Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team has claimed its third consecutive Budd Whitehill National Duals championship. The Blugolds achieved this by securing victories over two ranked opponents on Saturday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They defeated No. 19 Ithaca College in the semifinals and went on to beat No. 9 Roanoke College in the finals.

In the semifinals, the fifth-ranked Blugolds (11-1) overcame Ithaca with a decisive 37-6 win. This was followed by a 31-16 victory against Roanoke in the championship dual. Throughout the tournament, UW-Eau Claire won all five of its duals by more than 15 points.

The team closed out the Ithaca dual with six consecutive wins, claiming every match from 157 pounds and up, including three pins. Preston Carlisle, Ian Pepple, and Sloan Welch each secured a pin during their semifinal victory. Jared Stricker triumphed over Jackson Gray at 174 pounds in the only head-to-head matchup between ranked wrestlers during that dual.

The championship match featured eight nationally ranked wrestlers from both UW-Eau Claire and Roanoke. Izzy Balsiger emerged victorious in his matchup against Isaic Paulino at 125 pounds. Carlisle delivered a notable performance at 165 pounds by pinning sixth-ranked David Reid in just over two minutes.

Stricker tied UW-Eau Claire's all-time record for pins with his career's 64th pin against Kyle Lee from Roanoke. The Blugolds managed four pins during their championship dual.

Balsiger, Carlisle, and Pepple were named to the all-tournament team, with Carlisle earning recognition as the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Looking ahead, the Blugolds will resume competition within the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference when they face UW-Stevens Point on Thursday, January 16 at 7 p.m.

For ongoing updates throughout the season, fans can follow along via Blugolds.com or through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.