CLEVELAND, Ohio – The new era of Urbana University wrestling commenced Sunday at the Third Annual Ohio Intercollegiate Open with 11 Blue Knights competing in the White Division.

The list of overall teams included Ashland, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Cleveland State, Davenport, Edinboro, John Carroll, Kent State, Mercyhurst, Michigan State, Notre Dame College, Ohio University, Ohio State, Ohio Wesleyan, Otterbein, Pitt, Tiffin, UU, West Liberty and West Virginia.

Cole Houser led the Blue Knights with a 4-1 record in the 157-pound weight class. The freshman won three straight tilts in the consolation bracket, including a major-decision victory over West Liberty’s Owen Zeiders (17-5) in the fifth-place match.

Also leading the way was Jared Ford in sixth place for the 141-pound class. The freshman advanced to the fifth-place match and came up just short against Central Michigan’s Mitchel Christensen, 7-5, in three periods. He also won three straight matchups against Ohio Wesleyan’s William Kennedy, Davenport’s Joey Orr and Case Western’s Andrew Hoover.

After both going 1-1, teammates Trevor Hankins and Connor Dixon faced off in the 184-pound class where Dixon came out on top, 3-2, off a takedown in the first period.

In addition, five others registered a win on the day including Bryce Davis (133), Dakota Ball (149), Jacob Lees (149), Dylan Knotts (165) and Thomas Baker (285).

UU will travel to John Carroll University on Sunday for the JCU Duals.