Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team achieved a significant victory in their first dual at the Sonnentag Event Center, defeating UW-Platteville 49-3. This match marked Senior Night and concluded the Blugolds' dual season.

In the event, UW-Eau Claire secured wins in nine out of ten weight classes, including two forfeits by the Pioneers. The Blugolds won six of eight contested matches with bonus points, achieving four pins.

Notable performances included Bo Niewiadomski at 141 pounds, Luke Krier at 149 pounds, Jared Stricker at 174 pounds, and Ian Pepple at 197 pounds, all securing pins for their team. Pepple's pin was notable as it was the first match ever wrestled at the Sonnentag Event Center and he completed it in just 2:40.

Izzy Balsiger and Sloan Welch won by technical fall at 125 and 285 pounds respectively. Colton Sund triumphed by decision at 157 pounds while Travis Moelter and Tristan Drier benefited from forfeits at 133 and 184 pounds respectively.

During intermission, seniors Charles Gierke, Jan Hernandez-Soto, Krier, Jake Matthews, Niewiadomski, Zach Sato, Niall Schoenfelder, Stricker and Sund were honored along with manager Hope Turvaville.

The Blugolds ended their dual season with a strong record of 17-1 overall and went 3-1 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) duals.

Looking ahead, several wrestlers from UW-Eau Claire will participate in the Don Parker Memorial Open on Saturday. The event is scheduled to begin at McPhee Center with the first whistle set for 10 a.m.

For more updates on the Blugolds throughout the season visit Blugolds.com or follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.