Wrestlers battle, but fall to Dubuque on Senior Day

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson wrestling team picked up a pair of pins but lost to Dubuque 34-15 in the final home dual of the season on Saturday afternoon.

The Storm (3-12, 0-6 Iowa Conference) lost their first six matches – including forfeiting 125 – before Brett Roberts put his team on the board with an emphatic pin of Manuel Mendoza at 174 pounds. Roberts needed just 1:42 to score the pinfall.

Seniors Taylor Witzel and Jared Bevins closed their careers at Hopper Gymnasium with fond memories as each earned wins on Senior Day. Witzel earned a hard-fought, 3-2 win over Derek Minch at 184 and Bevins pinned Nathan Cristion in 4:03 at 197.

Bevins picked up career win No. 50 with the pin of Cristion.

The Spartans (9-6, 3-3) were powered by six, bonus-point victories, including two pins.

In addition to recognizing the senior, Simpson also recognized military personnel on Military Appreciation Day. The Storm debuted brand new, red camouflage singlets to commemorate the event.

The Storm close the IIAC slate when they head to Pella to face Central on Thursday, Feb. 6. Start time is set for 7 p.m.