WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — The Midway University men's wrestling team continued its opening weekend of the 2026-27 season Saturday at the Pepsi Patriot Open, hosted by the University of the Cumberlands, with several Eagles turning in strong performances.
Andrew Berkon and Sebastian Hutchinson highlighted the tournament with multiple victories, while Owen Ostler and Thorin Johnson each recorded their first collegiate wins.
The tournament came just one day after Midway opened its season with a home dual against Rochester Christian University.
Berkon Highlights Tournament with Two Victories
Competing in the 157-pound weight class, Berkon finished the tournament with two victories.
He opened the competition against Elija Halbert, earning a 14-7 decision.
Berkon then suffered a 13-5 major decision loss to Erick Grady before responding with an impressive performance against Justin Gjinaj.
The Midway wrestler recorded a 13-4 major decision over Gjinaj, securing his second victory of the tournament.
Berkon's run concluded with an 8-3 decision loss to Joseph Lugabihl.
The tournament also followed Friday night's dual against Rochester Christian, where Berkon had faced Elijah Bibbert. Berkon's performance Saturday provided a positive response following the season opener.
Hutchinson Records Two Victories at 197 Pounds
Sebastian Hutchinson also delivered one of Midway's strongest performances of the afternoon, recording two victories in the 197-pound weight class.
After receiving an opening-round bye, Hutchinson began his tournament with a dominant 17-2 technical fall victory over Noah Iobe, ending the match at the 6:15 mark.
Hutchinson then faced Ashton Boswell, falling by a 12-2 major decision.
He responded in his next match, defeating Efe Can Atak by a 12-9 decision in a closely contested bout.
Hutchinson's tournament concluded with a loss by fall to Travis Henke at 6:35.
His two victories, including a technical fall, highlighted a productive outing for the Eagles.
Ostler and Johnson Earn First Collegiate Victories
Saturday also marked an important milestone for Owen Ostler and Thorin Johnson, who each earned their first collegiate victories.
Competing at 141 pounds, Ostler received an opening-round bye before falling to Eric Williams by fall at 2:15.
Ostler bounced back in his next match against Yair Bran, securing his first collegiate victory by fall in just 1:32.
His tournament ended with a loss by fall to Ryan Smith at the 3:00 mark.
At 184 pounds, Johnson also recorded his first collegiate victory.
Johnson opened his tournament with a loss by fall to Jakore Brown before facing Francesco Salvino in his second bout.
After falling to Salvino, Johnson responded with a victory over Gavin Prater, securing a fall in just 1:29.
The victory marked Johnson's first collegiate win and provided another highlight for the Eagles during their opening weekend.
Additional Eagles in Action
Several other Midway wrestlers competed at the Pepsi Patriot Open, gaining valuable experience against a competitive field.
At 133 pounds, Alex Velazquez opened his tournament with an impressive 21-5 technical fall victory over Blake Eatman in 4:10.
Velazquez later fell to Lee Camp by fall at 1:38 before concluding his tournament with a 22-4 technical fall loss to Evan Fuchs.
Lucas Hall also competed at 133 pounds, falling to Aurelio Mendez by a 19-6 major decision before suffering a loss by fall to Ty Biggart.
At 125 pounds, Germain Velasquez opened with a loss by fall to Rylen Gonda before suffering a disqualification loss against Daniel Prior.
Thomas Sang also competed at 125 pounds, falling by technical fall to Mason Nelson before suffering a 15-5 major decision loss to David Maxson.
At 141 pounds, Garrett Chain fell by technical fall to Brayden Kreikemeier before losing a 10-3 decision to Joshua Figueredo.
Samuel Mullins competed at 165 pounds, recording an injury-related result against Hussein Ali before receiving a bye and advancing by medical forfeit against James Harris.
At 174 pounds, Abram Ross suffered an 18-1 technical fall loss to Matthew Cobb before falling to Hunter Prosen by fall at 2:23.
Dylan Burton competed at 184 pounds, falling to Bryson Leonhardt by fall at 3:40 before suffering a 17-2 technical fall loss to Carter Peterson.
Canon Prince competed at 157 pounds, falling by technical fall to Semaj Dobbins before suffering a loss by fall to Brock Arrowood.
Jaxon Truax also competed at 184 pounds, falling by fall to Tyson Barnhart and Derek Washington.
Looking Ahead
Following a busy opening weekend that included Friday night's home dual against Rochester Christian and Saturday's Pepsi Patriot Open, Midway will look to build on its early-season experience.
The Eagles' performances at the tournament provided encouraging signs, particularly from Berkon and Hutchinson, while the first collegiate victories for Ostler and Johnson marked important milestones for the program.
As the season progresses, Midway will look to continue developing its young roster and building momentum through its upcoming competitions.
ABOUT MIDWAY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and its 29 athletic teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.
