EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team hosted Concordia-Moorhead, Buena Vista and Augustana for the 8 Man Battles on Saturday, with the Blugolds winning the tournament with 160 points.
The day was highlighted by six first place finishes in the Gold brackets:
Jake Drexler (So. – Stratford) took the top spot at 149, recording three pins on the day. In his first bout, Drexler defeated Augustana's Jake Larson (1:15) and Buena Vista's Collin Stilson (1:45) in his second. In the championship, the sophomore defeated Danny Terronez of Augustana (2:38).
Adam Rients (So. – Waterville, MN/WEM) won the title at 157, winning by major decision (14-2) in his first match over Garret Bruce of Buena Vista. In the championship bout, Rients defeated teammate Tristan Massie (Fr. – Hillsdale/Barron) with a sudden victory (SV-1 8-4).
At 165 pounds, Chase Schmidt (Jr. – Rice Lake) went 2-0, winning by fall over Ti Lunney of Augustana and recorded a tech fall over Moorhead's Alexander Skaare (TF 19-2).
Evan Lawrence (Jr. – Hugo, MN/Mahtomedi) took first place at 174 with a 2-0 record, defeating Floyd Miller (Buena Vista) by major decision (12-0) and Ian Frenzel (Moorhead) by fall (2:25).
Mason Hawkins (Jr. – Farmington, MN) went 3-1 at 197, earning pins over Moorhead's Gabriel Zierden (3:46) and Augustana's Cannon Kelly (4:09). He claimed first place with a medical forfeit.
At heavyweight, Austen Hakes (Jr. – River Falls) tallied three pins on the day. Hakes defeated Moorhead's Austin Ratliff (2:21), Augustana's Jacob Ramos (1:05) and teammate Gary Garvin (Jr. – Black River Falls) in the title match (0:59).
The Blugolds will have a short break before heading to Milwaukee on Dec. 7th for the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invite.
