Nick Hartley

The Jackrabbit wrestling team had hoped for a new start coming into 2008. Unfortunately, 2008 has not been kind to the Jacks so far. Losses against Utah Valley State, 39-4, and at Northern Colorado, 29-10, kicked off the first week of the New Year. The Jacks returned home against Northern State, losing 18-16, before traveling to defending national champion and fifth-ranked Minnesota, losing 34-9.

Derek Pirner had a major decision at 133 pounds at Utah Valley State for the only Jackrabbit victory of the night.

Ryan Meyer, Tyler Sorenson and Adam Everson all picked up wins against Northern Colorado. Meyer won a 4-1 decision at 165 pounds. Sorenson added a 13-5 major decision at 184 pounds, and Everson posted an 8-6 decision in the 141 pound bout.

Mitch Pontrelli, Alan Marvin, Pirner, Myer and Sorenson all earned victories for the Jacks against Northern State. The former football standout Pontrelli just joined the team this week and gained a decisive 7-2 win at heavyweight. Marvin picked up the win in a tight 6-4 decision at 125 pounds. Pirner posted an 8-0 major decision in the 133 pound class, and Meyer won 4-3 at 165 pounds for his 16th win of the year. Sorenson rolled at 184 pounds in a 9-3 decision.

Sorenson, Marvin and Everson all picked up wins against the Gophers. Sorenson took a 8-6 decision at 184 pounds. Marvin won 8-4 at 125 pounds. Everson earned a 7-0 shut out at 141 pounds to improve to 19-9 on the season.

“Some guys have just come out, and it is just difficult to come out and compete that way, but that is how it is,” said head coach Jason Liles. “We are doing the best we can with what we got, and we cannot change the injuries and other things in our program right now. We just have to move forward from here.”

The Jacks get a much needed week and a half break after Wednesday’s duel to prepare for two duels on Feb. 2 against Dakota Wesleyan in the afternoon and Wyoming in the nightcap.