EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team was victorious in its home opener on Thursday night, besting UW-Oshkosh 37-6 in a dual at the McPhee Center. The Blugolds reclaimed the Chancellor's Cup and avenged last season's loss to the Titans.
Thursday's win marked the third victory in the series' last four meetings for the Blugolds.
"We kind of have a mantra about scoring points, and we had several weight classes there where you could see guys were working hard to score more and score more," Blugolds coach Tim Fader said. "I feel good about that, and they beat us last year, so it was a one-year turnaround. They beat us pretty handily last year, and this year we beat them pretty handily. It's nice to have that Chancellor's Cup back here in Eau Claire."
Carter Schulz (Fr. – Rice Lake, Wis.) opened the competition for the Blugolds at 125 pounds. He fell in a 6-0 decision to Luc Valdez. UW-Eau Claire reeled off seven straight victories from there though.
Tyler Fleetwood (Jr. - Fulton, Ill.) picked up the first victory of the night for the Blugolds, scoring at 133 pounds. His bout against Denis Murphy went into overtime, where Fleetwood picked up the crucial takedown for a 6-4 sudden victory.
Jake Matthews (So. - Addison Trail, Ill.) followed with a dominant showing from start to finish at 141 pounds. He controlled the match and won by technical fall 17-0. Zach Sato (So. – Oswego, Ill.) followed Matthews' lead, seizing an early lead and never looking back. The reigning WIAC champion defeated Luke Moczynski by technical fall 15-0 at 149 pounds.
Colton Sund (So. - Prior Lake, Minn.) picked up steam late in his match at 157 pounds. Sund surged late to defeat Cody Welker in an 8-4 decision.
UW-Eau Claire's first win by fall in the dual came from Tristan Massie (Jr. – Hillsdale, Wis./Barron) at 165 pounds. Massie pinned Joey Spizzirri in the first period, ending the match in 2:25.
Jared Stricker (So. – Ashland, Wis.) made it six straight victories for the Blugolds. He worked efficiently in a 174-pound match and bested Will Dixon 7-1.
Niall Schoenfelder (So. - Antioch, Il.) earned UW-Eau Claire's second victory by fall in the dual. He pinned Zak Price toward the end of the first period at 184 pounds.
Sam Melton (Jr. - Shell Lake, Wis./Spooner) battled Beau Yineman at 197 pounds. Melton made a push in the second period, but Yineman eventually won with a 9-3 decision. Chase Melton (Sr. - Spooner, Wis.) won via forfeit at 285 pounds.
The Blugolds return to the McPhee Center on Saturday to host the 8 Man Battles. Wrestling begins at 10 a.m. for the tournament.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
