Olivet Wins Dual Match, Only 2nd to Be Held Here

The scene was set for success as the Comet wrestling team took on Trine in the first MIAA dual match to be held on campus since 1984 on Jan. 10. It was an athletic “white out” event, where fans were encouraged to wear white, and wrestling t-shirts were on sale. The first 300 fans got foam victory fingers to wave, especially when wrestlers scored their twos, and the gym was filled, with students, alumni and visiting high school wrestling teams.'

The Comets did not disappoint. They dominated Trine, 35-9 in the Cutler Event Center in an atmosphere further bolstered by wrestlers entering through an inflatable Comet tunnel, like the one used at home football games.

Also, two senior wrestlers were recognized: Tyler Grimsley and Jacob Harvey. Two former Comet coaches were also in attendance to witness the win: Jare Kleinand Todd Hibbs.

The Comets have 10 wins overall this season, and are headed to various invitationals before the NCAA Division III events in February and March.

The Jan. 10 match was also the last home event for the team, which travels to Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Virginia for future competition.

Also during the evening, Comet athletes garnering scholarship and other performance bests were honored by the athletic department.

The Olivet College wrestling program helped raise $1,410 for the Out of the Darkness organization. Olivet College assistant coach Adam Wilson worked with the Inter-Society Council to help bring the Greek students to the match as well to assist in the fundraising effort.

“The Greeks wanted to support our local community in raising funds,” said Shelby Verlinde, ISC President. “Out of the Darkness is an organization many Greeks have supported over the years. The benefit dual gave us another opportunity to truly make an impact in helping such a great organization give back to the Olivet community.”

Six of the Greek houses – Soronian, Phi Alpha Pi, Elite, Nu Gamma Xi, Adelphic and Mu Omega Pi – combined to raise nearly $500 total. The remaining amount was given by the Olivet athletic department as $1 donation per fan in attendance. All of the money will support implementing mental health programs on campus for all Olivet College students, according to event organizers.