Michigan wrestling: Wolverines trounce Terrapins in Ann Arbor

This Sunday, the Michigan Wrestling Wolverines (9-2, 4-2 Big Ten) hosted the Maryland Terrapins (8-6, 0-5 Big Ten) in Cliff Keen Arena. The Wolverines set a season high 44 team points scored, and won by their largest margin yet (39 points).

While two forfeited weight classes from Maryland certainly pads the score, Michigan won all but one of the matches played.

Michigan wrestling won the coin toss and decided to start at the 141 pound weight class. Here’s how each weight class played out.

Results

• 141 lbs: Pat Nolan (Michigan) defeated No. 33 Kal Miller (Maryland). (Michigan 3, Maryland 0)

The Wolverines started the day with redshirt junior Pat Nolan. Competing in his first dual match of the season, Nolan won a close matchup in the final seconds. The match was very low scoring, with Nolan leading by only one point heading into the third period. After an escape by Miller, the match was tied with 40 seconds left.

During the match’s final moments, Miller took advantage of a scramble situation and took down Miller for two points. After a video replay confirmed that Nolan did not grab Miller’s headgear, the match was over and Miller won the match 3-1.

• 149 lbs: Fidel Mayora (Michigan) defeated Joe Fisk (Maryland). (Michigan 7, Maryland 0)

Mayora won his dual match 12-0 after spending most of the match on top. His riding time was over one minute, giving him an extra point. While Mayora was unable to get the 15 points needed for a technical fall, his 12-0 major decision gave the Wolverines a 7-0 team lead.

• 157 lbs: No. 7 Will Lewan (Michigan) defeated Kevin Schork (Maryland). (Michigan 13, Maryland 0)

The number seven ranked Lewan wasted no time on the mat. Lewan got a very early takedown and remained on top for the rest of the match, which didn’t last longer than one period. Schork was pinned by Lewan with 1:13 still left in the first period.

• 165 lbs: John Martin Best (Maryland) defeats Alex Wesselman (Michigan). (Michigan 13, Maryland 5)

Making his wrestling debut for the wolverines was Alex Wesselman. Wesselman is a redshirt freshman who is rostered in the 157 lb weight class. Wesselman spent most of the match on bottom, but made a nice takedown late in the second period to make it an 8-2 game. Wesselman would go on to lose on a technical fall in the third period.

• 174 lbs: Max Maylor (Michigan) defeats Dom Solis (Maryland). (Michigan 16, Maryland 5)

This matchup remained close right up until the very end. Each wrestler went back and forth getting takedowns and escapes, with neither able to achieve any near fall points. Eventually, Maylor got a key takedown late in the third period to take a 9-6 lead. Following an escape and a riding time point, Maylor won the match 10-7.

• 184 lbs: No. 7 Matt Finesilver (Michigan) defeats Chase Mielnik (Maryland). (Michigan 21, Maryland 5)

Finesilver made quick work of Mielnik, forcing a technical fall at the end of the first period. After an early takedown, Finesilver stayed on top for the remainder of the match and continued to accumulate near fall points until he had an 18-0 lead as the period ended.

• 197 lbs: Brendin Yatooma (Michigan) wins by way of forfeit. (Michigan 27, Maryland 5)

The Wolverines’ Brendin Yatooma won via forfeit.

• 285 lbs: No. 1 Mason Parris (Michigan) defeats No. 25 Jaron Smith (Maryland). (Michigan 32, Maryland 5)

Mason Parris was not phased by the No. 25 ranked Jaron Smith. Parris, a two time NCAA All-American who won 19 matches last year, won on a technical fall against Smith. While it took three periods for Parris to get his 16 points, Parris did not let Smith score a single point.

• 125 lbs: No. 15 Jack Medley (Michigan) wins by way of forfeit. (Michigan 38, Maryland 5)

The Wolverines Jack Medley won via forfeit.

• 133 lbs: No. 10 Dylan Ragusin (Michigan) defeats Conner Quinn (Maryland). (Michigan 44, Maryland 5)

Ragusin had an action packed first period. After Ragusin attained an early 6-0 lead, he and Quinn went back and forth with a quick series of takedowns and escapes. Eventually, Ragusin took a 3-12 lead and pinned Quinn near the end of the first period.

(Player rankings from 2023 coaches poll)

FINAL: Michigan 44, Maryland 5

Looking Ahead

In the Wolverines last five matches, they have alternated between wins and losses. Michigan wrestling has an opportunity to break this streak when they match up against Oklahoma State (9-1, 5-0 Big 12) later this week. If the Wolverines win, it will be the first back to back victories in over two weeks.

Michigan wrestling will travel to Arlington, TX to take on Oklahoma State in the second annual “Bout at the Ballpark” held at Globe Life Field. The match will be held this Friday (2/3) at 8 PM EST.

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