The Wabash College wrestling team delivered a statement weekend, shutting out Trine University 49–0 on Senior Night before adding seven top-eight finishes at Saturday’s Indiana Little State Wrestling Tournament. Across two days, the Little Giants showcased not only their veteran leadership, but also the depth of a roster rapidly rounding into form.
The dual on Friday, December 5, at Chadwick Court opened with a celebration of seniors James Day ’26 (a two-time All-American), Andrew “The Machine” Ross ’26 and Rylan Hendricks ’26—and the team responded by delivering one of its most dominant performances in years. Wabash (1–1) recorded five pins, two technical falls, and three major decisions while holding Trine (0–2) winless across the ten weight classes.
The Little Giants wasted no time establishing control. At 125 lbs., Andrew Punzalan ’27 brought the crowd to its feet with a fall in just 1:10. Day followed with a 17–2 tech fall at 133 lbs., piling up takedowns and near-falls to build an 11–0 lead. Big bonus-point wins continued to roll in as Mason Weyant ’28 secured a late pin at 141 lbs., Branson Weaver ’29 added a first-period fall at 149 lbs. and Ross delivered a commanding pin in 4:17 at 157 lbs.
From the middleweights to the upper lineup, Wabash kept its momentum. Cooper McCloy ’28 earned a 6–0 decision at 165 lbs., Jaylen Young ’28 added a 13–2 major at 174 lbs. and the final three bouts pushed the margin to 49–0. Michael Taheny ’29 dominated with an 18–3 tech fall at 184 lbs., Spencer Watson ’28 added a 16–3 major at 197 lbs. and Maximus Forrester ’29 closed the sweep with an 8–0 shutout at heavyweight.
“This performance helped many of our guys trust their offense and commit to getting to their scores,” said Day. “This is something we plan on building on throughout the season, and I am excited to see the team showcase these adjustments at North Central.”
Wabash carried that energy into the Indiana Little State Tournament on Saturday, December 6. The Little Giants made their presence felt, highlighted by Zach Huckaby’s ’28 184 lbs. championship victory over teammate and top seed, Taheny. The team added podium finishes from Isaac Ash ’29 (third at 125 lbs.), Carson Fettig ’28 (fourth at 149 lbs.), Spencer Watson ’28 (fifth at 197 lbs.), Branson Weaver ’29 (eighth at 149 lbs.) and Elorm Nevis ’27 (7th at 174 lbs.).
Wabash returns to action on Saturday, December 13, at the North Central College Invitational in Naperville, Illinois.