With the conference tournament right around the corner, Storm wrestling continues to push through adversities. With gaps in the 125 and heavyweight classes, Simpson faced off against Loras in a dual at home, in Hopper Gymnasium.

The Storm took five wins against the Duhawks, but due to forfeits, the point total at the end of the dual favored Loras 24-19 (7-7, 1-1 IIAC).

Head coach Clint Manny feels that despite having essential weight classes being vacant this season, the Storm remains tough.

“Being short-handed throughout the season has made it tough for us to be a competitive dual team, but through every guy’s individual efforts we are still able to compete with several teams in the conference,” Manny said. “This is a testament to the hard work and commitment to the eight guys who stepped on the mat last night.”

The Storm currently hold a record of 2-9 (0-4 IIAC), with many outstanding individual performances throughout the meet and season.

In last night’s dual, senior 149-pounder Caleb Brus picked up his 94th career win (21st season win) against Loras’s Drew Salzman in a 11-0 major decision. Fellow senior and teammate Jordy Ammons came away with a 1-0 win against a Loras 184-pounder.

Freshmen Justin Bruce (165) and Derek Entz (141) picked up wins in their respective weight classes, and a medical forfeit from Lora’s 197-pounder allowed freshman Jared Bevins six points to round out Simpson’s five match wins.

Simpson’s lone junior Ryan Haworth sees potential in his team in the upcoming conference matches.

“I thought we wrestled well tonight but there’s always room for improvement,” Haworth said. “We’ve been practicing well as of late and everything is coming together. We’ve got four more conference duals coming up and it’s only going to get tougher from here, but I think we are ready for the challenge.”

Three major decision wins for Loras in last night’s dual reflect the strong competition and talent from the IIAC. However Manny stands behind his team and their capabilities.

“Every person gave their best effort last night, and I’m extremely proud of that!” Manny said. “Our main focus through the meet last night was to keep fighting in every position, regardless of the score of the match and the score of the dual and I can look at our guys and say we did that.”

With the Storm hosting a site for the Iowa Conference tournament next Saturday, the squad is looking to improve their record. Simpson hosts Coe, Dubuque and Wartburg at Cowles Fieldhouse beginning at 10 a.m.