Storm go 3-0 at Knox Duals

GALESBURG, Ill. – The Simpson wrestling team got undefeated performances from Zach Johnston, Brian Haynes and Spencer Ward, and the Storm went a perfect 3-0 at the Knox Duals on Saturday.

Simpson was the class of the tournament, finishing as the only undefeated team in the six-team competition. Simpson beat Wis.-Platteville 20-18, Ozarks 45-9 and North Central (Ill.) 19-15.

The Storm improved their record to 6-6 on the year, the most dual wins in a season since 2011-12 and tied for the most in nine seasons.

Johnston, Haynes and Ward all went 3-0 on the day. Johnston posted a pin and a major decision at 133, Haynes had a pin at 165 and Ward had a major decision at 184.

Simpson 20, Platteville 18
Simpson won five of nine contested matches in the tight match against Platteville. Bonus point wins by Johnston, Jacob Mize (157) and Ward (184) made the difference in the result. Johnston pinned Zach Stenger to even the score 6-6 after Simpson forfeited the 125-pound match. Mize cruised to a 13-0 major decision over Isaac Brosinski and Ward posted an 11-2 major over Cody Meyer.

Simpson 45, Ozarks 9
The result was never in doubt against Ozarks, which forfeited four weights. Johnston had a major decision over Trevor Lister, Jason Clark (149) pinned Eli Garcia, Haynes pinned Jared Keas and Brett Roberts (174) topped Edladin Harmon by technical fall.

Simpson 19, North Central 15
Simpson trailed North Central 12-6 after 157 pounds but got four straight wins to pull away. Haynes picked up a 5-2 decision over Eric Kirkman and Roberts cruised to a 10-1 major decision over Matt Marcotte. Ward and Ethan Calvert added decisions to give Simpson a 19-12 lead.

Up Next
Simpson goes to the Matman Invitational in Mount Vernon next Saturday, Jan. 17.