LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University wrestling team introduced themselves with smoke.

The Knights then proceeded to bring the fire.

On Friday evening in Knights Hall, Bellarmine swept Kentucky Wesleyan in its first home meet and dual of the season, rolling to a 49-0 victory over the Panthers.

After a new pre-match spectacle that charged up the home crowd, Bellarmine won all 10 of its bouts, the majority by tech fall or fall.

"What an awesome night to be a KNIGHT! So thankful for all the fans that showed up," Bellarmine Coach Ned Shuck said. "Having just shy of 2,000 people cheering on our team was incredible! Super grateful for the fans standing ovation for all of our veterans, military and first responders who were recognized!"

Freshman Gray Ortis (157), freshman Grant O'Dell (165) and sophomore Thadd Huff (285) all recorded first-period pins.

Freshman Damion Ryan (125) opened the dual with a 20-4 tech fall, the first of five such results. Sophomore Michael Schiffhauer (149) ended his at 20-4, junior Cole Nance (174) at 16-1, sophomore Sam Schroeder (184) at 17-2 and freshman Kalob Johnstone (197) at 15-0.

Freshman Trayce Eckman secured a 7-3 decision over Matthew Velasco at 133, and freshman Chase Hall (141) outlasted Gabe Adams 15-9.

"So proud of my coaching staff, Brendan Murphy and Noah Hardy and administrative team for helping us build Bellarmine Wrestling brick by brick," Shuck said. "Tonight was another huge step in our progression thanks to all their help. Kalob Johnstone impressed me the most with his first home dual just going out and getting after it. He looked free, confident and dominant. Cool start for a young true freshman."

Bellarmine will compete Nov. 18 at the Lindenwood Open.

"Our men enjoyed the production, and got to wrestle in a big-time atmosphere tonight," Shuck said. "Those that didn't get to see it in person this time will have to come out to our next home dual to see an even better show. Can't wait to see you there."

For more coverage of Bellarmine athletics, follow BUKnights on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Bellarmine vs. Kentucky Wesleyan
125: Damion Ryan (BU) def. Bryson Rowley (KWC) by TF, 20-4                      
133: Trayce Eckman (BU) def. Matthew Velasco (KWC) by DEC, 7-3                                                             
141: Chase Hall (BU) def. Gabe Adams (KWC) by DEC, 15-9                            
149: Michael Schiffhauer (BU) def. Will Keener (KWC) by TF, 20-4               
157: Gray Ortis (BU) def. Cade Johnson (KWC) by FALL, 1st                            
165: Grant O'Dell (BU) def. Jeremiah Matthews (KWC) by FALL, 1st            
174: Cole Nance (BU) def. Bryar Lane (KWC) by TF, 16-1                                  
184: Sam Schroeder (BU) def. Shevan Griffith (KWC) by TF, 17-2                  
197: Kalob Johnstone (BU) def. Cameron Fleming (KWC) by TF, 15-0          
285: Thadd Huff (BU) def. Robert Ward (KWC) by FALL, 1st