Viking wrestlers bring home first dual meet win
The Portland State wrestling team hosted Simon Fraser University Friday night, looking for their first dual meet wins of the 2004 season. After facing stiff competition in early season losses on the road to 8th ranked Nebraska and 10th ranked Minnesota, the Vikings looked for a respite against the visitors from north of the border.
The Vikings picked up the dual meet win, defeating The Clan 38-9 at the Stott Center. The Viking grapplers, 1-4 in dual meet contests this year, got pins from Lucas Hambleton (133 lbs.), Devin Mair (165 lbs.), and Eric Mustoe (heavyweight) en route to victory over their NAIA opponents from Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Vikings got off to a quick start winning five of the first six weight classes before dropping two consecutive matches. Freshman Josh Gustafson of PSU lost a hard fought 7-6 decision to Paul Murphy of Simon Fraser at 174 lbs, and Viking junior Nick Gomeza fell to Gary Wright of The Clan, 5-3. The losses left Gomeza and Gustafson still looking for their first dual meet wins this season.
On a brighter note, PSU sophomore Allan Kennet rang up his first victory of the season, winning a major decision at 197 lbs. over former Portlander Jordan Bryant, 16-5. Kinnet commented, “It felt great to win, especially not having wrestled for the last three years.”
The Vikings travel to Boise State for their Pac-10 opener next Wednesday, Jan.21st.
