Bison extend their winning streak to six
Written by Adam Sprengeler Tuesday, 02 February 2010 08:00
Continuing with the winning attitude, the Bison wrestling team defeated Western Wrestling Conference opponents, the Air Force Falcons, by the score of 26-18, extending its winning streak to six matches and improving to 2-0 in the conference.
“The score was a lot closer than the matches would tell you,” Head Coach Bucky Maughan said. “But that’s what happens when you have to forfeit a weight class.”
After the decision to redshirt sophomore Trent Sprenkle, the Bison have been forced to wrestle with an open weight class. Making the six-match winning streak all the more impressive.
Coming into the match, the Falcons had a duel record of 5-7 and sported the No. 16 wrestler in the nation at 141 pounds with Cole VonOhlen. VonOhlen is a true freshman and a native of Jackson, Minn.
Sophomore Justin Soleberg started the match out with a victory, but it did not come until the final takedown of the match where he was able to regain the lead. After that, Ryan Adams fell to VonOhlen. This was Adams’ seventh loss of the season. He is one of two wrestlers including sophomore Tyler Johnson to have 20 wins or more this season.
The match continued to go well for NDSU as 149-pound junior Andrey Patselov defeated Gabe Martinez by major decision. Fellow junior Vince Salminen pinned his wrestler at 157 pounds.
“He got a reversal and managed to score a couple of points,” Salminen said, referring to his opponent, Alec Williams. “Once I got in control I just dug in and wouldn’t let him up.”
Salminen accredited much of the success NDSU is having this year to hard work and dedication. He also talked about how the Bison’s new assistant coach, Roger Kish, has brought a whole new dimension to this wrestling team.
“Our new coach has been pushing us hard,” Salminen said. “It’s just hard work.”
The winning trend continued for NDSU as Johnson and junior Kenny Moenkedick also recorded a pin.
NDSU has little time to relax and relish the winning streak, as they will once again put it on the line against WWC opponents the University of Wyoming Cowboys. The Cowboys currently sit at 2-0 in the conference after beating WWC powerhouse Northern Iowa, 26-12. That match will be Sunday, Feb. 7, beginning at 1 p.m.
“The big test is when we have Wyoming coming in next week,” Maughan said.
