By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (blugolds.com) - Prior to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team's Chancellor's Cup victory over UW-Oshkosh on Saturday night, a number of Blugold wrestlers took to the mats at Augsburg University for the Auggie-Adidas Invitational.
A pair of Eau Claire wrestlers placed in the gold division brackets. David Dudych (Fr.-West Dundee, IL/Harry D. Jacobs) earned a sixth place finish at 149-pounds, while Grant Balconi (So.-Muskego, WI) took home the consolation championship at 184-pounds.
In the silver division, the Blugolds had three finalists and an additional four place-winners. Abe Dickenson (Fr.-Slinger, WI), Chase Schmidt (Fr.-Rice Lake, WI), and James Huntley (Fr.-Woodbury, MN/Stillwater) all took second place.
Dickenson made the finals after winning two matches but needed to forego wrestling in the championship to get back to Eau Claire to weigh in and receive a forfeit against Oshkosh. Schmidt used a pin, major decision, and tech fall to reach the finals, and Huntley added a pair of wins to his record in the quarterfinals and semifinals en route to the runner-up finish.
Tyler Demo (Fr.-Loves Park, IL/Belvidere North) took third place at 141-pounds with three wins on the day. At 149-pounds, Jaden Winchel (Fr.-Sparta, WI) used two pins and a tech to take home the consolation championship. Evan Lawrence (Fr.-Hugo, MN/Mahtomedi) finished fifth at 174-pounds, getting two tech falls and a pin. Taylor Thomas (So.-Mackinaw, IL/Deer Creek-Mackinaw) also took fifth at heavweight.
Eau Claire is back at McPhee with a quick turnaround on Tuesday. They host Luther College following their historic win in Decorah a year ago. The match is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
