The Jackrabbit wrestling team welcomed the Wisconsin Badgers to Frost Arena this Saturday. The Jacks claimed three decisions in the dual, but ultimately fell 26-9.

“We lost, but we had some guys that wrestled hard and did some good things”, said SDSU head coach Chris Bono. “We’re getting better, but we have to find a way to win those matches.”

Claiming wins were sophomore Alex Kocer at 141, No. 16 senior Cody Pack at 157, and redshirt freshman Nate Rotert at 197.

The day started with losses by Isaac Andrade and Brance Simms at 125 and 133, respectively. Simms fell to No. 20 Ryan Taylor.  Kocer got the Rabbits on the board next with a 6-2 decision over Jesse Thielke in his season debut.

Luke Zilverberg took a loss at 149 before Pack got the second win of the night for SDSU, on a 7-3 decision over Jarod Donar. The Jacks dropped the next three matches, with John Nething II falling to No. 6 Jordan Taylor at 165, David Kocer dropping a decision at 174 and Brady Ayers coming up short at 184.

“Cody keeps coming along, but we’ve got to get him over the hump and beat some top 10 kids and be ready to be an All-American in March,” Bono said.

The biggest win for the night came when Rotert took a victory from No. 12 Timmy McCall.

“Nate’s [Rotert] coming along, we just need to get him more consistent,” Bono said. “He has two wins against ranked opponents, but didn’t compete as well at the tournament. Once we get him consistent, the sky’s the limit for him.”

Rotert also upset No. 15 Oklahoma State earlier this season.

The night finished with J.J. Everard falling to No. 6 Connor Medbery at 285.

Next up for the Rabbits is a dual against the Augustana Vikings Sunday at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

“It’s a great atmosphere, in front of an all South Dakota crowd,” said Bono. “It’s a big match and we have to be sure we’re on our A game.”