HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (www.blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's wrestling team wrapped up their participation in the 2023 Midlands Championships on Saturday afternoon from NOW Arena on the campus of Northwestern University. Jared Stricker (Jr. - Ashland, Wis.) was the lone Blugold in action as he faced off with the eighth ranked wrestler in division I, California Polytechnic State University's Adam Kemp in the consolation sixth round. A tough battle to open the day for both athletes saw Stricker's wrestle back journey come up short with a 8-2 defeat.

The opening period found Stricker with an early deficit as Adam Kemp recorded a takedown in the first 30 seconds. Stricker battled back with an escape just a dozen seconds later to cut Kemp's lead to 3-1 before the end of the first period. After electing to start from the bottom, Jared struck first in the second period with an escape at the 1:06 mark to cut Kemp's lead once again. The 8th ranked wrestler in division I proved his worth in the final moments of the middle period with his second takedown of the bout to secure a 6-2 lead before time expired. With a four-point deficit heading into the final period, Stricker began on top and looked to strike quick. Adam Kemp sealed the 8-2 victory at the 1:15 mark with an escape as Stricker's wrestle back route came to an end. Jared's three wins on the weekend bring him to 99 total career victories.

The Blugolds will return to Eau Claire before embarking on their winter break trip across the country. The first stop for UWEC will be the Hawk Duals and Hawk Classic hosted by Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. The team duals on Saturday, January 6th are set to begin at 2 p.m. CST. The Hawk Classic is scheduled for Sunday, January 7th at 8 a.m. CST.