BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University wrestling split the weight classes 5-5, but was able to overcome a pesky Gardner-Webb team by taking the final two matches, winning 19-17 on Tuesday night in Varsity Gym.
The 16th-ranked Mountaineers (11-2, 5-0 Southern Conference) went ahead 13-0 early by getting three wins, two of which were bonus points, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs were bale to claw back in by rattling off five-straight weight-class victories to take the lead.
Down 17-13 and with the momentum against him, sophomore Randall Diabe stepped up to face off against Payton Mills in a must-win situation at the 197-pound class for the Black and Gold.