By Chloe Bird
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05 Nov, 2024
The University of Mount Union Men’s Wrestling team sets a high standard for themselves. The Raiders are led by fifth year Bryce McCloskey, junior Zakary Taylor, and junior Nicholas Nettleton. These three wrestlers hold themselves to a high standard that the team looks up to, which contributes to the overall success of the team. Nettleton says, “it means a lot to be able to lead the team. I enjoy being with the guys everyday.” Nettleton is off to a strong start in the 2024-2025 season taking home a first place finish at the Mount Union Invitational this past Saturday, November 2nd. He has goals of finishing as an All-American and improving his record from the 2023-2024 season where he finished 19-10. “I feel I could have done better, so improving my performance compared to last year is a big motivator,” said Nettleton. Nettleton is also a two time Academic All-American. Taylor, a transfer from the University of Nebraska, is ready to compete as a Raider as he was unable to during the 2023-2024 season. “I was not into the sport mentally or physically, so I am ready to prove to myself and everyone that I am a competitor and still have some gas in the tank,” said Taylor. He holds himself to a standard that can be hard to find in an athlete; “My personal motto is IYW, impose your will, no matter the result of the match make sure that the person remembers your name for being tough.” Taylor has high expectations for himself to finish top 10 nationally, be an All-American, and overall stay healthy. This Raider is a competitor and leader for the rest of the team, “being a leader means that the team and coaches have trust in you to be able to lead by example and to pick the team up when needed. It also means that you are there to help your teammates not only on the mat but also in their life to help make them a better person.” Taylor leads by example on and off the mat as not only a teammate, but a friend that the other wrestlers can go to for whatever they may need. McCloskey transferred from Thiel College, and has been a strong addition to the Mount Union Wrestling team. He was a 2023-2024 National Qualifier and is eager to make it back and end up on the podium. WIth a record of 22-12 last season, McCloskey is hoping to improve his record this season and finish his collegiate career on top; “I was a national qualifier last year and it makes me feel one step closer to accomplish something I’ve dreamed of for 17 years now, and that is standing on the podium as an All-American,” stated McCloskey. McCloskey leads by example for fellow Raiders as he puts his full heart and mind into the sport, “I’m looking forward to building Mount wrestling back into what it once was, and connect with the guys to hopefully pass off my mentality so it’ll stay in the Mount wrestling room.” McCloskey has team goals of being top ten nationally and individual goals of being an All-American and Academic All-American. His path to success does not come easy as he trains during the season “with a focus to become confident mentally and physically on the mat, and sacrifice everything that will not help me achieve my goal of standing on the podium in March.” McCloskey leads by example to the younger Raiders as he is never satisfied and always knows that he has room to improve.  The Raiders kicked off their season at home November 2nd at the Mount Union Invitational. Six Raiders finished top 8 or higher in their individual weight classes. Sophomore Steven Marra earned the Most Pins in the Least Amount of Time award with 5 pins in a total time of 5:34. With a strong start to the season, success is bound to happen with the work ethic of this team. The Raiders head to Ohio Northern this Saturday, November 9th and take on the Polar Bears at 7p.m. The next home match for the Raiders is Tuesday, December 3rd in Timken Gymnasium at 7p.m where they will take on Otterbein. Be sure to come out and support Nettleton, Taylor, McCloskey, and their teammates this season!