The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked 12th nationally, competed in the National Duals Invitational sponsored by Paycom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team split its second session, falling to fourth-ranked Iowa 24-13 in the quarterfinals and defeating seventh-ranked Lehigh 21-13 in the wrestlebacks.
Lucas Byrd achieved a career milestone during the tournament by securing his 100th career win. Byrd finished the day with a perfect 3-0 record and now holds an overall mark of 100 wins and 16 losses, including a dual meet record of 44-3.
In their matchup against Iowa, Illinois tied the score early after Byrd defeated No. 2 Drake Ayala by decision, 7-2. “This time around it was no different as Byrd cruised to a 7-2 decision win to tie the dual back up at three, the closest it would get the rest of the night.” Iowa then took control by winning matches at several weights before Kannon Webster recorded a major decision over Jordan Williams. Despite a late win by heavyweight Luke Luffman due to injury default, Illinois could not overcome Iowa’s lead.
Against Lehigh, both teams exchanged leads throughout the contest. After dropping the first bout, Byrd’s technical fall over Mason Ziegler put Illinois ahead. Lehigh responded with two straight victories before Webster closed the gap with another ranked win. Colin Kelly started a winning streak for Illinois at 174 pounds that continued through victories from Chris Moore, Cade Lautt, and Luffman. These results secured Illinois’ upset over Lehigh.
Illinois will continue competing in Tulsa on November 16 against No. 11 Virginia Tech for a chance to advance to either the fifth-place or seventh-place dual later that day.