Ephs Wrestlers Tie #9 Team in the Country Luther; defeat Simpson 34-6
Simpson, Iowa -- The Ephs traveled to Iowa this weekend to take part in a duel meet against Simpson College and Luther College. The Ephs performed well tying Luther College, the ninth ranked team in the country, and handily defeating Simpson College by 28 points.
The tie against Luther College is truly remarkable. Luther College is a wrestling powerhouse, this season; five of their wrestlers are ranked in the top ten nationally. The overwhelming odds did not intimidate the Ephs who wrestled admirably.
Senior Captain Ethan Cohen set the tone for the Ephs, making short work of Jason Swanson, pinning him in 2:33. Corey Paulish wrestled the best match of the day, winning a hard fought match in overtime, 5-1. Ryan Malo continued his impressive season by pinning Nic Barcly, the ninth ranked 184 pound wrester in the country, in 2:29.
Co Head coach Dan DiCenzo was ecstatic with his team's performance saying, "Coach Vega and I were very pleased with the effort and aggression the team showed against a quality opponent," He continued, saying, "Luther is a team that almost always finishes the year ranked in the top five. We had them by six going into the last bout -- we just need to capitalize on this kind of opportunity and get the win against a top team." The Ephs entered the match ranked 17th in the country, a ranking that will undoubtedly improve after this incredible tie.
No. 9 Luther College (L) 24, No. 17 Williams College (W), 24
125 Ethan Cohen (W) pinned Jayson Swanson, @2:33
133 No. 3 Zac Bartlett (L) def. Josh Mattana, 11-0
141 Corey Paulish (W) def. Josh Prichard, 5-1 (OT)
149 No. 4 Yonny Quist (L) def. Dylan Rittenburg, 6-3
157 Carl Breitenstein (W) def. Jason Pyle, 10-8
165 Dustin Balsey (L) pinned Jon Foster, @1:51
174 Drew Gatewood (W) pinned Lance Serbousek, @6:09
184 Ryan Malo (W) pinned No. 9 Nic Barclay, @2:29
197 No. 1 Alec Bonander (L) def Kyle Ayer via tech. fall @4:24 (17-0)
Hwt. No. 8 Allyn Plattner (L) pinned Nikola Mikovic, @4:45
Luther 2-2-1, Williams 0-0-1
Exhibition Matches
133 Mike Penza (W) pinned Steven Andrukaitis, @5:59
133 Jayson Swanson (L) def. Josha Mattana, 5-2
157 Ryan Barslong (L) def. Zeb Levine, 3-0
165 James McCarthy (W) pinned Billy Barringer, @6:28
174 Nathaniel Kastan (W) def. Ryan Bouslog, 6-1
184 Alex Paige (L) pinned Mike Mara, @2:42
197 Alex Paige (L) pinned Mike Hanley, @:45
In the Ephs second match of the day they earned their first win of the season, cruising by Simpson College, 34-6. Corey Paulish continued his superb wrestling defeating Caleb Brus, 10-2. The Ephs assured victory with Carl Breitenstein winning his second match of the day, this time over Ben Hektoen, 8-2.
No. 17 Williams College (W) 34, Simpson College (S) 6
125 Ethan Cohen (W) wins by forfeit
133 Mike Perza (W) def. Levi Vogel, 11-7
141 Corey Paulish (W) def. Caleb Brus, 10-2
149 Dylan Rittenburg (W) wins by forfeit
157 Carl Breitenstein (W) def. Ben Hektoen, 8-2
165 Wade Dowling (S) def. James McCarthy, 5-2
174 Drew Gatewood (W) def. Jordy Ammons, 3-1
184 Ryan Malo (W) wins by forfeit
197 Kyle Ayer (W) def. Sam Collora, 9-5
Hwt. John Bunch (S) def. Colin Curzi, 5-2
Exhibition Match
165 Sam Thielen (S) def. Jon Foster, 6-3
Williams 1-0-1, Simpson 0-3
The Ephs put together their best team performance of the season when they needed it most. The tie against Luther College is a truly remarkable performance; this feat shows just what the Ephs are capable of as a team. The Ephs will look to maintain their momentum in their second day of matches at the Simpson Invitational.
