ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Southern Virginia University men's wrestling team opened its 2026 season Saturday at the Mount Union Invitational.

Featuring 320 wrestlers from 17 teams, the invitational provided the Knights with an opportunity to compete against a large and competitive field.

Southern Virginia was led by Tanner Giatras, who competed at 184 pounds and advanced to the fifth-place match. Giatras opened his tournament with a 6-2 victory over Kodi Pfeiffer of Case Western Reserve before edging Nathan Barkley of Saint Vincent, 9-8, in the quarterfinals. After falling to Patrick Jackson of Gannon by fall in the semifinals, Giatras dropped his consolation semifinal matchup to Mitchell Baronner of Gannon by technical fall. His fifth-place match against Bear Horgan of John Carroll was recorded as a no contest.

Marc Richardson also put together a strong performance at 285 pounds, earning two victories in the heavyweight field. Richardson pinned Payton Schaum of Seton Hill in his opening match before earning a 17-5 major decision over Dawson Brown of John Carroll. He then fell to Scotty Edwards of Muskingum by fall in the quarterfinals and Jonah McCoy of Saint Vincent in the consolation bracket.

At 157 pounds, Corbin Mecham recorded a victory after receiving a first-round bye. Mecham fell to Ethan Bartlett of Ohio Northern in the championship bracket before earning a 6-1 decision over teammate Brad Giatras in the consolation bracket. His tournament ended with a loss to Gavin Resor of Muskingum by technical fall.

Additional Results

Aiden Reed (125): Fell by technical fall, 18-0, in his opening match; received a first-round consolation bye; fell by fall in his next match.

Jaton Wellington (141): Fell by fall in his opening match; received a first-round consolation bye; fell by fall in his next match.

Richie Kulessa (149): Fell by technical fall, 15-0, in his opening match; received a first-round consolation bye; fell by fall in his next match.

Trae White (157): Fell by technical fall, 20-3, in his opening match before dropping his consolation match by technical fall, 15-0.

Brad Giatras (157): Pinned Jasiah Harris of Randolph in the consolation bracket before falling to teammate Corbin Mecham, 6-1, and later dropping a match by technical fall.

Aden James (184): Fell by fall in his opening match; received a first-round consolation bye; fell by fall in his next match.

Southern Virginia will return to the mat Saturday, November 14, at the Washington & Jefferson Invitational.

For the latest news and updates on Southern Virginia wrestling, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_wrestling on Instagram.