By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
DECORAH, Iowa (blugolds.com) - Twelve University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestlers competed at the Luther College Open on Saturday. Four of them wrestled in elite brackets, while eight freshmen contended in the silver brackets.
The Blugolds in the elite brackets, all of whom are expected to see much time at the varsity level this season, struggled on the day. They combined for four wins, with Seth Vosters (So.-Freedom, WI) earning two decisions in the 165-pound weight class. In regard to the difficulties in Decorah, it is worth mentioning that these wrestlers faced competition from the University of Iowa, Minnesota State Mankato, and Division III perennial powerhouses Wartburg and Coe.
Finding much success on the day were a number of freshmen. Chase Schmidt (Fr.-Rice Lake, WI), Tyler Burt (Fr.-Beloit, WI/Beloit Turner), Tyler Demo (Fr.-Loves Park, IL/Belvidere North), David Dudych (Fr.-West Dundee, IL/Harry D. Jacobs), and Evan Lawrence (Fr.-Hugo, MN/Mahtomedi) all placed in the silver division.
Chase Schmidt finished his high school career as a state finalist, and he kicked off his collegiate wrestling career with a bang on Saturday. Schmidt won the 165-pound bracket, winning four matches on the way to taking the championship. He earned pinfalls in the quarterfinals and semifinals before being victorious 16-10 in the finals.
After getting three victories last weekend, Tyler Burt doubled his win total with three more at Luther. Burt reached the finals with a fall and two close decisions. He lost a tight 4-3 decision in the 285-pound championship.
Both Tyler Demo and David Dudych were able to win their championship round matches, with Demo taking third place and Dudych getting fifth. Demo picked up a pin in the 141-pound third place match to earn his third win for the day. At 149-pounds, Dudych went 4-1, as he wrestled back to take fifth after a loss in the quarterfinals.
Evan Lawrence earned two wins at 174-pounds, including a fall and major decision.
The Blugolds open their conference dual season on Wednesday against UW-La Crosse, where they host the Eagles in the McPhee Center at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
