Central takes finale from Simpson
PELLA, Iowa - The Simpson wrestling team ended the regular season with a 27-12 loss against Central Thursday night.
Jeff Sand, Wade Dowling, Cory Stratton and Jordy Ammons all won matches for the Storm (2-14, 0-8 IIAC).
"That is a much improved Central team," head coach Clint Manny said. "My hat is off to coach Van Kley for building a solid team. As we move forward and to continue to build the program I hope each and every team member understands the importance that every individual plays in the team's success."
A tightly contested match, two of Central's six wins were decisions of three points or less and another came in overtime.
Sand (Waukee, Iowa/Waukee), took Simpson's first win at 133 pounds, scoring a 7-5 win over Jon Mendoza. Dowling (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) earned a hard-fought 7-3 win over Zach Beekamn at 157 pounds, moving his season record to 22-17.
Stratton's (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes) 7-5 win over Curtis Hobbs at 165 pounds moved his season record above .500 (12-11). Ammons (Knoxville, Iowa/Knoxville) followed with a 4-1 win over Bobby Vineis.
A turning point in the match came at 141 pounds. Caleb Brus (Creston, Iowa/Creston) led Josh Atwell 5-0 after the first period before Atwell forced overtime in the final seconds of regulation. Atwell then scored a takedown in overtime in the 9-5 win.
"As we finish up the regular season, I can say I'm proud of the guys who have stuck it out and believe in what we're trying to accomplish," Manny said. "I'm looking forward to finishing the season on a high note and putting guys in the national tournament."
Manny and the Storm will get an opportunity to do just that at the Iowa Conference Championships, hosted by Buena Vista Tuesday, Feb. 16 in Storm Lake.
Central 27, Simpson 12
125—Justin Marx (C) won by forfeit
133—Jeff Sand (S) dec. Jon Mendoza, 7-5
141—Josh Atwell (C) dec. Caleb Brus, 9-5 (OT)
149—Joe Atwell (C) won by fall over Kasey Green, 5:20
157—Wade Dowling (S) dec. Zach Beekman, 7-3
165—Cory Stratton (S) dec. Curtis Hobbs, 7-5
174—Jordy Ammons (S) dec. Bobby Vineis, 4-1
184—Keith Rush (C) dec. Curtis Barber, 5-2
197—Holden Blythe (C) won by fall over Ryan Haworth, 1:23
285—Jake Crawford (C) dec. Sam Collora, 3-2
