By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - Last season's win for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team over UW-Stevens Point marked the first time of it happening since 1986. On Wednesday night, the Blugolds began a streak of their own, making it two straight victories over the Pointers. They defeated Stevens Point, 28-14.
On Senior Night, the three Blugolds seniors were all victorious. Carter Focht (Sr.-Pine Springs, MN/Mahtomedi) started off the dual with a 7-3 decision at 149-pounds. After falling just short at 157-pounds, Eau Claire strung together three straight wins before the intermission. Seth Vosters (So.-Freedom, WI) and Tyler Vogt (Sr.-Owatonna, MN) each won by two points, including an exciting finish by Vogt, who got the match-winning takedown just before the buzzer.
The final senior, Cecil Philson (Sr.-Thorp, WI), put the home squad ahead 13-3 in the dual at the break with a 16-6 major decision.
"When I started here four years ago, the stands had a few people in them," said Philson. "Seeing full stands and a full team now, it's a much more exciting environment to wrestle in, and we have made a nice transition over the course of my career as a Blugold."
Following intermission, Eau Claire kept it rolling, getting a big pin from Ramsey Bloy (Jr.-Freedom, WI) that nearly put the match out of reach. Tyler Burt (Fr.-Beloit, WI/Beloit Turner) finished the job with a 6-4 overtime win at heavyweight.
After giving up a forfeit and technical fall at the next two weights, the Blugolds added some extra separation in the results with their second pinfall on the night. Jordan Meyer (So.-Evansville, WI) sent the Blugolds fans home happy with his seventh pin on the season to end the dual.
Vogt added, "We came out and wrestled really hard, and the better team won tonight."
The Blugolds now will take a two-and-a-half week break from competition before returning with the Chicago Duals on Saturday, December 30.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
