COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team competed in the North Country Open on Sunday afternoon hosted by Saint John's University (Minn.) The Blugolds had six wrestlers earn a top five finish in their respective classes.
Zach Sato (Fr. – Oswego, IL) was crowned champion of the Silver 141 division after a clean sweep of matches during the day. After a 13-1 major decision victory in round one, Sato won a highly competitive 13-12 decision in round two over St. Cloud State's Nate Rocheleau. To earn his spot in the finals, Sato defeated fellow Blugold, Markus Brown (Fr. – Iron River, WI/Northwestern), in a 2-1 sudden victory. The championship match was won by a landslide 10-1 major decision by Sato over Augustana's Kade Sammons.
After the semifinal defeat to his teammate, Markus Brown bounced back with a 4:02 pin over UW-Oshkosh's A.j. Schoenfuss to earn a third-place finish.
In the Silver 165 division, Connor Collins (So. – Oshkosh, WI/West) also earn a championship finish. After defeating UWEC's Patrick Boyle, Collins went on to win by an 8-6 decision and a 13-10 decision to earn the first-place finish.
Coltun Sund (Fr. – Prior Lake, MN) had an excleent showing in the Silver 157 class with victories over Peyton Carll (ICC) and Wil Yasseri (Ridge) to make it to the semifinals. Despite dropping a 13-4 major decision defeat in the semis, Sund followed the loss with a pin in just 2:13 to earn a third-place finish.
The Blugolds will have a quick turnaround over the weekend as they prepare to travel to UW-Platteville on Monday, January 24th for their rescheduled game against the Pioneers. Tip off is scheduled for 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
