Roberts, Ward lead wrestling to commanding win in opener at Graceland

LAMONI, Iowa – Brett Roberts and Spencer Ward started off the season with pins and the Simpson wrestling team earned five bonus-point wins in a commanding 34-9 win over Graceland on Tuesday.

Roberts pinned Payton Turner in 2:06 at 174 pounds and Ward pinned Deric Ginther in 5:54 at 184 to help the Storm (1-0) sweep weights 149-285.

"In the locker room, I told the guys I didn't care if they won," head coach Nate Hansen said. "They didn't misunderstand that. They knew the only thing that mattered was their effort to score points.

"That's what nine guys went out and did. The result took care of itself."

Simpson lost just one contested match on the night, relinquishing six points due to a forfeit at 125 to start the match. Freshman Devan Berrian got Simpson on the board, picking up his first career win by beating Cartland Allen 17-4 at 133 pounds.

Trailing 9-4, Jason Clark helped swing momentum in the Storm's favor by edging out a 12-10 decision over Dakota Hill at 149.

Bryce Wignall gave Simpson its first bonus-point win by scoring a technical fall over Brandon Seward at 157 for an 11-9 lead.

In his first college match after a two-year absence, Brian Haynes earned an 8-5 win over Dakota Britt at 165. Freshman Eric Quador cruised to an 11-0 win over Deon Williams at 197 and Colby Vlieger closed out the night with a 7-1 decision over Ryan Paige at 285.

Up Next

Simpson travels to Decorah, Iowa this weekend for the Luther Open on Saturday, Nov. 15.