McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's wrestling team is preparing to begin its 2024-25 season on Saturday, November 9. The Titans will compete at the Millikin Open, held at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center in Decatur, Illinois. This marks the second consecutive year that the team will start its season at Millikin University's tournament.

The Titans bring back six wrestlers from last season. Among them are seniors Omar AlQammaz, Bobby Conroy, and Leonardo Reyes; junior Jaxson Roberts; and sophomores Austin Johnston and Jeremy Olson. The team also welcomes 11 new members along with a fresh coaching staff led by interim head coach Adam Richards, assisted by Michael Triplett, Brian Roberts, and Steven Robbins.

Bobby Conroy enters his senior year after achieving a 16-9 overall record last season. He placed in the top three at five tournaments and became Illinois Wesleyan's first All-CCIW honoree since the program's return by finishing third in the 184-pound weight class at the 2024 CCIW Championships.

Sophomore Austin Johnston had an impressive freshman year with a team-high of 17 wins and leading with 13 pins. He placed fourth in the 133-pound weight class at the CCIW Championships with a record of 3-2.

Illinois Wesleyan's schedule for this season includes five dual meets. The Titans will host one dual meet against Millikin on Friday, November 15, which will also serve as senior day for their three seniors.

Seventeen teams are expected to participate in this year's Millikin Open, including Aurora and Elmhurst from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), along with host Millikin University. The competition begins at 9:30 a.m., and results will be available on iwusports.com after the event concludes.