Parsons, KS -- The seventh ranked Northeastern Oklahoma A & M wrestling team recorded four falls en route to a 44-6 victory over Labette Community College Wednesday night in the LCC Fieldhouse.

The dual victory was the first for the NEO wrestling program in over 20 years as the program was dropped after the 92-93 season.
NEO Head Coach Joe Renfro was pleased with the performance from his team. "It was a good step for us as a program and a team. We needed to get this out of the way so that we can focus on future events. This was the first college dual for 9 of the 10 starters tonight and that had to of been a lot of pressure on them. Nerves will play a huge effect on shape and it showed in a couple matches. Fortunately we responded well over all and now we regroup and get fixated on the rest of the season".

Sophomore Josh Walker took the mat first against Joe Disciacca at 125 lbs. Walker scored 10 points in the first period on his way to a 18-5 major decision.

Freshman Joshua Ailey took on Kaleb Furr at 133 lbs. Ailey scored two takedowns to win a 6-1 decision.

At 141 lbs. red-shirt sophomore, Michael Williams wasted little time as he pinned Marshall Phelan in 1:45.

At 149 lbs. freshman Bryan Dutton recorded three takedowns before pinning Daniel Navarro at the 4:43 mark in the second period.

Red-Shirt freshman, Mark Hobson scored a takedown, a reversal, and near fall 3, before getting caught and pinned by Max Adair.

Casey Powell scored a dual high 20 points, including five takedowns in his match against Derrick Gaines walking away with a 20-6 major decision.

174 lber and freshman, Brock Warren, recorded two takedowns before earning a first period fall over Adam Sain in 2:01.

The closest contested match of the evening featured Nick Meck and Dorian Spradlin at 184 lbs. Meck managed to score four takedowns en route to a 13-10 decision.

At 197 lbs Kenny Cleveland took on Dustin Cook and recorded three sets of near fall 3 before earning the fall in 2:05.

The final match of the evening saw Jacoby Brown getting five takedowns on Wesley Atkins before ending the match by way of fall at the 5:53 mark.

Coach Dustin May was eager to get the dual season started and wants each time on the mat to be a learning lesson for his wrestlers, because the true test comes in February and March. "It was the first dual of the season, and although we are nowhere near where we will be come February, the guys went out and performed. They stepped on the mat and did their job. Every competition is an opportunity to learn and grow. I think our guys will take a lot away from this dual and get better from it. If we want to accomplish our goals at the National Tournament, we have to improve every opportunity we can."

The Norsemen hit the mat next at home, Wednesday, Nov. 13^th as they take on Neosho Community College at 7:00 pm in the Student Activities Center (SAC). Several red-shirts will be competing this upcoming Saturday, Nov. 9th at the Bethany Swede Open in Lindsborg, KS. Wrestling will begin at 9:00 am.

Final Score
Northeastern A&M: 44
Labette: 6

125: Josh Walker (NEO) major dec Joe Disciacca (LCC), 4-0
133: Joshua Ailey (NEO) dec Kaleb Furr (LCC), 7-0
141: Michael William (NEO) fall Marshall Phelan (LCC), 13-0
149: Bryan Dutton (NEO) fall Daniel Navaroo (LCC), 19-0
157: Max Adair (LCC) fall Mark Hobson (NEO), 19-6
165: Casey Powell (NEO) major dec Derrick Gates (LCC), 23-6
174: Brock Warren (NEO) fall Adam Sain (LCC), 29-6
184: Nick Meck (NEO) dec Dorian Spradlin (LCC), 32-6
197: Kenny Cleveland (NEO) fall Dustin Cook (LCC), 38-6
285: Jacoby Brown (NEO) fall Wesley Atkins (LCC), 44-6