The Pacific University men's wrestling team resumed its season with an exhibition dual against Highline Community College on Thursday in Des Moines, Washington.
The nationally-ranked Thunderbirds won eight of the ten bouts against the Boxers. Pacific picked up wins at 165 lbs. and heavyweight by forfeit.
One of the more exciting bouts on the night was the 141-pound matchup between the Boxers'
Brandon Hertz (Eugene, Ore.) and the Thunderbirds' Patrick Wheeler.
After an early takedown in the first period by Wheeler, the Boxers' Hertz escaped and took down the three-time state qualifier for a 3-2 lead. He stretched the lead to 5-2 with a two-point near fall, later in the period before Wheeler escaped just before the end of the period.
In the second period, Wheeler regained the lead with a four-point near fall and established a riding time advantage over a minute. The match remained close as the match entered the third period with Hertz facing 10-9 deficit. The freshman came away with an escape in the period to tie the match at 10 but needing a takedown for the win. The riding time proved to be the difference with Wheeler edging Hertz, 11-10.
Next, Pacific will travel to the Reno Tournament of Champions, Sunday, Dec. 17 with action scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m.
Results:
125: Jesse Mendoza (Highline) def.
Landon Obra-Nakata (Pacific), 10-0; major decision.
133: Aaron Nakama (Highline) won by forfeit
141: Patrick Wheeler (Highline) def.
Brandon Hertz (Pacific), 11-10
157: Liam Corbett (Highline) def.
Manu Wengler (Pacific), 16-0; technical fall
165:
Matthew Baca (Pacific) won by forfeit
174: Ben Gore (Highline) pinned
Kaleb Winebarger (Pacific)
184: Mitchell Owens (Highline) won by forfeit
197: Emmanuel Daigbe (Highline) pinned
Ian Morford (Pacific)
HWT: Steve Naldzyhan (Pacific) won by forfeit
