By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team improved upon their excellent start to the 2016-17 season with a dominant win Wednesday night in their home opener. The Blugolds topped St. Olaf College by a score of 39-12.
Senior Zackary Sirny (Wild Rose, WI) got the Blugolds out to a commanding start, pinning Lucas Womack at the two-minute mark. With the win, Sirny, like the team, improved his record on the year to 3-0.
Eau Claire compiled five more victories in a row following Sirny's pinfall. Cody Vogel (Fr.-Elkhorn, WI/East Troy) and Connor Hanson (Jr.-Harmony, MN/Filmore Central) each picked up technical fall wins, while Jordan Meyer (Fr.-Evansville, WI) and Carter Focht (Jr.-Pine Springs, MN/Mahtomedi) both earned six points with pinfalls. Robert Rocole (Sr.-Lakewood, WI/Wabeno) finished the streak with an 11-5 decision win.
Also victorious on the night, Travis Cripe (Sr.-Eden Prairie, MN) won by tech. fall with a 16-1 win. Finally, in what was the match of the night, Cecil Philson (Jr.-Thorp, WI) edged out his opponent, defending a takedown at the buzzer to win a wild and close 12-11 decision.
St. Olaf's wins came at the hands of both Beaman brothers, as Garrett picked up a pin at 174 pounds, and Troy's pin came at heavyweight.
"We got a new mat this year, and we talked about how it had never been scored on," said Head Coach Tim Fader. "We really appreciate getting the new mat, and we had better score some points on it. Tonight was a great atmosphere, we wrestled aggressive, and had a good approach."
The Blugolds have a busy week ahead, with conference matches on Tuesday at UW-Oshkosh and Thursday at UW-La Crosse. They wrap up their week in Minneapolis at the Auggie Open on November 19.
Follow all the action this season on Blugold Game Day.
