NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. – In the first meeting between the two schools, the No. 18 West Virginia University wrestling team (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) dropped its first dual of the season, as California Baptist  (4-2, 2-0 Big 12) escaped with an 18-15 victory at Oak Glen High School on Sunday.
 
West Virginia jumped out to a 12-3 lead midway through the dual but could not hang on as Cal Baptist scored 15 points in the next four matches before fifth-year senior Peyton Hall closed out the event with a 5-1 decision in front of a sold-out crowd.   
 
Additionally, fifth-year senior Michael Wolfgram, redshirt senior Austin Cooley, redshirt junior Jace Schafer and redshirt sophomore Brody Conley all collected wins as well.
 
Oak Glen High School is where Hall started his wrestling career, where he became the school's first four-time state champion in four different weight classes (120, 132, 138 & 152).
 
Up next, West Virginia closes out 2024 by competing in a quad against North Dakota State, Wisconsin and Campbell at the Knockout Christmas Classic on December 21. The event will be streamed on BEG WRESTLING from the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.
 
 Match Results vs. California Baptist  
174: No. 29 Brody Conley (WVU) dec. Carter Schmit (CBU), 4-2
184: Nathan Haas (CBU) dec. Ian Bush (WVU), 7-2
197: No. 31 Austin Cooley (WVU) dec. Eli Sheeren (CBU), 4-1
HWT: Michael Wolfgram (WVU) dec. Tristan Kemp (CBU), 4-1
125: Jace Schafer (WVU) dec. Mitchell Neiner (CBU), 8-1
133: Richard Murillo (CBU) won by fall Jett Strickenberger (WVU), [T – 7:41]
141: Elijah Griffin (CBU) dec. No. 14 Jordan Titus (WVU), 5-0
149: Paul Kelly (CBU) dec. Sam Hillegas (WVU), 6-3
157: Jeremy Ginter (CBU) dec. Sasha Gavronsky (WVU), 14-9
165: No. 3 Peyton Hall (WVU) dec. Drayden Morton (CBU), 5-1
 
For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.