Storm wrestlers fall to Central

PELLA, Iowa – The Simpson wrestling team got a pair of bonus point wins and strung together three wins in a row late in the match, but it wasn't enough in a 29-11 loss at Central in the regular season finale on Thursday night.

The result sets up a rematch for seventh place in the Iowa Conference Dual Finals next Friday, Feb. 14 in Pella.

Jacob Mize, Brett Roberts and Taylor Witzel all earned wins for the Storm (3-13, 0-7 Iowa Conference).

Mize got Simpson on the board by scoring a 15-4 major decision over Zach Moss at 165 pounds. Roberts followed up with an equally impressive 14-4 major over Sam Apland at 174. The 184-pound match was closer, but Witzel got a late escape and was able to avoid a late takedown attempt by David Demmer to hold on for an 8-6 win.

The dual began at 285 pounds as the Dutch (5-9, 1-5) got out to a 26-0 lead. Colby Vlieger dropped an 8-2 decision at 285 and Central rattled off five straight bonus point wins, getting a forfeit, two majors and two technical falls.

Jared Bevins staged a comeback in the 197-pound match, outscoring Matt Seabold 4-3 in the final period. After entering the final two minutes trailing 8-3, he pulled within 9-7 before Seabold scored an escape and was awarded a point for riding time for an 11-7 final.