over the Aurora Spartans. First-year wrestlers Matteo Littman and Jackson Rustad set the tone with wins at 125 and 133 pounds, respectively. Aurora's lone victory came at 141 pounds with a decision. The Maroons answered with a string of decisions across several weight classes, and Aurora forfeited the final two bouts at 197 pounds and heavyweight, sealing the comprehensive win.
Vs. #17 Millikin: Loss, 15-24
The Maroons battled hard against nationally ranked Millikin but ultimately fell short in a 24-15 loss. Millikin took an early lead, winning the first two matches before captain Sean Conway secured a decision at 141 pounds to get UChicago on the board. Millikin continued to build momentum, winning four consecutive matches, including an overtime victory at 157 pounds, to establish a commanding 24-3 lead.
UChicago fought back in the final three matches, highlighted by a dramatic win at heavyweight, where fourth-year Michael D'Orazio earned a third-period takedown to defeat a nationally ranked opponent. Despite the strong finish, the Maroons couldn't overcome the deficit.
Vs. #2 Augsburg: Loss, 3-51
Facing the two-time defending national champions, UChicago struggled against a dominant Augsburg squad, losing 51-3. Captain Sean Conway provided the lone highlight for the Maroons with a hard-fought 8-5 decision at 141 pounds.
Coach Gentry's Reflections
"Winning and losing is part of sport. I thought our effort was best against Millikin, especially with how we scored the final points in most matches, showing a lot of grit. Against Augsburg, I think we gave them too much respect, and a team like that knows how to capitalize on momentum.
Wrestling is a tough sport, and how we respond to this weekend will say a lot about our team's character and performance for the rest of the season. We won't face a team of Augsburg's caliber for quite some time, so we have an opportunity to address key areas, like counter-offense and maintaining a solid base in defensive positions. I'm confident we'll make the necessary adjustments, and I'm glad this wake-up call came now rather than in the postseason."
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