The University of Michigan wrestling team opened its 2025-26 season with a decisive 45-0 victory over Virginia Military Institute (VMI) at Cliff Keen Arena. The Wolverines, ranked No. 11 nationally, recorded eight bonus-point wins, including seven by technical fall.
This shutout marks Michigan’s first since a 39-0 win against Central Michigan in the 2023-24 season and is their most dominant win since defeating Oregon State 48-0 during the 2017-18 campaign.
Several wrestlers made notable debuts for the Wolverines. Freshmen Gauge Botero (133 pounds) and Eren Sement (141 pounds) earned victories in their first collegiate duals. Graduate students Diego Sotelo (125), Lachlan McNeil (149), and Taye Ghadiali (heavyweight) each won their first matches representing Michigan. Redshirt freshman Hayden Walters also secured a win in his varsity debut at 197 pounds.
Sotelo, who is ranked 21st at 125 pounds according to InterMat rankings, began the meet with an 18-0 technical fall over Malachi Ortiz of VMI, ending the match in just over two minutes. Botero followed with a technical fall at 133 pounds, winning his bout against Declan Strait by a score of 15-0.
At 141 pounds, Sement defeated Dyson Dunham with a score of 9-2, while McNeil—ranked third nationally at his weight—secured a decision against Patrick Jordon at 149 pounds. Cameron Catrabone, ranked No. 33 at 157 pounds, achieved another technical fall for Michigan by defeating Ray Cmil.
After intermission, three returning Wolverines competed at new weights and all earned technical falls: Dylan Gilcher moved up to compete at 165 pounds and won by an 18-2 margin; Beau Mantanona took a victory at 174; and Brock Mantanona finished strong at 184.
Walters won his match with a major decision before Ghadiali concluded the meet with another technical fall for Michigan’s final points.
Michigan improves to a record of 1-0 and will next participate in the inaugural National Duals Invitational on November 15 and 16 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their opening opponent will be Arizona State. Matches are scheduled to stream live on FloWrestling with finals coverage available on ESPN2.
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