SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana wrestling lit up the Elmen Center crowd on Thursday night, taking down the University of Sioux Falls Cougars in convincing fashion, 37-6, on Senior Night.
The win pushes the Vikings to 9-8 overall and 6-2 in conference action while the Cougars drop to 6-11 overall and 1-8 in the NSIC.
Prior to the start of the dual, seven Viking seniors were honored for their success and contributions to the Augustana wrestling program, with Payton Anderson, Thurman Christensen, Gavin Gulbranson, Kage Lenger, Cade Mueller, Jaxson Rohman and Connor Simmonds all being recognized.
No. 3 Jaxson Rohman started the night off strong for the Vikings at 125 pounds, dominating his opponent from start to finish in the first period alone. He stunned with five takedowns and one four-point nearfall to convincingly take the first period 19-4 tech fall in 2:48, putting Augustana on the board first.
Alex Mentzer struck next for Augustana and quickly took a 7-0 lead after a strong first period takedown and four-point nearfall. The second period battle remained scoreless but Mentzer hit again in the third with a quick escape and another takedown. A penalty point and an extra point for riding time helped secure the 13-0 major decision at 141 pounds.
It was another dominant showing for the Vikings at 149 pounds, where No. 2 Cael Larson took control early with three first period takedowns. He followed that up with another three takedowns and an escape in the second period to end it in 4:36 with a 19-4 tech fall.
The momentum continued with Payton Handevidt at 165 pounds, who held the 3-1 lead at the end of the first period. He logged a reversal in the second before getting hot in the third with two takedowns. An extra point for ride timing gave Handevidt the 12-4 major decision, moving Augustana’s lead to 18-6.
Josh Wagener hit the mat next at 174 pounds and lit up the crowd with his first period performance. Over two minutes had ticked off the clock before any points were scored and it was courtesy of Wagener’s takedown, which quickly turned into a pin in 2:17.
At 184 pounds, No. 13 Cade Mueller held onto a 3-0 lead heading into the second period. He pressed on the gas and collected two takedowns, one four-point nearfall and one escape in those two minutes before adding in another takedown and an extra point for riding time in the third. Mueller took the 18-1 tech fall in 5:25 to further the AU lead to 29-6.
In just the first period of action at 197 pounds, No. 4 Max Ramberg proved exactly why he’s tied for first in the national in tech falls this season. He hammered out six takedowns and a four-point nearfall to secure the commanding 22-5 tech fall in just 3:00.
The final match of the night again ended in victory of Augustana as Max Balow found hard-fought success in the third period. He fended off an 1-0 deficit to collect his first points off of a reversal before adding in a four-point nearfall, taking the 6-1 decision.
FULL RESULTS
125: No. 3 Jaxson Rohman (AUG) over Jaxton Packer (USF) (TF 19-4 2:48)
133: No. 11 Beau Klingensmith (USF) over Braiden Kort (AUG) (Dec. 8-4)
141: Alex Mentzer (AUG) over Calvin Empkey (USF) (MD 13-0)
149: No. 2 Cael Larson (AUG) over Lane Fink (USG) (TF 19-4 4:36)
157: Lincoln Fink (USF) over No. 6 Connor Simmonds (AUG) (Dec. 16-12)
165: Payton Handevidt (AUG) over Cooper Sanders (USF) (MD 12-4)
174: Josh Wagener (AUG) over Grant Moraski (USF) (Fall 2:17)
184: No. 13 Cade Mueller (AUG) over Daevon Vereen (USF) (TF 18-1 5:25)
197: No. 4 Max Ramberg (AUG) over Stetson Davis (USF) (TF 22-5 3:00)
285: Max Balow (AUG) over Isaiah Laguna (USF) (Dec. 6-1)
UP NEXT
In the final dual of the regular season, Augustana hit the road to take on MSU Moorhead at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20.
–GoAugie.com–