Rotert Upsets #12; Jacks Fall to #18 Wisconsin
BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State picked up three decisions against #18 Wisconsin, but dropped Saturday afternoon’s dual, 26-9 to the Badgers.
“The fight was there today, we just didn’t get a few matches that we needed,” head coach Chris Bono said. “This is another test that we will evaluate as we prepare for March.”
Redshirt freshman Nate Rotert’s upset of #12 Timmy McCall highlighted the Jacks’ performance, while #16 Cody Pack and Alex Kocer also picked up decisions on the day.
“We’re very pleased with Nate’s performance today,” Bono said. “Hopefully this is the first of many wins over ranked opponents for him as a Jackrabbit.”
Following a scoreless first period, #12 McCall got called for locked hands early in the second to give Rotert a 1-0 lead. Rotert remained in the bottom position before reversing McCall midway through the second. After giving up an escape, Rotert recorded a takedown late in the second to lead 5-1 going into the final period. McCall would record another escape in the third, but Rotert would hold on for the win.
After losses at 125 and 133, Kocer made his season debut in winning fashion over Jesse Thielke, 6-2. After giving up a first period takedown, Kocer got a three-point nearfall to lead 4-2 heading into the final period where he added an escape and riding time for the win.
#16 Pack got a takedown in the first and reversal early in the second to lead 4-2 heading into the final period. The two-time NCAA qualifier went on to get a late takedown and riding time for the 7-3 win.
SDSU returns to the mat Sunday at the Sanford Pentagon against Augustana.
Wisconsin 26 South Dakota State 9
125: Johnny Jimenez (UW) over Isaac Andrade (SDSU) – Dec., 5-2
133: #20 Ryan Taylor (UW) over Brance Simms (SDSU) – Maj., 13-4
141: Alex Kocer (SDSU) over Jesse Thielke (UW) Dec., 6-2
149: RJ Ruschell (UW) over Luke Zilverberg (SDSU) – Dec., 10-5
157: #16 Cody Pack (SDSU) over Jarod Donar (UW) – Dec., 7-3
165: #6 Jordan Taylor (UW) over John Nething II (SDSU) – Maj., 13-1
174: Frank Cousins over David Kocer (SDSU) – Dec., 10-4
184: Ricky Robertson (UW) over Brady Ayers (SDSU) – Dec., 9-5
197: Nate Rotert (SDSU) over #12 Timmy McCall – Dec., 5-2
285: #6 Connor Medbery over J.J. Everard (SDSU) – Fall, 1:26