The South Dakota State University (SDSU) wrestling team embarks on another riveting season, bringing pride and glory to the vibrant community of Brookings, South Dakota. This past weekend, the Jackrabbits showcased their relentless determination by splitting a pair of duals; they trounced Cal Baptist before grappling with a formidable opponent in Iowa State. As the dust settled, SDSU holds an impressive 10-3 record in duals this season, maintaining a competitive 3-2 standing in the Big 12 conference. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming home duals, featuring matchups against Air Force on Friday and Northern Colorado on Sunday at the First Bank & Trust Arena.
On Friday night, SDSU delivered a commanding performance against Cal Baptist, claiming a convincing 36-3 victory. The match commenced at 174 pounds, with Moses Espinoza-Owens taking on Mason Espinoza. In a stunning display of skill, Espinoza-Owens achieved a 10-3 decision, putting the Jackrabbits on the scoreboard.
Moses Espinoza-Owens
Further highlights included Brock Fettig’s impressive victory over David Alonso at 184 pounds, where Fettig’s relentless offense secured a major decision victory. Bennett Berge continued the triumph at 197 pounds, overpowering Eli Sheeren to widen the Jackrabbits’ lead, demonstrating SDSU’s depth and prowess in wrestling. At 157 pounds, ranked No. 20 Cael Swensen held ground against No. 29 Drayden Morton, clinching a 3-2 decision, ensuring the Jackrabbits’ dominance continued throughout the night.
Despite the night’s successes, Colin Dupill fell to Paul Kelly at 149 pounds, marking the only loss to Cal Baptist. Coach Chris Bono, who has been instrumental in nurturing the team’s talents, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and their dedication to representing South Dakota’s fighting spirit. “We aim to embody the resilience and determination of South Dakota. Every match is a testament to our hard work and the community that backs us.”
Sunday brought a stringent test for SDSU as they faced No. 3 ranked Iowa State. Although the Jackrabbits fought valiantly, they succumbed to Iowa State 29-7. The dual was marked by intense competition, with Julian Tagg and Cael Swensen securing wins for the Jackrabbits. Tagg’s efforts at 141 pounds against Carter Pearson resulted in a decisive 14-3 major decision, while Swensen upheld his sterling reputation by defeating Kane Naaktgeboren at 157 pounds with a strategic 3-0 decision.
One of the most anticipated showdowns occurred at 197 pounds, where Bennett Berge faced off against No. 2 ranked Rocky Elam. Despite Berge’s commendable efforts and relentless drive, Elam’s early takedown sealed the match, reminding the audience of the high-stakes environment and the resilience that is a hallmark of South Dakota wrestling.
Looking to the future, SDSU will host Air Force and Northern Colorado, promising an electrifying experience for both the team and the community. The team continues to hone their skills in anticipation of these upcoming challenges, fully supported by loyal fans and the vibrant spirit of South Dakota.
For those interested in witnessing the indomitable spirit of SDSU wrestling, tickets are available through their email contact. The support of this community is invaluable as the Jackrabbits continue to carve out their legacy on the mats.
- Upcoming Matches: SDSU vs Air Force on Friday, SDSU vs Northern Colorado on Sunday.
- Venue: First Bank & Trust Arena, Brookings, South Dakota.
- Support the Team: Get tickets or more information via support@sdsusports.com.