Men’s wrestling duals defending NCAA champs

By BreAnne Benson

The CSC men’s wrestling team fought well in Laramie, Wyoming at the University of Wyoming Cowboy Open, but were unable to overcome the strength of the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers in a dual over the weekend.

CSC had three placers at the Cowboy Open in Laramie, Wyoming, on Saturday. 

Logan Berger, freshman of Hartsville, South Carolina, at 165 lbs, earned fifth place and was Chadron’s highest finisher.

Next was Dean Neff, sophomore of Jefferson, Wisconsin, also at 165 pounds, ended sixth after a first-period pin from teammate Berger.

125 pounder Yusef Nelson, junior of Auburn, Washington also placed sixth for Chadron.

On Sunday, the Eagles traveled to Kearney to take on the Lopers and were far less successful against the defending NCAA Division II champions.

“UNK is a powerhouse and the defending national champions, and we made them earn it on Sunday,” CSC Men’s Wrestling Coach Brett Hunter said. “It was great seeing the guys compete hard and wrestle with effort.” 

Quade Smith, sophomore of Layton, Utah, Quentrevion Campbell, junior of Tifton, Georgia, Ethan Leake, senior of Clovis, California, and Luke Goncalves, a redshirt-freshman of Worland, Wyoming led with a strong early showing. 

The Eagles scored the first 10 points of the dual, leading 13-7 halfway through 10 matches. 

CSC wrestled strong against top ranked opponents but fell short by close margins in the latter four of the five final matches.

The Lopers pulled away with a 24-13 win.

Campbell’s performance, however, was good enough to earn him RMAC Wrestler of the Week. Campbell was an All-American honorable mention last year wrestling for North Iowa Area Community College. 

The Eagles travel to Sterling, Colorado, today to wrestle against Northwest College and Northeastern Junior College, then back to Kearney on Saturday for the Younes Hospitality Open.