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Friday, December 3
Lewisburg, Pa.
7 p.m.

Bucknell University

10
vs
23

Michigan State

Kolby DePron
Photo by: Lianne Garrahan

Michigan State Downs Bucknell Wrestling, 23-10

12/3/2021 9:09:00 PM | Wrestling

Photo Gallery

Freshman Kolby DePron knocks off nationally ranked grappler

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell wrestling team fell to Michigan State, 23-10, on Friday night at Davis Gym in front of a near-capacity crowd.

The Spartans (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) handed the Bison (3-1, 0-0 EIWA) their first loss of the 2021-22 campaign by winning seven of 10 bouts. Overall, all but three were decided by decision, with those coming by major decision.

For Bucknell, Kolby DePron (149) knocked off No. 33 Peyton Omania, a 2021 NCAA qualifier and two-time U23 Greco-Roman National Champion, by a 16-12 decision. The standout freshman jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the second period by registering a takedown and four-point near fall in quick succession; he then held off Omania's furious comeback bid in a back-and-forth third period that had the crowd on its feet. DePron is off to a strong start to his collegiate career, moving to 13-3 with his victory over Omania, who also represented Team USA at the 2021 World Greco-Roman Championships. DePron has placed third at three different tournaments to date: Nov. 7's Clarion Open, Nov. 14's Jonathan Kaloust Bearcat Open and Nov. 20's Navy Classic. Jaden Fisher (174) posted a commanding 13-4 major decision over Nathan Jimenez. The junior, a two-time EIWA placewinner at 157 pounds, seized control of the bout early; he ultimately racked up nearly four minutes of riding time en route to his victory.

To close the night, Luke Niemeyer (285) defeated Brad Wilton in dramatic fashion. Tied 5-5 in the third period's dying seconds, Niemeyer registered a takedown and four back points to emerge an 11-5 victor. Brandon Seidman (125) fell in the second tiebreaker period, 4-2, to Julian Saldana. Caleb Fish edged No. 8 Zach Hartman (165), 9-5, bolstered by a second period near fall that was inches from becoming a pin; it was Hartman's first dual loss since he fell to Army West Point's Cael McCormick, 2-1, in February 2020. Logan Deacetis (184) gave No. 27 Layne Malczewski a battle, using a takedown and two escapes in the third period to pull within 9-6.

This was the Bison's fourth meeting with Michigan State, which is head coach Dan Wirnsberger's alma mater. Wirnsberger, who is in his 17th season at the helm of Bucknell, was a three-time All-American wrestler as a Spartan. He went 120-44 over the course of his career, most notably finishing as the NCAA runner-up and winning a Big Ten title at 158 pounds as a senior in 1995.

The Bison welcomed back a number of alumni and recognized Bucknell Athletics Hall of Famers Tom Scotton '78, Bobby Ferraro '94, Andy Rendos '10 and assistant coach Kevin LeValley '11. In addition, they honored Bob and Bobby Ferraro for their recent induction into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 
Bucknell returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 18 by welcoming Buffalo and Lock Haven to Davis Gym for a pair of duals.

Michigan State 23 – Bucknell 10
125: Julian Saldana (MSU) dec. over Brandon Seidman (BU) 4-2 (TB-2)
133: #10 Rayvon Foley (MSU) dec. over Kurt Phipps (BU) 7-0
141: Matt Santos (MSU) dec. over Chris Lanciano (BU) 9-2
149: Kolby DePron (BU) dec. over #33 Peyton Omania (MSU) 16-12
157: #22 Chase Saldate (MSU) maj. dec. over Nick Delp (BU) 11-1
165: Caleb Fish (MSU) dec. over #8 Zach Hartman (BU) 9-5
174: Jaden Fisher (BU) maj. dec. over Nathan Jimenez (MSU) 13-4
184: #27 Layne Malczewski (MSU) dec. over Logan Deacetis (BU) 9-6
197: #20 Cam Caffey (MSU) maj. dec. over Mason McCready (BU) 12-3
285: Luke Niemeyer (BU) dec. over Brad Wilton (MSU) 11-5

Extra Matches
174: Marty Larkin (MSU) maj. dec. over Nolan Springer (BU) 12-4

Note: Rankings Intermat