MARSHALL, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team defeated four NCAA Division II opponents and went unbeaten at the Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday.
Jared Stricker (Sr. - High Bridge, Wis./Ashland) broke the Blugolds' career pins record with the 65th of his career, achieving the feat in the first dual of the day.
The Blugolds — ranked fifth in Division III — knocked off No. 24 (DII) Upper Iowa, Fort Hays State, Minot State and Southwest Minnesota State. Both Fort Hays and Minot State received votes in the most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II Top 25 poll.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Blugolds beat Fort Hays 32-16, Upper Iowa 27-11, Minot State 43-9 and SMSU 34-9.
- Stricker broke Evan Lawrence's record of 64 career pins when he pinned Fort Hays' Connor Padgett in the first dual of the tournament. He now owns the school's all-time wins and pins records. He finished 4-0 on the day with two pins and a technical fall.
- Zak McPhee (Fr. - Duluth, Minn./Proctor) went 4-0 at 184 pounds, winning three times via fall.
- Second-ranked Zach Sato (Sr. - Oswego, Ill.) went 3-0 at 149 pounds with three bonus-point victories.
- The Blugolds had 13 pins on the day. They improved to 16-1 this season.
UP NEXT
The Blugolds are right back in action on Sunday, January 19. They compete at the North Country Open hosted by St. John's (Minn.) beginning at 12 p.m.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
