Baylor’s wrestlers won 55-18 at Signal Mountain on Thursday night in a dual that matched two programs coming off strong 2018-19 seasons and hoping to make state title runs this winter.
This time, though, the reigning Division II traditional tournament and duals champions got the best of the Eagles, last season’s Class A-AA traditional runners-up who finished among the top six teams at state duals.
In the 106-pound match, Baylor’s Nick Corday scored a reversal and then picked up three back points when he cradled Caleb Uhorchuk. The sophomore Red Raider, who won a state championship with Georgia’s Buford and won 51 matches last season, rolled to a 7-1 decision over last year’s Class A-AA runner-up.
“We knew that was going to be a dog fight,” Baylor coach Ben Nelson said. “We have great respect for the Uhorchuk brothers and Signal Mountain’s program. We really appreciate them for giving us a good match. That’s what we are looking for this time of the year. We have a lot of young enthusiasm with this team and a lot of tough kids who bring a fun energy to the room every day.”
With a takedown early in the third round of the 160-pound match, Baylor’s Anthony Manella appeared to be in control until Preston Worley flipped Manella and then nearly pinned him. Worley’s late charge fell short, though, as Manella took the 8-5 decision.