BEREA, Ohio --  The Baldwin Wallace University wrestling team opened its 2015-2016 home schedule with a 48-6 victory against Cleveland cross-town rival Case Western Reserve University in the Rudolph Ursprung Gymnasium inside the Lou Higgins Center.

The Spartans (0-1) grabbed a 6-0 lead when BW (1-2) forfeited at 125 pounds. The Yellow Jackets closed the gap to 6-4 when senior two-time NCAA Division III All-American Jesse Gunter (Akron/ Coventry), who is ranked fourth nationally by the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association), won by major decision, 8-0. BW gained a 10-6 lead when CWRU forfeited at 141 pounds and junior Zach Taylor (Brunswick) earned a victory.

At 149 pounds, senior four-year starter Joey Schmidt (Hinckley/ Brunswick) pinned his CWRU opponent in 43 seconds to give BW a 16-6 advantage. The combination of a 22-8 major decision by junior Graham Montague (Independence) at 157 pounds and a forfeit win for four-year starter at 2014 NCAA Division III national qualifier David Shapiro (Beachwood), who is ranked 10th in Division III, pushed the BW lead to 26-6..

At 174 pounds, BW All-American Garrett Chase (Erie, Pa./ Cathedral Prep), ranked fourth in Div. III, won by a pin in 4:30 to increase the lead to 32-6. Senior four-year starter Ben LeBrun (Strongsville) pinned his Spartan opponent in 59 seconds and the lead grew to 38-6.

At 197 pounds, sophomore All-Ohio Athletic Conference grappler Tyler Maclellan (Medina/ Cuyahoga Valley Christian Acaddemy) won 16-5 by major decision to build the lead to 42-6. In the final match at 285 pounds, senior four-year starter Joe Belford (Berea/St. Edward) pinned his CWRU foe in 4:42.

The Yellow Jacket wrestlers ae back in action this Saturday, November 21 when they travel to Alliance, Ohio to compete at the annual University of Mount Union Duals. BW will wrestle four matches at Mt. Union.