Wrestling falls to Wartburg in home opener

INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson wrestling team had a tough time with the four-time defending national champions from Wartburg on Wednesday night, losing 52-0 in the home-opener.

The 10th-ranked Knights (1-0) collected four pins on the night to defeat the Storm (1-1) on Military Appreciation Night at Cowles Fieldhouse.

"We went out and a had a lot of fight," head coach Nate Hansen said. "The effort was there."

Simpson's best chance at scoring points on the night was at 174 pounds when Brett Roberts jumped out to a 9-2 lead over Brandon Welter. Welter came back in the third period, though, getting a takedown on Roberts and finishing off the pin with less than a minute to go in the match.

"We have to make adjustments and we have to do it in a hurry," Hansen said. "You have to be quick learners this time of year when you compete in a dual during the midweek and go to a tournament on Saturday."

The Storm gave up a forfeit at 125 pounds and were without a few of their regulars as Wartburg won its 173rd consecutive conference dual.

"We've got a bunch of guys who are upset, and that's a positive thing," Hansen said. "They expect themselves to win and score points. They expect more out of themselves.

"You have to learn from these losses and as long as we respond to it, I think it will be a good thing."

Salute to Service

In honor of Military Appreciation Night, Simpson held a short ceremony prior to the dual honoring former Simpson wrestler and 1982 graduate, Colonel Gary Freese. Freese has served in the National Guard for the past 34 years.

Up Next

Simpson travels to the Coe Invitational this Saturday, Nov. 22. Start time is set for 9 a.m. in Cedar Rapids.