Springfield, Mo. - At the 2023 Great Lakes Valley Conference championships, the Maryville wrestling team earned a split of its two matches Sunday, Feb. 12. The Saints cruised past Quachita Baptist 40-3 but were edged by No. 23 Drury 21-19.
 
The Saints dominated OBU by winning nine of the 10 bouts. Aidan Haggard earned a forfeit at 125, and JP Homfeld posted an 8-3 decision in the 133 weight class. Taylor Jokerst rolled to a 12-2 major in his 141 matchup, while Tyler Stegall recorded a fall in 3:25 to take his 149 contest.
 
Donavan Whitted worked for a 9-6 decision in the 157 classification, while Cole Ritter had a fast pin in 1:20 in the 165 division. Bret Heil also had a fall in under two minutes as he posted a pin in 1:36 to take his 174 match. At 184, Joey Williams had an 8-2 decision, while Chase Stegall worked for a 5-3 win at 197.
 
The Saints fell behind the host Panthers as Drury took the first three weight classes. Tyler Stegall got Maryville on the board with a narrow 1-0 win at 149. Whitted made it two straight as he recorded a 5-2 decision at 157. However, the Panthers won at 165 and 174. The Saints mounted a late rally in the back half of the weight classes. Williams worked a 16-3 major at 184, and Chase Stegall picked up a forfeit win to take his 197 match. Ryan Herman battled for a 5-2 decision at heavyweights but the Saints were unable to overcome the big early lead by Drury.
 
Maryville is next in action as they head to Edmond, Okla., for the 2023 NCAA Regional Championoships Sunday, Feb. 26, starting at 9 a.m.