Storm grapplers secure first A-R-C triumph

STORM LAKE, Iowa -- The Simpson wrestling team won the final four of six matches to claim a 24-16 bout at Buena Vista on Friday to secure the team's first American Rivers Conference victory of the season.

Jason Padilla and Sam McCoy claimed decisions at 133 and 141 pounds, respectively, to push the match to 9-9 after four weight classes.

The Storm reeled off three-straight victories to pull ahead to 21-9 to grab some breathing room. At 157 pounds, Mason Kruljac fought off Garret Bruce to win 7-6. Dalton Cockman tallied Simpson's second pin of the day in 3:43 at 165 pounds to make it 18-9. Shyler Langley kept the streak going at 174 with a slim 5-4 decision to widen the lead.

After the Beavers came back with a major decision and decision to come within five at 21-16, the hosts were aiming for a pin to pull off the comeback. Colton Kinnison held firm at 285 pounds to force overtime, which he used to grab two points to win 3-1 and seal the road victory.

Up Next
Simpson competes in its last A-R-C dual of the season on Thursday with a bout at No. 25 Central. The contest is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Dual Results
125 — Byron Fleming (BVU) dec. Dylan McChesney, 4-3
133 — Jason Padilla (SIM) dec. Axel Hernandez, 3-1
141 — Sam McCoy (SIM) fall Jonathan Thomas, 5:47
149 — Collin Stilson (BVU) fall Robert Silva, 4:59
157 — Mason Kruljac (SIM) dec. Garret Bruce, 7-6
165 — Dalton Cockman (SIM) fall Parker Preul, 3:43
174 — Shyler Langley (SIM) dec. Floyd Miller, 5-4
184 — Diego Escarcega (BVU) major dec. Shane Mathias, 12-4
197 — Don Phillips II (BVU) dec. Sam Mathis, 9-7
285 — Colton Kinnison (SIM) dec. Nick Mitchell, 3-1 (SV)