Over the weekend, the Panthers traveled to East Lansing, Mich., to participate in the Michigan State Open. Big 10 schools that participated in the event included Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State. There were over 32 weight classes in the tournament. The Panthers did well in the open with five members placing in their individual weight class.

Panthers head coach Ralph McCausland was impressed with what he saw in the tournament.

“There were a lot of great players and teams at the tournament,” McCausland said.

McCausland said he was impressed on how his team matched up with the tough competition. Placing in their respective weight classes for the Panthers included Pat Dowty, Matt Veech, Kenny Robertson, Brian Morgan and Pete Ziminski. With a 5-2 record, Dowty placed seventh in the 133 pound class. Veach also placed seventh in the 165 pound class with a 5-2 record. Robertson, competing in his first collegiate tournament, also finished seventh in the 174 class by going 5-2 in play. Morgan, a junior college transfer placed sixth with a 4-2 record in the 197-pound group. Ziminski placed fifth by going 5-2 in 285 weight class.

McCausland was pleased with the team’s first performance of the year.

“We came out and wrestled with a lot of character and heart. Everyone is happy with the way we competed , but we are not completely satisfied with our performance,” McCausland said.

Other than that, the only downside to the match was that Clay French and Veach had to wrestle against one another to see who would place in 165 pound group McCausland said. Last season, one of the Panthers biggest problems was remaining healthy for the season. McCausland was happy to report that Panthers suffered no injuries at the tournament.

McCausland said that the team used this tournament as a measuring stick for what’s to come.

“We used this as a measuring stick to see where we stack up against some of the best teams in the nation. We got a good look at how we stack up against other teams. We can build on our confidence from this experience,” McCausland said.

The season continues for Panthers on Nov. 16, at the Central Missouri Open. Traditional powers Iowa and Illinois will also be competing in the tournament. The Panthers also participate in the Northern Iowa Open before they begin dual play.