EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — THe University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team held their sixth annual 8 Man Battles at the McPhee Gymnasium on Saturday. In conjunction with the men's competition, UW-Eau Claire hosted the third annual 8 Woman Battle with 11 women's wrestling teams in attendance. The Blugolds captured their sixth straight title at the 8 Man Battles with seven first place winners on the day.

Of the seven Blugold winners, two UWEC wrestlers defended their 8 Man Battles titles as Landon Church retained in the 149 Gold bracket and Ryder Despies recorded his second straight 8 Man Battles title in the 184 Gold division. Joining Church and Despies with top podium finishes was Izzy Balsiger in the 125 Gold weight class, Tristan Drier in the 165 Gold bracket, Preston Carlisle in the 174 Gold division, Ian Pepple at 197 Gold, and Cole Matulenko in the 285 Gold weight class. 

Eight other Blugolds found top three placements during the tournament as Ryan Goddard was the 133 Gold runner up, Finn Bloomquist placed second in the 149 Gold bracket, Jonathon Harvey finished as the 165 Gold runner up, and Ben Peterson earned a second place finish in the 174 Gold division. Gavin Haranhan, Briar Ivey, and Jackson Peak all placed third in the 133, 159, and 197 Gold brackets, respectively. 

The Blugolds will take the holiday week off before hosting their Super Quad on Thursday, December 4 with UW-Whitewater, Loras College, and Augsburg College in town. UWEC will face UWW in the first round robin match beginning at 4 p.m.

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