Gophers takedown Jackrabbits 20 – 12 on Friday night in Brookings
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Minnesota wrestling program defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 22-10 in a Friday evening dual that saw the Gophers win seven-of-ten on the road across the border.
There were three bouts between Minnesota natives and the Gophers came out on top of all three of them.
At 125-pounds Patrick McKee got the Gophers started as he battled hard in his bout against Danny Vega. After surrendering the initial takedown McKee got a key reversal and proceeded to rack up over two minutes in riding time. McKee would add another reversal, and the riding time point, en route a 6-4 decision.
After getting a takedown only 28 seconds into the bout, 141-pound Mitch McKee worked towards a 6-1 decision with 4:29 in riding time. McKee dominated in the top position with his massive amount of riding time plus two stall calls and a rideout of the entire second period.
In FloWrestling’s most anticipated bout of the evening, No.5 Brayton Lee earned a 4-3 victory over No.15 Henry Pohlmeyer. The first period proved crucial as both men secured takedowns, but only Lee earned the one-point escape. Still, the two would’ve remained tied at three if it weren’t for Lee’s riding time advantage of over two minutes. So, Lee earned the 4-3 decision victory.
In the final match before intermission, Carson Brolsma wound up victorious 6-4. After taking an early lead Brolsma would add another takedown, plus the riding time point, with his efforts in the final stanza.
Bailee O’Reilly got the Gophers started out of the intermission with a 9-5 decision victory at 165-pounds. O’Reilly scored in a variety of ways with a takedown, two reversals, a two-point nearfall, and a riding time point.
Senior Devin Skatzka took care of business against a true freshman, Cade King, with a 6-1 decision. After a first period that Skatzka rode King for 2:53, the 2019 All-American secured his decision.
The Jackrabbits took their lone lead in the match when Zach Price got the 10-0 major decision over Brent Jones at 133-pounds in the second bout of the evening.
The home team’s other victory came at 184-pounds when No.17 Zach Carlson maintained his ranking superiority over No.18 Owen Webster.
At 197-pounds Hunter Ritter made his Gophers dual debut after going 11-2 in tournaments this season. A two-time NCAA Qualifier from Wisconsin, Ritter fell to Tanner Sloan 5-0.
Sophomore Gable Steveson made his season debut with a 21-8 major victory over Blake Wolters. Steveson racked up ten takedowns on the night.
Notable
All three of the Gophers top-ten grapplers took home victories on Friday night. Brayton Lee was the only one to beat a ranked wrestler, but Mitch McKee and Devin Skatzka both took care of business against lower-ranked wrestlers. The trio has combined for 47 wins so far this young season.
Next Up
The Gophers close out the year, and their nonconference schedule, from Dec. 29-30 at the South Beach Duals in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Minnesota will face four teams in the sunshine state before opening Big Ten play on January 10 against Wisconsin. The Jackrabbits also compete next at the South Beach Duals.
(FloWrestling rankings)
Minnesota 22 South Dakota State 10
125: No.19 Pat McKee dec. (6-4) over Danny Vega (Gophers lead 3-0)
133: Zach Price dec (9-0) over Brent Jones (Jackrabbits lead 4-3)
141: No.2 Mitch McKee dec. (6-1) over Clay Carlson (Gophers lead 6-4)
149: No.5 Brayton Lee dec. (4-3) over No.15 Henry Pohlmeyer (Gophers lead 9-4)
157: Carson Brolsma dec. (6-4) over Colten Carlson (Gophers lead 12-4)
165: Bailee O’Reilly dec. (9-4) over Garrett Jordan (Gophers lead 15-4)
174: No.7 Devin Skatzka dec. (6-1) over Cade King (Gophers lead 18-4)
184: No.17 Zach Carlson dec. (4-1) over No.18 Owen Webster (Gophers lead 18-7)
197: No.19 Tanner Sloan dec. (5-0) over Hunter Ritter (Gophers lead 18-10)
285: Gable Steveson major dec. (21-8) over Blake Wolters (Gophers win 22-10)
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