Chadron’s wrestling team is in the middle of a busy week.
Sunday, the Eagles faced the Fort Hays State University Tigers, ranked 12th in Division II Wrestling Coaches’ Association polls, who cruised their way to a 24-10 victory. This afternoon
Junior Dustin Stodola of Clarkson dives for sophomore Ian Muirhead of Presho, S.D., during Chadron’s first home meet against Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D., on Nov. 15, 2011 in the Nelson Physical Activity Center. — Photo by Kinley Q. Nichols
, in the Nelson Physical Activity Center, the Eagles grapple with an even more formidable opponent: the Adams State Grizzlies of Alamosa, Colo., who are ranked 9th in the Division II WCA poll. Finally, on Saturday, the Eagles will travel north to the Dickinson State Open in Dickinson, N.D.
Chadron will have to contend with standouts Josh Hensley, senior of Alamosa, at 149 pounds and Luke McPeek, senior of Albuquerque, N.M., at 197 pounds during the dual tonight. Both Hensley and McPeek are ranked 3rd in their weight classes by the WCA. McPeek boasts an intimidating 10-2 record.
Freshman C.J. Clark, of Rapid City, S.D., is slated to wrestle Hensley, a fifth-year senior and All-American.
“C.J. will have his hands full,” wrestling coach Scott Ritzen said, “but he’s a hard worker and I’m sure he’ll give it his best.”
Junior Chris Leak, of Omaha, will face McPeek, to whom he has previously lost two matches.
“I’m hoping that Chris comes out ready to go and that it will be a good match,” Ritzen said.
Chadron’s upcoming home dual lies in the wake of a tough loss to Fort Hays that evened the Eagles’ record to 3-3.
“I think we’ve shored some things up in the short time we’ve been home,” said Ritzen of the upcoming dual.
The Eagles will wrestle again Saturday at the Dickinson Classic in Dickinson, N.D.
