The Lindenwood wrestling team concluded its three-day stay in Hays, Kan. after it competed in the Bob Smith Open hosted by Fort Hays on Saturday.
 
Derek Heil, an occasional starter from last year, made his season debut in the 125-pound flight for the Lions. After receiving a bye first round, he pushed Zane Baugh of Baker, but fell by an 8-3 decision. Heil bounced back by pinning his opponent 24 seconds into the match then lost in a tightly-contested 5-4 decision.
 
Chase Kelley added his second win of the season in the consolation of the 141-pound section. He edged his opponent by a 9-6 decision. Shea Spradley also made noise for the Lions when he collected two victories at 157 pounds. He advanced a round thanks to a forfeit followed by a pin in the third round of the match. Spradley's win total increased to seven on the young season.
 
The highlight of the day came in the 174-pound bracket. Patrick Kristin, who held an 8-4 record entering the tournament, tallied two more wins that helped him reach the quarterfinals. Both wins resulted from pins, his first and second of the season.
 
John Kramer represented the Lions in the heavyweight division and picked up his third win of the season by pinning his opponent just 45 seconds into the match. That was his second pin of the year.
 
Head coach Jimmy Rollins sat a few wrestlers to give them rest for more upcoming matches.
 
The Lions return to action on Saturday, December 10 when they host the University of Indianapolis in a dual match from Hyland Arena starting at 7 pm.