Barrus & Kirk Claim Championship

MUHLENBERG, Pa. - Bethany traveled back to the eastern half of Pennsylvania for another tournament- the Muhlenburg Open. Two wrestlers won their pools and every wrestler walked off the mat with at least one victory via fall.

There was no team score, but the Bison had immense success individually.

Trinity Barrus and Shanielah Kirk were the two champions of the day. Both wrestlers pinned their way through their pool, going 3-0 on the day.

This was Barrus's second consecutive championship performance after winning the Millersville Open. She showed dominance in every position today. The 160 pounder was able to hit multiple four point moves while following up takedowns with exposures in par terre. 

Kirk has also been on a hot streak, reaching the finals of that same Millersville Open. Kirk had most of her success from neutral. She had a four point sequence in every match that she wrestled. Kirk converted all of those transitions to falls.

The two wrestlers create a dangerous battering ram at back to back weights. A threat to watch out for when the Bison enter dual meet season after winter break.

The other Bison were able to find at least one fall of their own, adding to the plentiful bonus point victories they've been able to obtain this season.

Jasmine Craddock had a 2-1 record with a pair of bonus point victories. She claimed one tech fall and a pin. Craddock certainly had the biggest move of the day. She hit a massive headlock, arguably the biggest throw of the tournament, to put an exclamation mark on her performance.

Kasey Kophazy continues to improve as she gains more mat time. The 138 pounder started the day with a quick fall inside 30 seconds. After falling in match two, Kophazy finished strong, picking up her second period pin of the day.

Sophie Diaz joined the pin-club in the last match of the day. After hitting a slide by for a takedown, Diaz was able to turn her opponent for a fall. She went 1-2 in a tough pool.

Bethany will participate in their first ever dual meet on Thursday, January 10th. It will be a quad meet with Hiram being the gracious host. Opponents and order will be announced the day of the quad. 

This article was written by Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Colin Herb. If you believe that there are mistakes in information-- or have a separate thought relating to the event in the article-- please email cherb@bethanywv.edu for any corrections/comments.