MTSU Wrestling kicked off it’s 2012-13 campaign yesterday at the 2012 Mercer Bear Invitational Tournament in Macon, GA. The Raiders were unable to defend last year’s championship, placing second behind host school Mercer Univeristy. Injuries kept the Blue Raiders from scoring in both the 149lb and 157lb weight classes, but strong performances by Shane Shaffner (2nd at 125), Eric Feuerbacher (2nd at 133), Anthony Patnode (3rd at 133), Gabe Gamadamis (2nd at 141), Everett Colbert (1st at 165), Rakim Talley (3rd at 174), Jonathan Roberts (2nd at 184), Mike LaBadie (1st at 197), Rashied Rayford (3rd at 285), and Tyler Bond (2nd at 285) down the stretch closed the gap and solidified them ahead of 3rd place Georgia Southern but just shy of Mercer.

MTSU and Mercer were both ranked headed into the weekend, with Mercer ranked 8th and MTSU ranked 15th in the NCWA Coaches Poll.