No. 8 Pratt Community College wrestling returned from the Winter break to hit the road and compete in the Cusatis Open hosted by Hastings College.
Wrestling at 197 pounds, sophomore Chris Henderson had the most noteworthy day for the Beavers. All opponents Henderson faced were from either NAIA or NCAA DII schools. Although beginning his day with a 6-5 decision loss to Easton Rendleman from the No. 11-ranked NAIA school in the nation, Oklahoma City University, Henderson bounced back with 3-straight wins. The first victory of the day for Henderson came by way of an 18-5 major decision. Henderson earned a 14-7 decision victory in his next contest by defeating yet another opponent from No. 11 Oklahoma City. His final win of the day ended in a pin fall over the duration of just two minutes and 15 seconds. Henderson's 3-match win streak was ended in his last bout of the open while competing against a wrestler from NCAA DII Colorado School of Mines.
184-pounder Gavin Lively hit the mat for the Beavers at the open as well. Lively opened up the tournament with a loss to Russell Rucklos from NCAA DI South Dakota State. He then proceeded to earn his first win by way of major decision against an Air Force opponent, 22-11. His day of competition ended with a loss to an NAIA wrestler from Northwestern College in a close 5-2 decision.
Pratt wrestling will compete once more at the Kansas Cup before ending their open tournament season. The event will take place on Jan. 13 beginning at 10 a.m.