NEW CONCORD, Ohio - The Bethany College men's wrestling team opened the 2026-27 season as they defeated Muskingum (Ohio) University by a final score of 29-19 in a non-conference dual in John Glenn Gym.

Bethany (1-0) got the 2026-27 season underway against Muskingum (0-1) where both teams were scheduled to open their season on the Muskingum Quad before weather took the dual inside historic John Glenn Gym. Although the rain spoiled the outdoor setting, the Bison would not be deterred as they went on to crush the Fighting Muskies to begin the season in the win column.

Freshman 125-pounder Tristan Eckles (East Liverpool, Ohio) got the first Green and White victory of the season with a one-minute pin for the team's first six points.

Junior Angelo Di Pol (Paulsboro, N.J.) answered a Fighting Muskie major decision with a victory by fall in the 141 class for his first win of the season. Sophomore Jeremiah Stalling (Buckeye, Ariz./Buckeye Union) followed Di Pol and had to face Muskingum's regionally ranked 141-pounder Leonidas Zoganas at 149, but the class advantage led Stalling to a dominant 19-3 tech fall to add to the Bethany lead.

Freshman Giacobbe Manon (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) made his collegiate debut in the 165-pound bout where he secured another Bison pin to up the score to 23-7.

Senior All-PAC 184-pounder Jonathan Braun (Kenilworth, N.J./David Brearly) got an integral three points thanks to a 7-2 decision while sophomore Jackson Hodges (Fairfield, Ohio/Hamilton) secured the team's first victory of the season with an 11-3 major decision at 197.

The Bison were not done yet, however, as sophomore 174-pounder Malaki Smith (Bloomington, Ill./Normal) and freshman 197-pounder Daelyn Peace (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) each stuck their opponents in a pair of extra matches for Bethany.

The Bison are back in action Saturday, November 7 as they travel to Reading, Pennsylvania to compete at the Tonee Ellis Invitational hosted by Alvernia (Pa.) University at 11 a.m. at the Tom and Helen Flynn Plex.