Wrestling falls at OSU

BY AUSTIN HAMM Sportswriter

The Jackrabbit wrestling team (0-1, 0-0) traveled to Miami, Okla. to face No. 7  Oklahoma State at a neutral site and fell 25-9 in their dual opener.

“I’m proud of they way they competed,” said head coach Chris Bono. “We were in it. Very excited about this team and very proud of the way they competed.”

The Jackrabbits got three victories against the Cowboys, with Brance Simms, Nate Rotert and No. 18 Cody Pack picking up wins.

Simms defeated Brian Crutchmer 6-1 while Rotert earned an 8-6 victory over  No. 15 Austin Schafer, claiming his second victory over a ranked opponent in as many matches after taking an injury default victory against No. 1 Scott Schiller of Minnesota last week.

Pack controlled his match and took an 8-2 victory against Anthony Collica.

J.J. Everard battled against No. 5 Austin Mardsen in the heavyweight final, but lost 8-4.

Five athletes made their Jackrabbit debuts, wrestling attached for the first time. Luke Zilverberg, Colin Holler, Kyle Leet and David Kocer, along with Rotert, all put on the Jackrabbit singlet for the first time.

“It’s hard. We went to a hostile environment in bad weather, and had five guys put on the Jackrabbit singlet for the first time,” Bono said. “They did well and competed hard and that’s all we can ask.”

Next weekend, the Jacks travel to Philadelphia, Pa. to face Drexel in a dual and compete in the Keystone Classic, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.

“Different type of wrestling, we have to be ready for it. Drexel is a capable, well coached team that came in and beat us here last year, and then we get to compete at one of the toughest tournaments against a lot of highly ranked opponents,” said Bono. “ We’re excited to get a chance to see where we’re at.”