The Case Western Reserve University wrestling team has wrapped up its “first season,” according to Head Coach Danny Song, finishing second in the Baldwin Wallace University (BW) Invitational and tenth at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Invitational.

The Spartans’ season is split by a month-long winter break. Their last action before the new year was on Dec. 1 at the RIT Invitational, and they won’t be back on the mats until Jan. 5.

Song will use the time off to drill individual development and technique.

It was CWRU’s first time under Song participating in the BW Invite, and they showcased their talent and depth. Third-year wrestlers Alec Hoover and Isaac Collier paced the Spartans to the team’s best finish in this early campaign, both finishing second in their weight classes. Collier and Hoover each pinned their first opponent to move into the semifinal match, where both wrestlers won.

However, they each lost to BW wrestlers by major decision in the first place match. BW dominated their own invitational, scoring almost 100 points more than the second place Spartans.

CWRU had three first-year wrestlers place fourth in their weight classes: Brandon Callow, Jack Chipps and Aidan McCooey. McCooey recorded two pins in the tournament.

Also placing in the top four for the Spartans were second-year wrestler Brian Kent in third and fourth-year wrestler Brian McNamara in fourth.

In the Rochester Institute of Technology Invitational on Dec. 1, Collier notched the best finish for CWRU, placing fourth. He ended with five victories that day, capping off his day with a technical fall victory to secure fourth. Hoover finished tied for fifth in his weight class. He also finished with five victories and won three of those via pins.

Third-year wrestler Jacob Frisch tied Hoover for fifth, but the two never faced off. Frisch finished his day with four victories including a technical fall.

Last year, Frisch and Collier’s seasons were cut short due to injuries. Song has praised their ability to come back this season much improved after dedicated summers. Both have had excellent seasons thus far.

After the long break, the Spartans will return to action in the Waynesburg Invitational and host the Lourdes/Theil Throwdown on Jan. 9.