Randy Fisher
McPherson Sentinel

Tied after five matches, Concordia recorded a pin at 165 for an 18-12 lead. That's when Bethany came roaring back, jump-started by Brad Wagner's 3-2 decision over ninth-ranked Alfredo Torres at 174 pounds.

Wagner trailed 2-1 late in the third period when he connected on a diving takedown that carried both wrestlers out of bounds. With 4.8 seconds remaining, Wagner was able to keep Torres on the bottom for the win that cut the deficit to three, 18-15.

"I'm just really proud of Brad Wagner for the way he stepped up and finished that match,"  Bethany coach Jacob Marrs said. "That was the difference in the dual."

Taking Wagner's lead, Matt Atwood won by pin at 184 to put the Swedes up 21-18, and Anthony Grist won 7-2 at 197 for a six-point lead. Although Tyler Smith lost 10-4 at 285, he did what he had to do — not get pinned — as Bethany held on for the upset.

"The first dual we came out really flat, and it was a disappointing performance," Marrs said. "I felt like I really saw a difference in their heart on the mat (in the second dual), and that was what I was most proud of."

Colby Crank and Atwood were the only Swedes to win both their matches.

Bethany competes Sunday in the Kansas Cup at Baker University in Baldwin.

All results from the Bethany College Dual can be found here.