Pioneers charge over Rams

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville wrestling team resumed competition after last weekend's UW-Platteville Invitational with a dominant 27-13 performance over Cornell College in Williams Fieldhouse.

The Pioneers wore specialty camouflage singlets in honor of Veterans Day. The partnership with the Wisconsin National Guard also recognized the veterans in attendance and showcased UW-Platteville alum and All-American, Zach Chambers.

The Pioneers started off by bursting out to a 16-0 lead after four weight classes. Junior Isaac Wiegel led the way at 125 lbs. with an 11-3 major decision following two takedowns and a near fall in the first period. Junior Caleb Radtke followed with a 3-2 decision at 133 lbs. after coming back from behind in the final period with a takedown to extend UW-Platteville's lead to 7-0.

The first pin fall of the night fell at 141 lbs. when junior Zach Licht pinned Grant Harbour (3:31). Licht's fall was followed by a 4-2 decision at 149 lbs. in favor of junior Brock Parker who's victory gave the Pioneers a 16-0 advantage.

After a major decision setback at 157, junior Nathan Wynsma set things back on course with a 9-0 major decision at 165 lbs. Wynsma coupled a takedown and near fall in the first and another takedown in the second period to give the Pioneers a 20-4 advantage with three wrestlers remaining. Senior Nick Dado added three more team points at 174 lbs. following a 5-2 decision to seal the fate of the night and give the Pioneers the largest lead of the evening, 23-4.

The Rams chipped away at UW-Platteville's advantage with a fall of their own at 184 lbs., but freshman Tyler Hannah used a series of takedowns and a near fall in the first period along another takedown and riding time to win by a 12-1 major decision at 197 lbs. Leading 27-10, Brett Schoenherr concluded the night on the mat for the Pioneers and dropped a hard fought 5-3 decision for the 27-13 final result.

"We wrestled smart," head coach Trevor Kittleson said following the dual. "I would like to see us extend on some of these leads and really open up the scoring. We are definitely capable of that. I think we made some good improvements from last weekend!"

The Pioneers will resume competition this weekend when they travel to the Luther College Open on Saturday, Nov. 13 and will kick things off at 9 a.m.