The Builder Wrestling Squad had a tough draw in the American College division at the 40th annual Virginia Duals, pitted against defending champions Kutztown in the first round.
Apprentice would win three bouts in the 38-15 loss to Kutztown. After giving up an early takedown, Shalek Colon found a big throw and recorded a pin at the buzzer at 141 lbs to put six points on the board for Apprentice. Freshman David McElravy grinded out a 9-2 decision over Anthony Emig at 174, followed by a first period pin from Wes Sorey at 197 lbs. After dominating NCWA rival Liberty University 32-8, Kutztown would go on to capture the title with a 19-13 over Ferrum College in the championship dual.
After the loss to Kutztown, Averett University walked away with a 33-12 victory in their first program win over Apprentice. The Cougars were fired up start to finish, winning 6 of 9 contested bouts over a lackluster Builder squad. Junior Kolin Johnson put the first points on the board for Apprentice with a 2nd period fall over Joseph Jones at 133 lbs. McElravy and Sorey would be the only remaining Builders to record wins in the dual, with a 7-2 and an 11-9 decision respectively.
Saturday morning would see Apprentice finish the event on a high note, winning a 25-20 nail-biter over 3rd seed Emmanuel for 7th place. Sophomore Russ Pierce stepped up and saved the day, winning a 9-1 major decision at heavyweight over Preston Stell in the final bout to seal the team victory. A pair of forfeits from Emmanuel would be the deciding factor, as Apprentice would only win 3 of 7 contested bouts. Johnson recorded another fall, this time in the 1st period over Martrez Huff at 133 lbs. McElravy gutted out a close 2-1 decision over Myles Williams at 174.
Next Up; Apprentice will host the Builder Invitational at Kellam High School, Sunday Jan. 19.