Storm take eighth at own invitational

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Competing against some of the best teams in the nation from four different divisions, the Simpson wrestling team placed eighth of 12 teams its own Simpson Invitational on Saturday at Cowles Fieldhouse.

Sophomore 133-pounder Spencer Courier (Lee's Summit, Mo.) finished sixth, the Storm's lone placewinner. Simpson improved six spots from last year's tournament.

Courier pinned his first opponent before dropping a major decision. He earned a 4-2 win over Coe's Tyler Endres before losing to Grand View's Travis Evans in the fifth-place match.

In addition to Courier, freshman 125-pounder Devin Rausch (Fredericksburg, Iowa) had a solid day, going 3-2 in a highly competitive bracket.

"He [Rausch] has had the toughest compeititon this week," head coach Clint Manny said. "He really stepped it up this week and showed a lot of improvement today, beating a quality wrestler from NIACC."

Rausch pinned his first opponent in 1:39 and added a pin against Truman State's Daniel Karlskin. His highlight match was a 4-3 decision over Andres Torres of North Iowa Area CC. Both losses for the freshman came against second-seeded Alex Peitz of Grand View, the last of which was a 10-7 battle.

Wrestling up a weight class, sophomore Jared Bevins (Creston, Iowa) held his own at heavyweight. Both of his wins were by fall, including a pin against Buena Vista's Jacob Nelson, who weighed in more than 70 pounds heavier than Bevins.

"He gives up a lot of weight but has a good attitude and fights every match," Manny said. "He comes ready to wrestle and he isn't afraid of anyone."

Coe won the tournament with 215.5 points, squeeking past defending national champion Wartburg with 214.5.

Simpson hosts a non-conference double dual next week when the Storm welcome Augustana and Knox to Cowles Fieldhouse. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.