Wrestlers face nation's best at IIAC Duals

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Simpson wrestling team endured a tough day at the Iowa Conference Duals hosted by Loras, dropping duals to a trio of foes ranked in the nation's top 15.

Simpson lost to No. 13 Loras 43-3, No. 7 Luther 48-0 and No. 6 Coe 55-0.

"The peaks and the valleys in wrestling aren't very far apart," head coach Nate Hansen said. "We closed last week with a few big wins, but had a tough week this time around. We're at a valley now, but the next peak can be right around the corner depending on how we respond."

The Storm (3-11, 0-6 Iowa Conference) closed out a 0-4 week that began with a heartbreaking 24-19 loss at Buena Vista. Tacking on three more duals Saturday paid a toll on a team already banged up, but Hansen looks to have his team ready for the final home dual of the season on Saturday, Feb. 1.

"This week was tough on us physically, but we'll use these next few days to get healed up and be ready to send our seniors out the right way."

Taylor Witzel picked up Simpson's lone win of the day, a 9-3 decision over Mathias Palmersheim of Loras at 184.

Dubuque comes to Simpson on Feb. 1 for a 1 p.m. start in Hopper Gym. It is Military Appreciation Day, as all members of the military will receive free admission to the dual. Witzel, along with fellow seniors Jared Bevins and Jeff Sand, will be recognized in a ceremony before the dual.