No. 1 Augsburg tames Jacks

Sarah Passick

Sarah Passick

Home again in Frost Arena, the South Dakota State wrestling team fell to Augsburg 33-16.

Augsburg, top ranked in NCAA division III, remains undefeated after Sunday afternoon match in Frost Arena. Meanwhile, SDSU, ranked No. 12 in Division II’s 7-8 after last weekend’s meet.

Augsburg led with a successful pin at 133 pounds, putting them ahead 18-0. Forfeits in the 141 and 149 weight classes also put Augsburg ahead in the points standings.

Senior Aaron Veskrna put SDSU on the board with his pin in 6:20 against Jeremy Jirele in the 157 weight class.

Second-ranked Veskrna had is 25th win of the season. He is currently 25-1. His only lost of the season was against a Nebraska-Lincoln wrestler.

Continuing the Jacks winning streak, 184-pounder Tyler Jones had a 7-3 decision over Augsburg’s Rickey Crane. Second-ranked Jones has improved to a 12-0 during the season.

Second-ranked wrestlers Tony Abbott won in an overtime tiebreaker over SDSU’s Tyler Bryant 2-1.

Todd Paszek, No. 5 knocked top ranked Kevin Radmussen by a major decision 11-2 in the 197 weight class.

“I did better than expected. I figured it was going to be a close match,” he said. “Last week, I work harder getting in shape. I felt better Sunday and I guess it all came together.

Heavyweight Jon Madsen added a 3-2 victory over Nick Flangan.

The Jacks face Southwest State Wednesday at 7p.m. The team closes their dual season with a match against Augustana in Frost Arena.

Veskrna, who has a 25-1 record, will face two tough opponents this week against Southwest State and Augustana.

Veskrna had face Augustana opponents four times this season averaging only a one point difference in his favor.

“It will be a tough dual,” Paszek said. “But Jon Madsen will be wrestling.”

Madsen was not present at the Division II National Duals held in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 19 to 20.

“We will battle them head to head,” Paszek said. “It will be a good dual.”