Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University wrestling team banded together Thursday evening and made history from Wachs Arena with a 21-13 victory over Augustana. The win over the Vikings snaps over decade long streak dating back to the 1995-96. Northern is now 4-1 overall this season and 2-1 in the NSIC.
Dayne Morton started the evening for the Wolves with a bang, notching the lone extra point victory. The freshman led 5-0 as the second period ticked down over Ethan Cota in the 125-pound bout. He sealed a 6-point lead for the Wolves with a victory by fall at 4:45, giving way to three straight Northern State victories.
Kenny Jones hit the mat for the first time in over year at 133-pounds versus Brayden Curry. The two were scoreless through the first period, however Jones broken things open in the second with six nearfall points. He chose bottom to begin the third, and quickly grabbed two more points on a reversal. Curry fought back with an escape and takedown of his own, however it was not enough to overcome the first half deficit. Jones ultimately took the match in a 10-3 decision.
It was a high scoring affair between No. 6
Kolton Roth and Jebben Keyes of Augustana. Keyes led 4-2 heading into the second, but Roth battled back with four points of his own in the period. The pair entered the third with scoreboard tied at 6-all, and Keyes choosing bottom. Roth battled to roll Keyes and earn a 2-point nearfall, as well as a riding time point in the 9-6 decision win.
No. 10
Caden Moore took to the mat versus Tyler Wagener at 149-pounds. The Wolves freshman grabbed a takedown in each of the three periods, securing a 6-4 decision win over his Viking opponent. Moore's three points gave Northern a 15-0 lead with six weights to wrestle.
Augustana chipped away at the Northern State lead through the middle weights with two decision wins and one major decision.
Senior
Kaden Campbell turned things around for NSU at 184-pounds with a win over Daniel Bishop. It came down to the third period with a 0-0 tie through the first two. Campbell chose bottom, and fought for a reversal. He rode out the period earning a point of riding time and the 3-0 victory.
A Viking win at 197-pounds brought the team scores within five (18-13), heading into the final weight of the evening. The match was up to sophomore
Harrison Townsend who battled with Matt Naig and nearly came away with a major decision win. Townsend grabbed a takedown in each of the three periods, as well as an escape in the second and riding time point in his 8-1 victory over Naig. His three team points sealed the match victory for the Wolves, just their third overall Augustana in the history between the two teams.
The Wolves return to action next Thursday, January 10 from Wachs Arena. Start time is set for 7 p.m. versus Southwest Minnesota State.
