KWC’s Adam Bender named G-MAC Wrestler of the Week

January 12, 2021 | 12:03 am

Updated January 11, 2021 | 12:40 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

This is a Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics press release.

Adam Bender from the Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling team staked claim to the first selection of Great Midwest Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday morning. This is his first conference career weekly honor. This is the third season the Kentucky Wesleyan wrestling program has been in existence with the Great Midwest and the program’s first conference weekly honor.

Bender sets the tone in a big way at the top of the lineup for head coach Rob McCabe and the Panthers’ young program. KWC had three different duals during the week against No. 5 ranked McKendree, Midway and Lincoln, all at home.

The redshirt sophomore delivered bonus points in two of his matches with a pin and a major decision while competing to a decision in his other result.

KWC’s first dual victory of 2020-21 came against Lincoln (Ill.) as Bender again provided an early spark at 125. This time he recorded a 73-second pin against Jake Jozwiak and the Panthers would prevail, 24-21.
Bender gave the Panthers a 4-0 lead against Midway with an 11-2 major decision against Andrew Vogeler. He provided early momentum as his next three teammates came through with consecutive winning decisions to establish a 13-0 lead.

Bender was 11-12 last season in 2019-20 with a pair of pins and technical falls. The Panthers will travel to Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday for a match with regional opponent Ouachita Baptist.

Wesleyan serving as host for the Great Midwest Championship on Saturday, Jan. 23, in Jones Gymnasium, a format which includes individualized brackets for each weight class. Six schools are scheduled to be in attendance, including new associate member Ashland.

The all-day event will include up to (2) wrestlers per weight class vying for all-conference honors in the form of top-three placement in each respective bracket. Additionally, the first Elite 23 Award recipient will be honored for the sport and the coaches will vote on a Wrestler of the Meet

January 12, 2021 | 12:03 am

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