Mat Mocs release 2021 schedule
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling coach Kyle Ruschell recently announced the Mocs’ 2021 schedule. The action begins on Jan. 2 and includes 12 dual matches in the COVID-19 shortened season.
UTC previously announced the cancellation of the 2021 Southern Scuffle, but it will still host a dual on Jan. 2 when the Mocs open the season against Emmanuel. Chattanooga welcomes the NCAA Division II Lions to Maclellan Gym at 2 p.m.
Chattanooga’s other nonconference action is a quadmeet at Oklahoma State on Jan. 10. UTC faces Oklahoma State, Little Rock and Oregon State in Stillwater.
“Putting together a schedule in this environment has definitely been a challenge, but we appreciate everyone’s patience,” stated Ruschell. “I think what we have set up for this condensed season will get us ready to compete for the Southern Conference championship and the NCAA
Tournament.”
The Southern Conference announced this week that the wrestling championships have moved up a week to Saturday, Feb. 28, in Boone, N.C. This allows for more time to prepare for the NCAA Championships on March 18-20 in St. Louis, Mo.
The condensed Socon regular season schedule includes four tri-matches, beginning Jan. 17 at Gardner-webb. UTC faces GWU and The Citadel to open league action. The Mocs take on VMI and Davidson in Davidson, N.C., on Jan. 23. That is followed by a trip to Boone to face Appalachian State and Presbyterian on Jan. 31.
The final duals of the season are Feb. 5 when UTC hosts Campbell and Bellarmine in Mckenzie Arena. At this time, fans are not allowed at the Jan. 2 or Feb. 5 duals, so no season tickets are on sale. That decision will continue to be evaluated throughout the season. All of the home matches will broadcast on ESPN+.