Written by David Mann
CAMBELLSVILLE, Ky. – It was a tough weekend with a silver lining for the Darton State College wrestlers as they took on some of the nation’s top university programs at the Campbellsville University Best Western Duals in Cambellsville, Ky.

DSC Wrestling alumni stop for a quick picture, left to right: Jeff Drever, KJ Jordan, James Bennett, Trey Hicks, Kafuba Donzon, Terry Harris and Dillon Schou
The young Darton team struggled, going 0-3 with Indiana Tech, Campbellsville University and University of the Cumberlands. Darton State head wrestling coach James Hicks, who as a student-athlete wrestled for tournament-host Campbellsville University, remains optimistic however and feels the tournament made Darton a stronger team.
“Right now we are going through the rough part of our schedule the results might not show it but we are getting better,” Hicks said. “We wrestled three of the best non –division 1 programs in the country it was great to get that experience.”
Some of Darton’s individuals did get some excellent results though. Most notable may be David Caston’s win by decision over No. 8-ranked Mitch Pawlak of Indiana Tech. Darton’s Umar Ansari took a pair wins over Cumberlands’ Devon Goings and Indiana Tech’s Mitch Roadruck.
Darton’s Zach Wright, Anthony Smith and Matt Carroll all took wins against the University of the Cumberlands team.
Darton was well represented by several alumni at the tournament who have transferred and enjoyed successful wrestling stints at university programs. Among them were 184-pounder Trey Hicks, who is ranked No. 5, 149-lb. Jeff Drever, and No. 14-ranked Dillon Schou, all of whom attend Life University.
Darton alumni Kafuba Donzon, ranked No. 7, and James Bennett, both of Indiana Tech, won all of their matches at the tournament.
“It was great to see so many Darton Wrestling alumni in the same building wrestling so well,” Hicks said. “I am proud of all those guys, even the ones I didn’t get a chance to coach.”
Darton is scheduled to travel next to the Cumberland Open in Lebanon, Tenn., on Jan. 18.
The Cavs will host the Cavalier Duals at noon on Jan. 25, at Darton.