The Iowa Lakes wrestling team opened their season at the Yellowjacket open in Rochester, MN.  Against a strong field of competition including, NJCAA, NCAA Division 2 & 3 teams many Lakers were successful.  Kevin Saravia Merlos placed 5th at 125 lbs winning four straight after losing his first match to the eventual champion.  Anthony Fisher took 4th place at 149 lbs going 2-2 on the day. David Hollingsworth III took 3rd place at 157 lbs going 3-1 on the day. Evyn Insalaco placed 2nd at 165 lbs at his first competition as a Laker. Bunmi Smith took 4th at 174 lbs. Marcus Placide went 4-2 on the day taking 6th place at 184 lbs.  Heavyweight Andre Bissainthe took 4th in his first action back since a season-ending injury just under a year ago.  

     With a strong core of returning sophomores, head coach Cody Alesch had high expectations for his team going into the weekend and looks to build on the team's first competition. "After the first competition you always want to have strong points that you can build on but you also want to be exposed and see your weaknesses; that is exactly what we accomplished today. Moving forward we as a coaching staff has a good sense of the areas of improvement. I was very impressed with how many of our wrestlers responded to adversity, and fought hard. When returning sophomores are leading by example it becomes astronomically easier for our freshman to do the same." The Lakers return to competition at home against Ellsworth Community College on Wednesday, November 7th at 7 pm.       

Photo ID: Photo of David Hollingsworth attached.

Other items: Interview with Head Coach Cody Alesch attached.

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Wrestling Coach Cody Alesch at (712) 362-7930 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.