Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team hosted the Don Parker Memorial Open, sponsored by Festival Foods, at the McPhee Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The event was highlighted by freshman Zak McPhee from Duluth, Minnesota, who won the 184-pound title.

McPhee achieved a 4-0 record to secure his championship. His victories included a pin in his first match, a 4-1 decision over Augsburg's Carter Sorenson in the quarterfinals, and a 12-4 major decision against North Dakota State's Andrew McMonagle in the semifinals. In the finals, McPhee claimed first place with a 7-3 decision over St. Cloud State's Tyson Meyer.

Calvin Singewald, another freshman from Cannon Falls, Minnesota, secured third place at 133 pounds. He began with a win by pin and advanced to the semifinals with a 10-2 major decision over Augsburg's Thomas Oswald. Despite losing in the semifinals, Singewald finished strong with a pin in his third-place match.

Sophomores Travis Moelter from River Falls, Wisconsin, and Tristan Drier from Cadott, Wisconsin both finished sixth in their respective weight classes. Moelter competed at 133 pounds and ended with a 3-2 record including a pin and technical fall. Drier wrestled at 174 pounds and won his first three matches before withdrawing due to medical forfeits.

A total of 20 UW-Eau Claire wrestlers participated in the tournament. No team scores were recorded for this event.

This year's tournament was particularly significant as it was held for the first time since the passing of longtime Blugold wrestling coach Don Parker last November. A moment of silence was observed to honor Parker’s memory; he had coached UW-Eau Claire for 32 years.

The next competition for UW-Eau Claire is set for February 15 at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Championships hosted by UW-Whitewater at Kachel Gymnasium starting at 11 a.m.