OTTAWA, Kan. – The No. 7 Ottawa University men's wrestling team kicks off the 2022-23 season by hosting No. 17 Baker at Wilson Field House on Tuesday evening.

The Braves look to build off a historic 2021-22 season that saw 11 Braves automatically qualify for NAIA Nationals, also adding OU's second ever All-American after a fifth-place finish from JD Perez at 184lbs. The Braves 20th place team finish was tied for the highest ever finish in program history.

The Braves brought back almost all the pieces from last year's squad, while adding some new talent. Austin Kolvek (141lb), Brandon Kidd Jr. (157lb), and Tucker Tomlinson (197lb) are newcomers slated to take over at their respective weight classes. The usual suspects returning for OU are Diago Hernandez (133), Braden Ledford (133), Hunter Wagner (149) Braden Anderson (157), Dayton Hill (165), Cameron Young-Leggett (174) JD Perez (184), Justin Darter (285) Benito Hernandez (285). 

Longtime Baker assistant Adam Venegas has taken over the Wildcats' program. Baker sent eight qualifiers to last year's NAIA Nationals, coming in 16th place as a team. The Wildcats return six of the eight national qualifiers but lost a big part of their program with Isaiah Luellen transferring to Grandview. Luellen finished third at 174lbs at last year's NAIA Nationals. 

Up Next: The Braves and Wildcats swap roles, with Baker hosting OU next weekend at the Dan Harris Open.