Hansen era begins at Daktronics Open

BROOKINGS, SD – The Simpson wrestling team opened the season at South Dakota State's Warren Williamson/Daktronics Open on Sunday.

The Storm faced a talented field in Brookings, consisting primarily of NCAA Division I, junior college and NAIA wrestlers. Though wins were hard to come by, Hansen got a number of solid performances against quality opponents.

Cory Stratton led the Storm, going 2-2 in a stacked 157-pound bracket. The lone senior on the roster earned two pins and lost two decisions. He pinned Kenan Jackson (Iowa Central) in his first match, then lost a 10-5 decision to Joseph Winkler (Midland). In the wrestleback bracket, Stratton made quick work of Weston Resmen (NSU) with a pin at the 2:18 mark. His day ended with a 7-2 loss against Brad Dolezal (Minnesota).

Greg Harlow got Simpson's other win on the day, as the sophomore went 1-2 at 165 pounds. He started the day by beating Tyler Adams (Iowa Central) 6-4, but closed with losses to Qae McMurtry (Nebraska) and Zach Pickering (Jamestown).

In all, Simpson sent eight wrestlers to the season-opening meet, the first competition of the Hansen era.

The Storm go to the Luther Open on Saturday, Nov. 10.