Millikin’s wrestling team took a loss, their first of the season, to Loras College while away in Dubuque, IA. The final score was 29-10 in favor of Loras with Millikin only getting three wins during the meet. The meet started off with a win for Millikin and ended with a win for Millikin, with one in between.

It was obvious that the boys struggled in their matches, and this meet has put them at 9-1, ending their streak. Loras College’s wrestling team is ranked as being second in the world. It was already set to be a tough challenge for Big Blue because the team is currently undefeated, adding another win from today to their streak.

“I have mixed emotions because I felt we did a lot of things really well, but got exposed on some weaknesses that need fixing to take the next step,” said Head Coach Ryan Birt.

This meet was a test for the boys of Big Blue because it’s all part of a process, according to Coach Birt, to help get them ready to make the podium at NCAA’s. So, Millikin took a loss, but it helped them look at what they need to fix.

A loss isn’t always about feeling bad for not managing to get the win over someone. Millikin’s boys went up against some highly ranked competitors. This meet was a test to what they can do, and now they see what they need to work on.

“I wrestle the best teams in the country purposely to get my guys the needed tests to make the podium at NCAA’s. It’s all part of the process. Each guy talked to the coaches to evaluate their performances and talk about what we need to do to move forward,” said Coach Birt.

There were three wins from Big Blue today from Zac Blasioli in the 125 weight class, Taylor McGiffen in the 184 weight class, and Evan Betz in the 285 weight class. Each win brought in enough points to get them up to ten points as a team, but overall Millikin’s wrestling took the loss today.

Millikin’s Big Blue wrestling will be competing again on Saturday, December 21st, in Nashville, Tenn. in the Gator Duals against University of The Ozarks, Simpson College, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. respectively. They will be going live on Facebook during the Gator Duals, so check out their Facebook page to watch them compete.