Contact: Emily Adlfinger, Director of Athletic Communications. 563-588-7970

(Written by Simon Schuler, Athletic Communications Student Assistant)

STORM LAKE, Iowa (Jan. 30, 2021) – After a three week layoff from competition, the No. 9 Loras College wrestling team kicked off the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) wrestling slate by churning out a dominant performance against A-R-C foes Buena Vista University and Luther College.

The Duhawks started the day off on a high note against triangular host Buena Vista Beavers. Leading off at 125 lbs., freshman Aiden Evans picked up his first collegiate victory in the purple and gold by defeating Byron Fleming via 6-3 decision. Following the decision victory, junior Zach Licht secured a hard-fought third-period pin at 133 against Axel Hernandez. Licht's pin started a streak of four falls in a row by the Duhawks including two first period falls by Mason McMillen and Zeke Smith followed by a second period stick by No. 7 (149) Daniel Ruiz at 157 pounds.

Following a setback at 165 lbs., two-time All-American and Marengo, Iowa native Jacob Krakow righted the ship for Duhawks by notching another victory via fall accompanied by a first period fall from All-American Sophomore Shane Liegel. The Duhawks recorded two more falls from Brady Vogel at 197 lbs. and Slade Sifuentes at heavyweight to score a decisive 51-2 victory over the Beavers.

The second dual of the day saw a showdown against the Norse of Luther College. The Duhawks dug out of an early hole thanks to a spark by Zach Licht who scored a technical fall over Jesse Martinez. Using a series of takedowns and near fall, Mason McMillen added four more team points by defeating Tyler Difiore by major decision. After an 8-2 victory by Zeke Smith at 149 lbs., No. 7 Daniel Ruiz used a quick cradle against the Norse' Preston Schuelke to collect the second pin on his day.

A major decision by junior Tad Griffith at 165 and a Jacob Krakow fall pushed the Duhawk lead to 28-6. At 184 lbs., Shane Liegel scored a hard-fought 11-5 decision over Ira Kuehn. The Norse stopped the momentum at 197 lbs. but it was too little too late as No. 5 Wyatt Wriedt sealed the victory for the Duhawks with a major decision to post a 35-9 victory over Luther.

The Duhawks will resume conference action at home against Simpson College and crosstown rival University of Dubuque on Saturday, Feb. 6. Wrestling will kick off from Lillis Court at 5:00 P.M