AUSPICIOUS DEBUT: Former BHS wrestler wrangles out 4th in OKWU opener
After missing out by just two points of qualifying for state in 2022 as a Bartlesville High School wrestling senior, Carter Manley made a stellar debut eight months later on the college level.
The Oklahoma Wesleyan University freshman matter placed among the Eagles’ highest point-getters during last weekend’s Pepsi Patriot tournament in Kentucky.
Manley placed fourth in the freshman/sophomore 184-pound division to earn 11 points.
After losing by fall in the opening round, Manley rallied to win four-straight matches — including a thrilling 15-14 decision in the consolation semifinal.
He then lost in the third place match.
OKWU boasted on tourney champion — Donte Lopez, who ruled supreme in the freshman/sophomore 141-pound group to rack up 18 points. He triumphed in the final by decision (13-6).
Dezi Johnsen came in second in the freshman/sophomore 285-pound group and accumulated 16 points. He came up just shy in the final by decision (11-6).
At 197 pounds, Josh Cortez captured second place and 13 points.
Rounding out the OKWU results, all in the freshman/sophomore divisions, were: Dregen Murray (149, 5.5 points), Andrew Mahoney (157, 3.5), Zeke Wheeler (125, 3.0) and Blayke Brower (165, 2.5 points).
Tom Carr coaches the Eagle matters.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville grad shines in OKWU wrestling opener
