Bucs down Rebels, 39-33
When the Blue Earth Area and United South Central wrestling teams face each other it’s likely going to be a very close meet.
Thursday night in Wells was no different in the season opener for both squads.
After 13 matches, the score was knotted at 33-33 with one match left.
However, the outcome wasn’t decided on the mat.
Buc senior Josh Johnson, ranked No. 3 at 220 pounds in Class A, received a forfeit at heavyweight to give his team a 39-33 victory.
“I knew it was going to be very close. I’m always happy to come out of there with a win,” says head coach Randy Wirtjes.
For the night, BEA won eight matches with two coming by way of a forfeit. Five of the six USC wins were pins.
“We talked with the kids about that, we don’t want to get pinned. We told the kids whatever happens just give a good effort and compete hard, “ says Wirtjes. “We can live with that. That’s all we can ask for.”
The Bucs jumped out to a 9-0 lead with Ryan Gronewald taking a 9-2 win at 106 pounds, followed by Alec Huber’s pin in 3:37 at 113.
The Rebels 120-pounder Jake Gonzalez put six points on the scoreboard for his team with a fall in just 38 seconds.
But, the Bucs 126-pounder Mike Ankeny answered with a pin in 1:48 to make the score 15-6, in favor of BEA.
USC took an 18-15 lead when Dylan Herman, ranked No. 3 at 120 pounds in Class A, pinned his opponent at 132 pounds in 1:47 and 138-pounder Derek Herman recorded a fall in 54 seconds.
Jesse Alleven tied the score for the Bucs with a 13-6 decision at 145 pounds, but 152-pounder Maclan Bushlack put the Rebels ahead 21-18 with a 5-3 win.
The Bucs then rattled off three straight wins to take a commanding 33-21 lead.
David Franta received a forfeit at 160.
Carter Hanson, ranked No. 4 at 160 pounds in Class A, pinned his 170-pound opponent in 3:23 and Chris Ramos earned a 6-2 decision at 182.
The Rebels tied the score at 33-33 with two straight pins from No. 4-ranked Colten Carlson at 195 pounds and No. 3-rated Brady Thisius at 220 pounds.
BEA 39, USC 33
106: Ryan Gronewald (BEA) dec. Adam Knutson, 9-2.
113: Alec Huber (BEA) pinned Matt Harpestad, 3:37.
120: Jake Gonzalez (USC) pinned Isaac Vasquez, :38.
126: Mike Ankeny (BEA) pinned Teagun Sunde, 1:48.
132: Dylan Herman (USC) pinned Luke Schavey, 1:47.
138: Derek Herman (USC) pinned Kolt Gorg, :54.
145: Jesse Alleven (BEA) dec. Skylar Peterson, 13-6.
152: Maclan Bushlack (USC) dec. Jacob Johnson, 5-3.
160: David Franta (BEA) wins by forfeit.
170: Carter Hanson (BEA) pinned Freddi Garcia, 3:23.
182: Chris Ramos (BEA) dec. Logan Sonnek, 6-2.
195: Colten Carlson (USC) pinned Kysten Zierke.
220: Brady Thisius (USC) pinned Micah Twedt.
285: Josh Johnson (BEA) wins by forfeit.