Bison wrestling finished EIWA dual action for 2021-22 with a defeat by No. 23 Lehigh, 21-12, on Saturday, Feb. 12 in Bethlehem, Pa. The defeat brought their record to 12-5 overall, and they ended with a 7-3 record in EIWA duals.

Facing their first nationally-ranked team of their campaign, No. 18 Zach Hartman ’22 (165) started strong, with a decisive 10-3 win over the 25th ranked wrestler in the nation. The victory marked his 16th career win over a nationally ranked opponent and meant he ended with a perfect 8-0 record in EIWA dual-action.

However, the Mountain Hawks then went on to win five straight bouts, opening up a lead that the Bison weren’t able to make up, despite Kurt Phipps ’24 (133), No. 26 Darren Miller ’23 (141), and Nick Delp ’24 (157) gaining victories. 

“Lehigh was a difficult opponent because they were physical, persistent wrestlers that never stopped,” team co-captain Miller said.

Phipps’ commanding 11-5 victory made him the team leader in EIWA victories, with a 9-1 record. Delp closed out his opponent for a tight 2-0 victory. Miller won his fifth straight bout with an 8-2 decision, bringing him to a 13-2 record ahead of the coming week’s finale.

“I would say the key to my success has just been to keep training and trying to get better each week and for each competition,” Miller said on his fine run of form.

The Orange and Blue end their 2021-22 dual calendar with another tough matchup, going away to 12th ranked Oklahoma State, their second nationally-ranked opponent in their dual calendar.

“The team and I are very excited to close out the dual meet season against Oklahoma State,” Miller said. “It is a big match and could be very great opportunities for a bunch of guys on the team.” They face the Cowboys on Friday, Feb. 18.