The Barton Community College wrestling team kicked off the 2021-22 season this past weekend at the Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open in Maryville, Missouri.

Leading the Cougars two pack was Dawson Chavez's fourth place finish achieving a 5-1 record in the 149-division bracket.

Chavez opened his sophomore campaign with an opening round bye before falling to the consolation side of the bracket suffering a 15-6 major decision to the University of Indianapolis, Brayden Lowery. Chavez rebounded back with four straight falls including a revenge first period pin over Lowery advancing to the Consolation Semifinals. The sophomore made it five straight victories with an 8-5 decision over Christian Laguerre of McKendree University advancing to the third place bout. Due to daily match limits reached, Chavez had to submit a no contest decision to McKendree's Ryan Haynes.

Izaiah Del Valle kick started his season with a first round 17-1 tech fall over Avery Snyder of Kentucky Wesleyan. The sophomore was bounced to the backside of the bracket by a 7-2 decision in the quarterfinal round to Labette Community College's Charles Neuman. Delvalle's day come to a halt in the consolation side dropping a tight 2-1 decision to Brody Von Brethorst of Missouri Valley.

Barton's next action comes this Saturday as the Cougars head northeast to Des Moines, Iowa for the Grand View Open.