By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
ROCHESTER, Minn. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team made their season debut on Saturday at the Yellowjacket Open. A batch of twenty-four Blugolds, many wrestling in an Eau Claire singlet for their first time, competed in Rochester.
Leading the way on Saturday was Jordan Meyer (So.-Evansville, WI), who went 5-0 on the day en route to winning the 141-pound bracket. Meyer was dominant, picking up four pins to kick off his sophomore season. The lone match that did not end in pinfall for Meyer was a 4-0 defeat of former Minnesota state champion and three-time finalist in Tanner Reetz (Itasca Community College).
Getting three wins, including one pinfall, in his debut with the Blugolds was Tyler Burt at heavyweight. Burt finished in third place in the 285-pound division.
A trio of wrestlers earned fourth place finishes on the day. Grant Balconi (So.-Muskego, WI) started out his sophomore year with a 2-2 day, including two pins. He fell in the third place match in overtime. Both David Dudych and Evan Lawrence went 2-2 with a pinfall.
Two wins for James Huntley in the 197-pound bracket led to a sixth place finish. One of those wins came via technical fall.
Finally, a pair of newcomers ended in eighth place. Jaden Winchel at 157-pounds and Seth Vosters at 165-pounds each had three wins on the day.
"It's nice to start the season, and it was a good first step for us to take," said Head Coach Tim Fader. "This will be a fun group to watch develop."
The Blugolds open their conference dual season on Wednesday, November 15 against UW-La Crosse. They will host the Eagles in the McPhee Center at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
