The #2 St. Cloud State University wrestling enjoyed a strong showing on the first day of competition at the 2016 NCAA Division II Super 3 Region tournament on Saturday, Feb. 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D.
In action at Augustana University’s Elmen Center, the Huskies advanced seven wrestlers to the semifinal rounds of the tournament and two more wrestlers are still alive in the wrestleback rounds. SCSU is in second place in the team standings after day one.
The tournament will continue at the Elmen Center on Sunday, February 28 in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Regional will serve as a qualifier for the upcoming NCAA Division II championships, which will be held in Sioux Falls, S.D. on March 11-13.
Brett Velasquez (20-2) gained a bye in first round at 125-pounds and then advanced to the semi’s with an 18-3 tech fall (7:00) win over Taylor Curtis of Southwest Minnesota State.
In action at 133-pounds, Jared Oftedahl (23-11) started his day with a 1:29 fall against Daide Agnew of Central Missouri. In the quarterfinal round, Oftedahl suffered a 6-2 loss to Dakota Bauer of Maryville. In the wrestlebacks, Oftedahl stayed alive with a fall against Ethan Rentschler of Truman State at 3:54.
At 141-pounds, Matt Nelson (15-8) started his day with a 28-10 tech fall (6:49) win over Cody Voegeli of Northern State. In the quarterfinals, Nelson dropped a close 4-3 match against Blake Clevenger of Ouachita Baptist. Nelson came back in the first round of the wrestlebacks with a 23-7 tech fall (6:29) win over Caleb Crabtree of Central Missouri.
In the 149-pound bracket, #5 Jay Hildreth started his run with a 12-2 major decision against Cody Haugen of Minot State. In the second round, Hildreth stayed in the winner’s bracket with a 13-2 major decision victory over Colton Orlando of Lindenwood.
At 157-pounds, Larry Bomstad gained a first round 6-3 victory over Sawyer Smith of Ouachita Baptist before losing the quarterfinal match to Marcus Polak of Minot State by injury default. He also had to forfeit his match in the wrestlebacks later in the day.
#1 ranked Clint Poster moved his season record to 35-1 with a first round fall at 3:42 against Paul Michaelson of Mary. He advanced to the semi’s with an injury default win against Mitchell Rechtzigel of Augustana.
At 174-pounds, Clayton Jennissen earned a first round bye. In the quarterfinals, Jennissen punched his tickets to the semi’s with a 17-6 major decision win over Archie Williams of Central Missouri.
At 184-pounds, #8 Uthman Rabiu scored a fall at 1:13 against Cody Willis of McKendree.. Rabiu also advanced to the semi’s with a 17-1 tech fall (6:09) win against Brody Goens of Southwest Minnesota State.
SCSU added another first-round pin at 197-pounds as V.J. Giulio posted a fall at 1:09 against Robert Schneider of Central Missouri. Giulio made it to the final four with his 12-9 win in the quarters against Darick Vancura of Minnesota State.
In the 285-pound bracket, #5 Austin Goergen opened the day with a 16-0 tech fall (2:53) against Avery Jacobs of Upper Iowa. SCSU completed the day in the winner’s bracket with an 8-0 major decision win by Goergen over Mitchell Eull of Minot.
Fans can listen to the game on the KVSC Sports Stream
2016 NCAA Super Region Three Championship Website
Team Scores after Day One:
1. Maryville 75.5
2. St. Cloud State 69.5
3. Lindenwood 43.0
4. Minnesota State 41.0
5. Upper Iowa 35.5
6. McKendree 33.5
7. Augustana 20.5
8. SMSU 19.0
9. Ouachita Baptist 18.5
10. Mary 17.0
11. Northern State 14.5
12. MSU Moorhead 14.0
13. Minot State 13.5
14. Central Missouri 12.0
15. Truman State 9.0