EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Men's Wrestling Team will make history on Wednesday evening when it competes in its first-ever match. The contest against Averett University will take place at the John Rutledge King Center at 7:00 p.m.
"After navigating all the COVID-19 restrictions last semester, we are beyond excited for our first dual meet in school history," said Head Coach Pete Hansen. "It is even more exciting that we get to set the tone as the debut athletic event for Emory & Henry this year."
Joining Hansen matside is Kayla Bartosch, who assumed the role of Assistant Men's & Women's Wrestling Coach in December. No stranger to the region, Bartosch was a four-year letterwinner at King (Tenn.) University where she was a 2014 WCWA All-American and helped lead the Tornado to its first WCWA National Championship.
Wednesday will be the first of three home wrestling matches for the Wasps in their inaugural season. E&H will also host Southern Virginia University on Friday, February 12 and Patrick Henry Community College on Friday, February 19. The first bouts of both contests are set for 7:00 p.m.
RELATED – 2020-21 Emory & Henry Men's Wrestling Schedule
This coming Saturday, Emory & Henry will compete in the Star City Classic presented by the United States Marine Corps in Salem, Virginia. Last year, 13 schools from six different states competed in the invitational tournament including familiar opponents like Averett, Ferrum College, Greensboro College, and Washington and Lee University.
The Wasps will travel to face the Ferrum Panthers next Wednesday (Jan. 20) for a 7:00 p.m., match and are set to take on Bluefield College and Greensboro in a tri-match at Bluefield on Friday, January 29. E&H is also exploring a match with fellow start-up program in Shenandoah University on Tuesday, February 16. Details are still being worked out for that event.
As a reminder, per Old Dominion Athletic Conference policy, spectators are not permitted at indoor events for the spring 2021 semester. Fans are encouraged to tune in online and watch the live stream of the match between the Wasps and Cougars. Links to match information can be found at www.GoWasps.com/live.
"We will miss our parents, students, alumni and friends on Wednesday night," added Hansen. "We have already received such amazing support from our community and look forward to the day when they are able to join us."
Emory & Henry made a significant investment in its live streaming resources during the offseason and also has a new partnership with Blueframe Technologies which will provide fans with an enriched viewing experience including multiple camera angles and an enhanced graphics package.
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