Laker wrestlers placed 8 individuals at the Auggie Invite at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN led by freshman 125 lber. Matthew Jordan who took 1st place. Matt captured his first collegiate title after placing 2nd and 4th in his first two tournaments. Matt went 4-0 on the day winning two matches by one point. All of Matt's wins came against 4-year colleges. "Matt has really been representing Iowa Lakes wrestling at a high level. He works hard and carries that into competition fighting for 7 minutes when he competes. He has out fought many of his opponents by doing the little things during his matches. For Matt to come up to a place like Augsburg and continue to raise the bar for himself is a good sign of what is yet to come for Matt as the season moves forward," says Coach Alesch.
Miles Knuckles captured 2nd place at 133 lbs going 3-1 on the day. "Miles has dealt with some injuries so it was good to see him put a good day together as he returns," noted Coach Alesch. Other Laker wrestlers that battled into placing were Dyllon Bernard placing 4th at 141 lbs., Tyler Needham 4th at 197 lbs. and Juan Diaz taking 4th at 174 lbs. Daniel Porter took 6th at 125lbs and Robert hall took 6th at 141 lbs. Deville Dentist at 149 lbs. lost a close opening round bout but battled back with 3 straight wins to dominate the consolation bracket.
"I thought we started off a little sluggish and some guys won and lost some matches but didn't perform well. I tell our guys these tournaments are not about wins and losses, it is about grinding in every match, learning to be stingy and gritty. Being challenged and put into tough situations so when those moments come later in the year you've been there and you know how to fight through it. Today some guys did well with that and some did not. Everyone on the team has to be willing to battle for 7 minutes no matter what. When that happens then the team begins to rise to a new level. That is what we are looking for as a coaching staff. The team doing that as a whole, not some of the individuals but all of them,'' stated Coach Alesch. "The good thing about today is everyone was able to see many of their teammates battle for 7 minutes and have success. The examples are right there on this team now it just needs to be contagious," said Coach Alesch.
Photo ID: Photo of Freshman Matthew Jordan attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Coach Cody Alesch at (712) 362-7930 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.