Simpson battles in 36-12 loss to Central

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson wrestling team won three of eight contested matches but couldn't overcome a pair of forfeits in a 36-12 loss to Central on Thursday night at Hopper Gymnasium.

Bryce Wignall picked up a pin for the Storm at 165, and Brett Roberts and (174) and Colby Vlieger (285) added decisions for the Storm (7-11, 1-6 Iowa Conference).

Despite the loss, head coach Nate Hansen was happy with the aggression his team showed in the final dual of the season.

"If I were Central, I wouldn't feel comfortable with that win," Hansen said. "I felt as though we were the more offensive team and we looked to score in every match. We just made a few mistakes."

Wignall put Simpson on the board, establishing himself as the aggressor form the outset. Wrestling in his first match since November, the sophomore showed no signs of rust, leading 5-3 after two periods before earning the pin at the 5:32 mark.

Roberts controlled his match against Sam Apland, just missing a major decision in a 12-5 final, his team-leading 21st win of the season. Vlieger finished the dual on a high note, using a takedown in the third period to earn a 3-2 decision over Jay Pike.

"Overall, everyone fought really hard tonight," Hansen said. "Everyone is performing at a high level right now, which is exactly where we want to be heading into the national qualifier."

After spotting the Dutch (8-4, 3-4) 12 points on forfeits at 125 and 133, Devan Berrian held a 4-2 lead over Jahleel Vester before getting pinned in the second period. At 157, Jacob Mize held a 7-0 lead over Mike O'Connor before getting pinned in the third period. Jonathan Melton suffered a close, 3-2 loss to Ryan Vandall at 149 and Spencer Ward couldn't keep up with Tyler Lowy in an 18-2 technical fall at 184.

The lone senior in a singlet on Senior Night, Ethan Calvert battled eighth-ranked Matt Seabold in a 15-6 loss. Simpson's other senior, Brian Haynes, did not compete due to injury.

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UP NEXT

Simpson travels to the NCAA Central Region Championships on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Dubuque.

RESULTS

125: Daniel Page (CEN) over (SIM) (For.) 133: Aaron Anderson (CEN) over (SIM) (For.) 141: Jahleel Vester (CEN) over Devan Berrian (SIM) (Fall 3:37) 149: Ryan Vandall (CEN) over Jonathan Melton (SIM) (Dec 3-2) 157: Mike O`Connor (CEN) over Jake Mize (SIM) (Fall 5:16) 165: Bryce Wignall (SIM) over Cory McCleary (CEN) (Fall 5:32) 174: Brett Roberts (SIM) over Sam Apland (CEN) (Dec 12-5) 184: Tyler Lowy (CEN) over Spencer Ward (SIM) (TF 18-2 6:40) 197: Matt Seabold (CEN) over Ethan Calvert (SIM) (MD 15-6) 285: Colby Vlieger (SIM) over Jay Pike (CEN) (Dec 3-2)