Wrestling Wins Second Straight WWC Dual

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Starting at the weight class that won it all against North Dakota State the night before, the Northern Colorado wrestling team won a 29-15 match against South Dakota State on Sunday afternoon to improve to 4-9-1 on the year, and more importantly, 2-1 in Western Wrestling Conference action.

Senior Ryan Johnson started the afternoon on the mat for the Bears at 184 pounds, winning a 4-3 decision against Zach Blindert to give NC the early 3-0 lead. SDSU won the next two bouts, as Tyler Sorenson recorded a technical fall over sophomore Patrick Carey at 197 pounds and Jason Stripling at heavyweight pinned junior Justin Tuell in 2:45.

Junior 125-pounder Tony Mustari received a forfeit, while sophomore Brett Bahe won a 9-4 decision over Alan Marvin and junior Kenny Hashimoto won a 9-5 decision at 141 pounds for the Bears' team lead.

Freshman 149-pounder Mitchell Polkowske tallied an 18-2 technical fall over Nick Flynn and sophomore Justin Gaethje continued to wrestle well, recording a fall over Weston Blasius in 3:44. Freshman Tanner Weiks then posted a 7-2 decision over Weston Ginther at 165 pounds.

In the final bout of the afternoon, freshman Brandon Kammerzell lost a 10-2 major decision to Scott Elliott at 174 pounds.

Northern Colorado returns to the mat on Saturday at Utah Valley in a Western Wrestling Conference match scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

*starting weight