Grapplers break records

by Carrie LaGree

The Simpson wrestling team is breaking records this year.

The Storm went 3-0 at the Buena Vista Duals on Feb. 2, which put its record at 23-6. Simpson tied the school record of 23 duals wins in a season, which was set by the 1997-98 team that went on to place fifth at the NCAA Division III National Championships. Head Coach Ron Peterson also won his 100th career dual at Simpson in December.

For the first time in school history, three Simpson wrestlers have at least 30 victories this season.

Freshman Clint Manny has 34, sophomore Bart George has 32 and senior Justin Song has 30 victories. Sophomore Jason Mitchell follows with 28 victories this year.

Simpson brings its 19th-place ranking in the BRUTE/Adidas National Wrestling Coaches Associate Division III Poll, and a 5-3 record in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to face 6th-ranked Upper Iowa, who boasts a 9-5 overall record and a 5-2 record in the IIAC, on Feb. 7 in Fayette.

At the BV duals, Simpson faced Northwestern (Iowa) first and won 45-3 with victories by Tysen Christensen, Quent Christensen, Jeff Kuhl, Nate Dau, Manny, Song, Mitchell, George and Brian DeDecker.

Simpson went on to defeat Briar Cliff 48-3 with victories from Tysen Christensen, Kuhl, Dau, Manny, Song, Brannon Hilton, Mitchell, George and DeDecker.

Simpson ended the meet with a 24-16 victory over Dana with victories from Tysen Christensen, Jesse Olson, Manny, Hilton, George and DeDecker.