By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team competed at the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday, taking part in the MSOE Invite. Nine wrestlers finished on the podium, three of which were finalists.
The three finalists were Jordan Meyer (So.-Evansville, WI), Tyler Vogt (Sr.-Owatonna, MN), and Ramsey Bloy (Jr.-Freedom, WI). The three captains all were bested, however, in their championship matches.
Meyer won three matches to reach the 141-pound finals, where he was handed his first loss on the season, a 3-1 overtime defeat. Vogt also added three wins to his record, including a pinfall and two overtime victories before his second place finish at 174-pounds. Like Meyer, Bloy suffered his first defeat of the year in the championship. He added a pin, major decision, and 3-1 victory on his way to the 197-pound finals.
Equally impressive as the trio of finalists were the days Carter Focht (Sr.-Pine Springs, MN/Mahtomedi) and Cecil Philson (Sr.-Thorp, WI) had, both wrestling back to take third after first round losses. Focht had to win five matches to come back to get third, while Philson needed four straight wins to end the tournament.
The Blugolds also had two fifth place finishers, as well as a pair who took sixth place. Freshmen Tyler Demo (Fr.-Loves Park, IL/Belvidere North) and Chase Schmidt (Fr.-Rice Lake, WI) got fifth at 141- and 165-pounds respectively, while Abe Dickenson (Fr.-Slinger, WI) took sixth at 125-pounds, as did Evan Lawrence (Fr.-Hugo, MN/Mahtomedi) at 174-pounds.
The team finished in fourth place in the standings, scoring 98 points on the day.
Eau Claire will return to the dual format on Thursday, when they travel to St. Olaf. They face the Oles at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
