“Electric Atmosphere: Indiana Dominates Purdue in a Thrilling Showcase of ‘Mackey Mania'”

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. –– The Indiana wrestling team journeyed north for its yearly in-state rivalry duel against Purdue this weekend. The event, which took place in Mackey Arena, was promoted as “Mackey Mania” and attracted a substantial audience of both Indiana and Purdue supporters. 

Indiana dashed Purdue’s plans, clinching the matchup with a clean sweep in the last five weight classes to achieve a 25-11 triumph on Friday in West Lafayette. 

Indiana’s head coach Angel Escobedo has recorded three consecutive dual meet victories over Purdue. Escobedo currently holds a 5-2 record this season and stands at 1-2 in the Big Ten. Similar to last season, Indiana claimed seven out of ten matches in the duel, including two wins via technical fall. The Hoosiers also tallied four ranked victories over their Purdue rivals, featuring considerable upsets at 141 lbs. and 174 lbs. 

Graduate students Donnell Washington and Angelo Rini achieved victories by technical fall, contributing essential bonus points to the team total. In addition, No. 23 redshirt sophomore Gabe Sollars redeemed last season’s defeat to Purdue’s No. 29 redshirt junior Ben Vanadia. 

“I believed they wrestled with great intensity, made necessary adjustments from our match against Rutgers, and responded appropriately,” Escobedo mentioned following the victory. “They showed they can bounce back from setbacks and come out here to rectify their errors, which is all I can ask for as a coach.” 

Among those performers was No. 12 redshirt sophomore Tyler Lillard, who rectified a persistent defeat from the previous season. Lillard had lost twice to No. 33 Purdue redshirt junior Stoney Buell in the last season, including in their latest dual meet. Lillard seized this third chance and turned the previous outcomes around, securing a 5-2 decision against Buell. 

“Comparing last year to this year, I put in more effort into making attacks,” Lillard stated. “Even if I don’t land them, it’s alright; I know that I’m making attempts … I might not succeed on the first or second try, but I’m still progressing towards it.” 

Lillard’s victory marked the first match post-intermission, when IU was behind Purdue 11-8. His win ignited the Hoosiers’ five-match winning streak in the latter part of the duel. 

“My brother,” Lillard replied when asked about his sources of motivation. “I lost my brother in September, so that’s always something that inspires me. I think, ‘If he were still here, he would want to see me pursuing my dreams,’ so I keep that in my thoughts and realize I need to continue for him.” 

Immediately after Lillard’s triumph, redshirt senior Derek Gilcher achieved the upset of the duel by defeating No. 25 redshirt sophomore Brody Baumann in the 174 lbs. contest. Gilcher, participating in only his second match at 174 lbs., clinched a narrow 2-1 decision in hostile territory. Following the match, the chorus of boos from Purdue invoked a grin from Gilcher as he exited the mat. 

“This is a rivalry right here,” Gilcher remarked. “The atmosphere is just wild. I love it; it’s what makes it enjoyable.” 

In a tight contest, Gilcher capitalized on a late stall call to lead 2-1 in the final 20 seconds. The Hoosiers’ relentless offense and attacks provided him with the late point, allowing just enough stamina to repel Baumann’s final attempts at an attack. 

In another notable display, redshirt sophomore Henry Porter, competing at 141 lbs., secured an upset victory over No. 27 Boilermakers sophomore Greyson Clark. Porter executed a slick ankle pick takedown in the first round and added a riding time point to earn the win. Porter held on in the final third period to secure his first ranked victory of the season. 

“I am proud of all those athletes and the way they competed,” Escobedo commented. “They managed to turn around losses they previously experienced and even unseat competitors who were ranked higher.” 

Indiana will be back in action against Michigan State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 24 at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Michigan.