Simpson splits duals with Knox, Augustana
INDIANOLA, Iowa - The Simpson wrestling team notched its first dual victory of the season Thursday night at Cowles Fieldhouse, beating Knox 42-3 before falling to Augustana (Ill.) 28-12.
The Storm (1-3) cruised against Knox in the first of the double dual, taking nine of 10 matches and recording three pins, two technical falls and two major decisions.
Freshman Mike Nemer (Spring Hill, Kan.) got things started at 125 pounds, pinning Bryan Valencia in 1:34. Spencer Courier (Lee's Summit, Mo.) added a 15-9 decision at 133 and Jeff Sand (Waukee, Iowa) recorded a 15-4 major decision over Jason Lafavor at 141.
Cory Stratton (Grimes, Iowa) handled Reynaldo Cardena in a 16-1 technical fall at 149 and Brian Haynes (Gladstone, Mo.) pinned Kin Vong in 57 seconds at 157. At 165 pounds, Greg Harlow (Lincoln, Calif.) faced a tough test against Greg Ventris, but came away with a 5-4 decision.
Justin Bruce (Lee's Summit, Mo.) tech-falled Sergio Ulloa 23-7 at 174 pounds and Jared Bevins (Creston, Iowa) nothced an 18-4 major decision at heavyweight. Ryan Haworth (Indianola, Iowa) won by forfeit at 197 pounds.
Nemer, Sand, Haynes and Bevins all picked up wins against Augustana.
Nemer took a 6-0 decision over Thomas Browne at 125 and Sand beat Greg Goganas 6-2 at 141. Haynes notched a convincing 9-2 decision over Torey Welch at 157 and Bevins recorded a last-minute reversal to steal a 4-3 win from Abraham Duran at heavyweight.
Simpson took part in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" campaign Thursday night and welcomed four members of the U.S. Marine Corps to the meet: Gunnery Seargeant Mark Tartenaar and his son Cody, Lieutenant Mathew Seamer, Simpson alum Captain Tyler Freeburg and his son Jake and Major Timothy Coughennower and his son Jack.
"The drive was a great success and we look forward to an even better turn out next year," head coach Clint Manny said. "We want to thank the Marines who joined us tonight for making this a great event."
Next up for Simpson is a trip to Las Vegas for the Desert Duals on Sunday, Dec. 18.
