The Orange and Blue went 3-0 in opening their 2021-2022 season at the Patriot Duals. The Bison defeated Averett (40-3), George Mason (26-6) and Bellarmine (39-2) at the Recreation Athletic Complex.

Several wrestlers went 3-0 at the event, including Kurt Phipps ’24 (133), Darren Miller (141) ’24, Zach Hartman ’22 (165), and Logan Deacetis ’25 (184). Miller is currently ranked at No. 27 and Hartman is ranked at No. 9.

Deacetis accumulated bonus points for the Orange and Blue in all three of his competitions due to registering a fall, a technical fall and a major decision. Phipps and Hartman netted bonus points in two of their three matches for the Bison. 

Luke Niemeyer ’23 (285) and Jaden Fisher ’23 (174) won both of their bouts. Niemeyer moved up from the 197-pound weight class, while Fisher moved from the 157-pound weight class. 

“This week as a team we are really emphasizing having energy when we compete and going out there to score points. Personally, I just want to have fun and try to put myself in the best wrestling positions I can to control the matches,” Phipps said. 

The Orange and Blue took eight of 10 bouts from the host Patriots, with Deacetis and Niemeyer having two major decisions. Phipps, Delp and Deacetis were three of seven Bison to have their first collegiate dual victory. Kolby DePron ’25 (149) and Max Harar ’25 (285) won their match in the Bison’s final duel against Bellarmine, despite not competing in the first two duals. 

The Orange and Blue travel to Annapolis, Md. on Saturday for the Navy Classic on Nov. 20.