Win over St. John's highlights Simpson's day at Gator Duals

NASHVILLE - The Simpson wrestling team earned a 30-24 win over St. John's (Minn.) in the first contest of the day to highlight the Storm's showing at the 2014 Gator "Boots" Duals, hosted by Luther College at McGavock High School.

The Storm finished the day 1-3, facing some of the nation's top teams. Simpson lost to No. 18 Johnson & Wales 30-15, Waynesburg 34-4 and No. 22 Alma 43-3.

Freshman 149-pounder Jonathan Melton had a breakout day, posting a 3-1 record to lead the team. Zach Johnston (133), Jacob Mize (157), Brian Haynes (165) and Spencer Ward all posted two wins.

The Storm (3-6) won five of eight contested matches against the Johnnies, getting four pins and a major decision. Johnston (133), Melton (149), Mize (157) and Ward (184) all recorded pinfall victories and Roberts (174) captured a major decision. Brian Haynes (165) added a win via forfeit.

Aside from the pin over Brian McCann of St. John's, Melton's matches were all tight. He beat Michael Ferinde (Johnson & Wales) 12-9 and added another three-point win against John Julien (Alma), 5-3. His lone loss of the day was a 12-9 setback against Luke Lohr (Waynesburg).

Up Next: Simpson is off until Tuesday, Jan. 6 when it "hosts" Buena Vista in an Iowa Conference dual at Blake Fieldhouse near Indianola Middle School.

Gator Duals Rundown