Statesmen Fall in Season-Opening Dual Versus St. Ambrose
Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s wrestling team started its year on the losing end of a 50-3 Heart of America Athletic Conference dual meet Thursday.
WPU (0-1, 0-1 Heart) was unfortunately short-handed, forfeiting four different weight classes.
Gentry Walston (Jr., New Sharon, Iowa, Human Resource Management) got the home team off to a strong start at 125 pounds, though, defeating Augustus Swanson 9-2.
133-pounder Sam Nelson (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Industrial Technology) and 149-pounder Luis Garza (So., Pharr, Texas, Exercise Science) both put up solid fights, but came short in falls. Nelson scored nine first-period points before things went south, while Garza was down just 13-7 when his bout ended early.
Kendal Pugh (Jr., Letts, Iowa, Business Management) battled to the bitter end at 184 pounds. The junior was ahead with only a few seconds remaining, but could not hold off Nicholas Makwala in a 12-11 setback.
“We have a lot of things we need to improve on, but there were also some bright spots that can be built upon,” Head Coach Jackson Creasy said. “We knew coming into the season that having a smaller roster would present some challenges, but we have great leadership and a group of guys who are committed to getting better every day. We will continue to lean on each other, put in the work, and keeping moving forward.”
“We have a busy month of competition ahead that will really test our team, but it also a great opportunity for us to grow and see what we are capable of,” Creasy added.
Next Up: William Penn travels to Rochester, Minn. next Saturday to compete in the Rochester Community and Tech CC Open.
125–Gentry Walston (W) won by decision over Augustus Swanson, 9-2 (3-0)
133–Landon Blanton (S) won by fall over Sam Nelson, 5:19 (3-6)
141–Guiseppe Guerra (S) won by forfeit (3-12)
149–Evan Bratten (S) won by fall over Luis Garza, 3:52 (3-18)
157–Collin Altensey (S) won by fall over Chris Long, 2:52 (3-24)
165–Dominic Eygabroad (S) won by forfeit (3-30)
174–Vincent Tindal (S) won by forfeit (3-36)
184–Nicolas Makwala (S) won by decision over Kendal Pugh, 12-11 (3-39)
197–Lucas Blanton (S) won by technical fall over Lavelle Peete Jr., 18-0 (3-44)
285–James Soliz (S) won by forfeit (3-50)
