DuHawk Open Results
The Concordia University wrestling team closed out the tournament part of the schedule at the DuHawk Open on Saturday, Feb. 6.
The last open tournament of the season just happened to be the toughest tournament of the year with the presence of Big Ten members from the University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota. The tournament also featured wrestlers from Northern Iowa and Northern Illinois University.
“It wasn’t the qualifying tournament we had hoped for,” noted head coach Doug Reese, “but it was a growth experience we needed. To be the best, you have to wrestle the best. We got to experience the best of the best today. At least half our team had matches with Big Ten opponents. Hopefully we will learn a lot from those matches.”
Gordie Fowlkes placed sixth in the tournament at 125 pounds.
“In the last couple of weeks, Fowlkes has really come on strong,” said Reese. “He is a warrior who battles in tight, physical matches. He is just starting to peak right now.”
Brandon Starkey dropped an 8-1 match to the University of Wisconsin and a 9-6 decision to the University of Minnesota at 149 pounds. Starkey posted a 4:59 fall versus Cornell College for his 19th win of the season.
“Brandon had a great opportunity to defeat Enoch of Minnesota,” said Reese, “but he made a position mistake that cost him four points and the match. He had Enoch broken physically, but just couldn’t put him away. This is a great learning experience and will help him win those types of matches in the future.”
George Gulesian put on the performance of the tournament with a 2-1 overtime win over Ruban Chavez of the University of Iowa at 157 pounds. The match was scoreless until the third period when Chavez earned an escape point. Gulesian tied up the match when Chavez was hit with a penalty point for stalling. In overtime, after a scoreless first period, Gulesian escaped in the second period for a 2-1 lead. In the third period, Gulesian rode out Chavez for 30 seconds to win the match.
“You gain so much confidence winning tight matches with a good opponent,” said Reese. “This win over Iowa will help George win even more tight matches in the future. “
The last event of the regular season is scheduled for Feb. 11. The Bulldogs travel to Hastings for a dual meet with Hastings College at 7 p.m.