The return of Grand Valley State wrestling came in fine fashion Wednesday night before a crowd of 1,517 in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena and the Lakers did not disappoint with a 30-12 victory over Cornerstone. GVSU dropped wrestling as a varsity sport in 1992, however, behind the leadership of John Harris and the GVSU wrestling community, President Philomena Mantella reinstated the sport to varsity status in 2022. The wrestling community enjoyed wrestling legend Dan Gable as he addressed the crowd during intermission. 

First-year head coach Joey Simcoe guided the Lakers to an impressive opening night victory, recording six wins, five of which produced bonus points. 

GVSU freshman Aaron Lucio (125) led 7-4 until the late stages of the third period when NAIA #2-ranked Trevor Marsman was able to get a takedown and back points to claim the win. Freshman Collin Twigg (133) tallied the first Laker individual win in over 31 years when he dominated Devan Johnson and eventually recorded the fall at the 4:41 mark. Freshman Jak Keller (141) dropped a tough 14-8 decision, but #9-ranked Chris Donathan (149) recorded a 20-3 tech fall in just 1:31 to give the Lakers an 11-6 lead. Caden Jacobs (157) dropped a 9-5 decision and Trammel Robinson (165) lost an 11-6 decision to give Cornerstone a 12-11 lead heading into the final four matches.

Josh Kenny (174) was impressive and claimed a dominating 15-0 tech fall in just 2:22, followed by Seth Konynenbelt (184) who also claimed a 15-0 tech fall victory in just 2:43. Wyatt Miller (197) won by fall in 3:16 and freshman Owen Hawley closed the night with a tough 5-4 victory at heavyweight.  

125 Trevor Marsman (CU) 10-7 over Aaron Lucio (GV) CU 3-0
133 Collin Twigg (GV) fall 4:41 over Devan Johnson (CU) GV 6-3
141 Ian Boden (CU) 14-8 over Jak Keller (GV) GV 6 - CU 6
149 #9 Chris Donathan (GV) 20-3 TF 1:31 over Luke Jaworski (CU) GV 11-6
157 Thade Rodosa (CU) 9-5 over Caden Jacobs (GV) GV 11-9
165 Joseph Lashuay (GV) 11-6 over Trammel Robinson (GV) CU 12-11
174 Josh Kenny (GV) 15-0 TF 2:22 Cooper Mansfield (CU) GV 16-12
184 Seth Konynenbelt (GV) 15-0 TF 2:43 over Brady Heckathorn (CU) GV 21-12
197 Wyatt Miller (GV) fall 3:16 over Jackson Turner (CU) GV 27-12 
HWT Owen Hawley (GV) 5-4 over Sterling McLaughlin (CU) GV 30-12