Plainsmen Defeat Trappers at Apodaca Duels

Plainsmen Defeat Trappers at Apodaca Duels

Feb. 5, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — The Northeastern Plainsmen traveled to Powell, Wyo. to wrestle in the Apodaca Duels. The duels were originally set to be both Friday and Saturday, but a lack of teams forced the duels to be scaled down to one day against one opponent. The Plainsmen faced the Northwest College Trappers in a head-to-head match. This duel was important for Northeastern, as this was their last competition before heading into the district tournament. 

Cian Apple was first on the mat for Northeastern as he would represent the 125's. He pinned his opponent 21 seconds into the third period, giving the Plainsmen the 6-0 lead. In the 133's, Quintel Fuchs lost by pin in the second period, making the score tied 6-6. Northeastern then went up 12-6 after the Trappers had a forfeit in the 141-weight division. Maverick Keigher wrestled in the 149's and won by an 11-1 major decision, boosting the team score to 16-6. The Plainsmen received two more six-point wins by an injury default and a forfeit, now making it a 28-6 match. The next person to wrestle was Dillon Thomas in the 174's, who had a 5-1 decision win. Hayden Wempen wrestled next in the 184 division and won by a 6-3 decision. With the score showing 34-6, Logan Malouff was up next in the 197's. Malouff lost by a pin in the last period, which would bring the score to 33-12. The final match was Oscar Soto, who had to injury default, making the final score 34-18. 

That final duel of the regular season puts the Plainsmen's record at 11-3. Northeastern will now head into the Rocky Mountain Districts with a running start as they look to qualify athletes for the National Tournament. The Rocky Mountain Districts will be held here in Sterling on Feb. 16 with the competition beginning in the morning.