NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Manchester men's wrestling team traveled to Tennessee on Saturday, December 16 to compete in the Gator "Boots" Duals in the team's final action before the new year.

The Spartans faced stiff competition, competing against nationally ranked Luther College and Millikin University, as well as Concordia University, and Elmhurst University. Manchester fell to Concordia Wisconsin (34-18), Luther (47-0), Elmhurst (30-12), and Millikin (38-14).

First-years Michael Kallimani (Elkhart, Ind., Jimtown), David Cox (Tippecanoe, Ind., Triton) and Ethan Risner (Portage, Ind., Portage) each finished the day with two wins. Kallimani competed at 133-pounds, defeating his opponent from Concordia Wisconsin by tech fall and then defeated his opponent from Elmhurst by major decision (20-8). Cox also picked up two wins on Saturday at 165-pounds. Both wins were by tech fall against Concordia Wisconsin and Elmhurst. Risner competed at 184-pounds, picking up a win by sudden victory (SV-1 12-9) against his opponent from Elmhurst and a win by decision (20-18) against his opponent from Millikin.

Keagen Mabie (Mishawaka, Ind., Mishawaka High School) and James Bettcher (Lakeville, Ind., LaVille) also picked up wins on Saturday. Mabie  defeated his opponent from Millikin by major decision (13-3) at 149-pounds, while Bettcher competed at 165-pounds, winning by tech fall over his opponent from Concordia Wisconsin.

Up next, Manchester men's wrestling will host Ancilla College on January 4 for their first home competition of the 2023-24 season. The dual meet between the Spartans and Chargers is set to start at 7:00 p.m.