Every Hawk knocked into wrestlebacks

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Dickinson State has nine wrestlers at the NAIA national tournament this weekend, but none of them will be chasing a championship.

Every Blue Hawk lost on the opening day of the tournament, moving them to today’s marathon consolation round.

Five DSU wrestlers came away with wins before being knocked into the wrestlebacks.

“To be honest, even though we didn’t have anybody on the championship side, we wrestled really well,” DSU head coach Thadd O’Donnell said. “We were aggressive and went after things.”

Beach native Brad Steele was the lone Blue Hawk to grab two wins.

The 149-pound sophomore had pins of 1 minute, 30 seconds and 6:59 to beat Bryan Williams of York (Neb.) and Jake Waterkotte of Missouri Baptist to reach the third round.

He then lost an 18-1 major decision against Jarell Price of Baker (Kan.).

“He had a great day and you’d obviously like to finish with a win going into the evening, but this is something that will light a fire underneath him,” O’Donnell said.

Four DSU wrestlers went 1-1.

Jordan Ewen picked up a 10-6 decision over Oklahoma City’s Willie Delk at 149 pounds, but lost to McKendree’s Ryan Jahn in an 18-2 technical fall.

Nick Zumwalt beat Minot State’s Hunter Field with a 12-3 major decision at 165 pounds, but dropped a 5-3 decision against James Casadaban of Cumberlands — the same wrestler who knocked him into the consolation round last season.

Cameron Schrempp won a 12-3 major decision against Jake McClure of Shorter College (Ga.) in his 174-pound opener, but lost to Notre Dame’s Jon Bittenger by a 4-1 decision in the second round.

Steven Urquizo beat Oklahoma City’s James Brigance by an 11-2 major decision in his 184-pound opener, but lost to Michael French of Great Falls (Mont.) in a 12-3 major decision in the second round.

Four Blue Hawks lost their opening matches.

At 125, Sergio Martinez lost a 5-2 decision to Johnny Papesh of Campbellsville University (Ohio) in his opener. Cody Hilzendeger was pinned by Campbellsville’s Tim Thurston in 5:21 at 133 pounds. Josiah Simburger of York (Neb.) beat Adam Orton in a 16-3 major decision at 141. Lindenwood’s Steven Butler earned a 10-0 major decision against Cody Jamtgaard at heavyweight.

“They did a good job,” O’Donnell said. “We just needed to adjust a couple things and gain some confidence in some areas.”

Tags: blue hawks, college wrestling, sports, wrestling, naia