MM 11.4: Maryland wrestling starts season with wins over Kent State and Bucknell

This is a Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.

By Brinkley Smith

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Strong offensive takedowns allowed Maryland wrestling to beat Kent State, 29-10, and Bucknell, 26-11, in its season opener Sunday at Xfinity Center.

The Terps went back and forth with the Golden Flashes through the first three matches. The sound of squeaking wrestling shoes scuffing against the mat filled the silence until Maryland found its rhythm.

After missing much of last season due to injury, John Martin Best defeated Kent State’s Ethan Barr in a 13-4 major decision. Freshman Branson John also found his first win as a Terp with a major decision, 15-1, against Kent State’s Hunter Andel.

Against Bucknell, freshman Tyler Garvin recorded two takedowns late in the match, bringing the Xfinity Center Pavilion crowd to its feet.

“I went out there with the goal to score points and create positions where I could score, and I think I did that,” Garvin said.

Head coach Alex Clemsen praised Garvin, saying he looked sharp on the mat.

“It’s not easy as a true freshman with your state on your chest and your state’s flag on your back in your local gym to come out, … to start off right away as a true freshman,” Clemsen said.

With new faces and weight class adjustments, Maryland looks to improve its 5-7 record from the last season.

The Terps will travel to Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 9 for the Tiger Style Invite.

In other news

Maryland men’s basketball begins its season Monday at home against Manhattan. Matt Germack previewed the game.

No. 18 Maryland women’s basketball also opens its season Monday at UMBC. Max Schaeffer took a look at the game.

Colin McNamara previewed Maryland men’s basketball’s returning core, which is headlined by Julian Reese.

McNamara, Germack and Ryan Alonardo previewed Maryland men’s basketball’s season on the Testudo Talk Podcast.

Schaeffer covered No. 10 Maryland men’s soccer’s 2-1 loss to No. 1 Ohio State Sunday.

No. 7 Maryland field hockey closed out its regular season with a convincing 4-2 win over No. 17 Penn State on Friday. Nolan Rogalski had the story.

Dylan Schmidt recapped Maryland volleyball’s losses to No. 11 Purdue and Indiana this weekend.

Four Maryland football players were invited to the Shrine Bowl Monday.

Former Maryland football player Tarheeb Still intercepted a ball for the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday.

Hannah Schapiro was Maryland women’s soccer’s recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, it was announced Friday.