POWELL, Wyo. – The University of Providence men's wrestling team officially opened their season on Saturday, splitting their duals in Powell, Wyo.

The Argos (1-1) defeated Northwest 50-3 in the first dual of the day before falling to Western Wyoming, who is ranked #3 nationally at the junior college level, 34-9.

Deven Altenburg-Lasher, Joel Avila and Caleb Birdwell got things started for the Argos, winning the first three matches. The Argos continued rolling until the 197 lb. weight class, where Ryker Blackburn defeated Liam Swanson 8-6 by decision. It was the only loss the team would suffer against the Trappers. 

"We knew we would match up well with Northwest," head coach Steve Komac said. "The dual went well. We only lost one match in a tightly-contested bout at 197."

Things looked a little different against Western Wyoming. The Mustangs jumped out to a hot start, winning the first five matches of the dual. Jordan Komac got the first points on the board for the Argos, taking down Collin Smith by a 6-1 decision. KC Buday was the only other win of the dual, pinning Wyatt Kearn for his second fall of the day.

"We got beat in several places where we are capable of getting better," Komac said. "We got outhustled in some positions and will need to clean up some techniques as well as improve our overall effort."

The Argos will look to get back on track next week with a road dual against rival Montana State-Northern on Wednesday. The dual will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Havre, Mont.

Results vs. Northwest.
125: Deven Altenburg-Lasher win by fall (1:55) over Ivan Lee
133: Joel Avila win by technical fall 17-1 over Avery McSpadde 
141: Caleb Birdwell win by decision 3-0 over Kendell Cummings
149: Gavin Gies win by forfeit
157: Dougie Swanson win by forfeit 
165: Jordan Komac win by forfeit 
174: Bridger Hall win by forfeit 
184: Alan Badley win by forfeit 
197: Ryker Blackburn win by decision 8-6 over Liam Swanson
285: KC Buday win by fall (4:27) over Traycee Norman

Results vs Western Wyoming 
125: Garrett Ricks win by major decision 11-0 over Deven Altenburg-Lasher
133: Joseph Mecham win by decision 6-0 over Joel Avila
141: Caleb Nathan win by major decision 12-2 over Caleb Birdwell
149: River Wardle win by fall over (0:51) Gavin Gies 
157: Riggen Cordingly win by major decision 12-0 over Dougie Swanson
165: Jordan Komac win by decision 6-1 over Collin Smith
174: Christian Smoot win major decision 14-4 over Bridger Hall
184: Andrew Nicholson win by fall (2:55) over Alan Badley
197: Tyler Schuern win by major decision 16-3 over Liam Swanson
285: KC Buday win by fall (4:47) over Wyatt Kearn