The Wayne State wrestling team traveled to Mitchell, South Dakota, to compete with other Division I and Division II schools, including Dakota Weslyan University and Colorado State University. This is the Wildcats’ second dual of the season and they have nine more duals left.

“The team competed very well the last weekends at CSU and DWU,” said Gregory Vander Weil, head coach. “We felt that they all showed good improvement from week one to week two, especially against NCAA Division
II teams and varsity NAIA teams at DWU.”

Sophomore wrestler Gerald Kenkel went 2-2 at DWU, which was a strong showing for the Wildcats. The Wildcats lost co-captain Patrick Donnelly to a separated shoulder this past weekend. Freshman Alejandro Martinez, at 133 Ibs., placed second, junior Matthew Reeves Jr., at 141 Ibs., placed second, sophomore Hunter Weiss, at 149 Ibs., placed second and senior Spencer Trout, at 184 Ibs., placed third.

“Key moments for us include a unified team, good initial conditioning and a positive commitment to the season and desire to improve each week,” said Vander Weil.

The first duals of the season were important for freshman wrestlers.

“Freshmen are picking up their first taste of college wrestling and scoring some wins,” said Vander Weil.

At the beginning of the season, it is natural for freshmen to make mistakes, he said. The experienced Wildcat wrestlers help the freshmen as much as possible so they can build up confidence and show other schools what they have in store for the rest of the season.

“We’ll need to improve on some wrestling techniques and continue to build on being in great shape for the tough matches down the road,” said Co-Head Coach Devon Rupp.

Wayne State Wrestling is heading into its 10th season and team members and coaches hope for support around Wayne and the campus.