BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – In the first ever dual between two Kansas NAIA programs, the seventh-ranked Baker University wrestling program came out on top with a commanding 31-9 victory over Bethany (Kan.) on Wednesday evening.

Jake Nowak and Brandon Gebhardt highlighted the dual with back-to-back pins in the 197-pound and heavyweight matches, while senior Jarell Price and Clarence Jordan each claimed victories in their respective matches.

“I was proud of the way our guys battled tonight,” said head Baker wrestling coach Jimmy May. “We’ve got a week off now to prepare ourselves for regionals.”

NAIA Wrestling Dual Final-
Baker University- 31 (2-6)
Bethany College (Kan.)- 9 (1-2)
125 pounds: Bo Newport, Baker, by forfeit
133 pounds: AJ Gassman, Baker, dec. Colt Rogers, 6-3
141 pounds: Courtney Strauss, Bethany, dec. Joel Olivas, 3-0
149 pounds: Jarell Price, Baker, maj. dec. Steven Scott, 15-4
157 pounds: Colby Clark, Bethany, dec. Colbey Garrison, 4-3
165 pounds: Nathan Sommer, Baker, dec. Jordan Ward, 8-3
174 pounds: Clarence Jordan, Baker, dec. Brad Wagner, 9-4
184 pounds: Jarid Price, Baker, dec. Matt Atwood, 8-6 OT
197 pounds: Jake Nowak, Baker, pinned Anthony Grist, 4:53
285 pounds: Brandon Gebhardt, Baker, pinned Tyler Smith, 3:51

There was a very good crowd which was primarily Baker University students and also I believe included a Kids Club wrestling team from Louisburg, Kansas and I was really impressed by that. It was exciting to see so much new college wrestling interest in Kansas. There has been a lot recently in Baldwin with the Kansas Cup, the dual with Okla City University last week and last night Baker's new rival Bethany.
It was great to see these two relatively new Kansas college wrestling teams Baker 3rd year and Bethany 1st year battle in their first dual. Jimmy May has in a short time built Baker into a top NAIA team, currently ranked 7th nationally in NAIA. Bethany under the leadership of Coach Marrs and Garcia battled hard and look especially good in their winning matches of Colby Crank, Courtney Strauss, and Colt Rogers. Matt Atwood had a very good match in his overtime loss to Jarid Price. They are building a strong foundation in Bethany too. The Kansas wrestling community can be proud of both programs.

Very exciting time for Kansas wrestling and give Bethany a few more years and look out. This will only make all of our other Kansas colleges more competitive.

Gassman lost to Rogers. Bethany's record was 2-3 for the year. Thanks to Baker for hosting a quality event and wrestling with class.

I was surprised at that reporting of the Rogers match. Thanks for the correction.