Dutch finish second at MSOE wrestling Invitational
MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Wrestling without a full lineup the Central College wrestling team nearly won its sixth consecutive title at the MSOE Invitational Saturday, finishing six points out of first place.
Central tallied 122.5 points to finish in second place behind the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at 128.5 points. The Dutch only had eight out of a possible 10 scoring wrestlers, as no one on the team wrestled at 149 or 157 pounds.
“Overall, we gave a solid effort,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “At the same time, our guys thought they left some points on the board. We had enough firepower to score some more points and it’s something for us to continue to work towards.”
Shandon Akeo (junior, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kapolei HS), Central’s 133-pounder, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler after he went 4-0 with an individual title. He punctuated his day with a 14-5 major decision over Wis.-Oshkosh’s AJ Schoenfuss.
“He was very dominant,” Van Kley said. “I thought he did a great job.”
At 141 pounds, Daniel Radcliffe (senior, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) also won an individual championship with a 3-0 day. He won by medical forfeit in the final.
A trio of Central wrestlers, Nathan Fritz (senior, 184 pounds, Sigourney), Gavin Babcock (junior, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) and Duncan Lee (senior, 285 pounds) all were runners-up after losing in their title bouts.
Four other Central wrestlers placed in their respective weight classes. Griffen McBride (junior, Pleasantville) was third at 184. Collin Groleau (senior, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) was fourth at 165 pounds. Chase Poston (sophomore, Olympia, Wash.) and Chance Benadum (junior, Dos Palos, Calif.) were fifth at 125 and 174 pounds, respectively.
“Chance had a really good day,” Van Kley said. “As did Chase and Collin. It was a real team effort today. We did some positive things overall.”
The final competition before winter break is Thursday as the Dutch Host Nebraska Wesleyan University at 7 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium in Pella.
“We need to bring our best effort on Thursday,” Van Kley said. “We have a lot of respect for their program. Any time it’s the last competition before a break, you want to put your best foot forward.”
