Kenosha, Wis. --- The Parkside wrestling team closed out the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship on Friday night, defeating Minnesota State 38-0 to finish with a perfect 9-0 record in NSIC duals this season. This is the first NSIC wrestling team title for Parkside.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
The night began in the 125-pound and 133-pound matchups where Minnesota State forfeited both bouts. Freshman and No.5 ranked
Shane Corrigan was set to compete at 125-pounds. Sophomore
Matthew Chi was set to compete at 133-pounds. Due to the two forfeited matches, the Rangers were given an early 12-0 lead. The first match of the night came in the 141-pound class as redshirt sophomore and No.10 ranked
Cayden Henschel took on No.12 ranked Brock Luthens of Minnesota State. Henschel was able to get a quick takedown just eight seconds into the first period and got an escape point in the second period to take a 4-2 lead into the third period. In the third period, Henschel only gave up one escape point as he won in a 4-3 decision. The Rangers now led 15-0 after three matches.
At 149-pounds redshirt sophomore and No.6 ranked
Jalen Spuhler found himself in a close match as he led 4-2 heading into the third period in which he started on top. Spuhler remained on top for the entire length of the third period to win in a 5-2 decision after earning an extra point for over a minute of riding time.
No.12 ranked redshirt sophomore
Ben Durocher competed at 157-pounds where he found himself in a 2-2 tie after the first period, but he was able to grab a 3-2 lead after two. Durocher was able to add up some riding time in the third period as he gained over a minute to give him the crucial bonus point. Durocher finished with a 4-3 win by decision. At the intermission, the Rangers led Minnesota State 21-0.
Next for the Rangers at 165-pounds was No. 1 ranked redshirt senior
Shane Gantz. Gantz was in a close match that remained 0-0 after one period. Gantz was able to show his stamina, getting a takedown in the second period. He then remained on top for the entire third period to come away with a 4-1 victory by decision. No.1 Gantz finishes the regular season 29-0 and will set his sights on yet another national championship appearance.
Redshirt junior
Eric Bauer competed in a tight match at 174-pounds where he trailed 1-0 after the second but earned an extra point to tie the match 1-1 after his opponent got a third caution. Bauer got an escape early in the third period to take a 2-1 lead in addition to his one minute of riding time. Bauer came away with a 3-1 victory by decision to extend the Rangers lead to 27-0.
In the 184-pound match, No.9
Reece Worachek came out firing as he was able to get a few huge takedowns in the first period to lead 6-1. Worachek continued to dominate the match as he grew over two minutes of riding time in the second period. Worachek turned up the heat late in the third period where he added more takedowns paired with near fall points to come away with a 17-3 major decision.
At 197-pounds freshman
Kaden Hooker looked to continue the sweep for the Rangers on Friday night as he was able to get a massive takedown followed by two near fall points which gave him a 6-2 lead entering the second period. Entering the third period Hooker led 6-3, and was able to maintain the lead as he came away with a 7-3 win by decision.
In the final match of the night, redshirt sophomore
Lloyd Reynolds took on No.7 ranked and reigning national champion Darell Mason. Reynolds found himself down 1-0 entering the third where he started on bottom. With an escape point early in the third, Reynolds tied the match 1-1, he then earned a bonus point due to a locked hands ruling to give Reynolds the lead 2-1 with 1:35 remaining in the heavyweight bout. Reynolds hung on for the remainder of the match to upset No.7 Mason and give the Rangers the sweep in the final dual of the season.
For the first time this season, the Rangers swept their opponents as they won all ten matches to cruise to a 36-0 victory. The Parkside Wrestling team officially won their first ever conference title and completed the first undefeated season in program history.
HEAR FROM COACH BECKER
UP NEXT
The Rangers will turn their attention to the NCAA Super Region V Championships on Saturday, February 25
th, where they will compete to move on to the NCAA National Championships. For more information please visit
parksiderangers.com
HIGHLIGHTS
