Oregon State opened its season with purpose on Sunday afternoon, securing a steady 25-9 win over Utah Valley in front of 1,311 fans at Gill Coliseum.
The Beavers looked composed from the start, and kept control throughout the meet against a Wolverines squad that was close to jumping into the NCAA top 25. Utah Valley secured 16 points in the NWCA coaches poll, while OSU sat a one. Army, the last team to make the Top 25 in the previous poll grabbed 32 points from the voters.
No. 17 Maximo Renteria set the pace at 125 pounds by attacking early and earning an 11-1 major decision over No. 27 Bridger Ricks. His fast start helped give Oregon State the early spark it needed.
Freshman Manny Saldate followed with a determined 6-4 win at 133, pushing the Beavers ahead 7-0. His effort showed poise and maturity in the early stages of his college career.
Utah Valley earned wins at 141 and 149, but Oregon State stayed steady and refused to let the momentum slip. The Beavers answered with five consecutive victories that put the dual out of reach.
At 157, Joel Adams controlled the pace and earned a clean 7-3 decision. His composure helped settle the lineup as the dual moved into its middle weights.
Keller Rock kept the pressure high at 165, taking a dominant 17-4 major decision over Zyon Trujillo. His work rate widened the team lead and reestablished Oregon State’s rhythm.
Matthew Olguin followed with a commanding 21-6 technical fall at 174, marking the 49th win of his college career. His steady presence showed the maturity that anchors the heart of the lineup.
At 184, No. 28 TJ McDonnell earned a strong 12-5 decision over No. 32 Caleb Uhlenhopp. He kept a consistent pace that helped maintain control of the meet.
No. 9 Justin Rademacher remained perfect at 197, sealing a 4-1 win with a late takedown. His ability to finish bouts with precision continues to stand out.
Utah Valley claimed the heavyweight match when Jack Forbes defeated Charley Hastriter 7-2. The result, however, came after Oregon State had already secured the meet.
After the dual, Head Coach Chris Pendleton said the win carried meaning because Utah Valley defeated Oregon State last year. He said the group competed with pride, the result felt good, and the priority now is keeping the wrestlers healthy and focused for what’s next.
The Beavers will travel to Bakersfield, California on Nov. 23 for the Roadrunner Open, where they look to continue building momentum early in the season.
