Injuries, mistakes slow progress of wrestling squad
The NIC wrestling team has started off on a rough patch with a 2-2 record and a couple of key guys out with injuries. Head coach Pat Whitcomb said that the team will have to work harder to win without Caleb Rivera, who dislocated his elbow, and Kyle Sweedman, who hurt his shoulder.
“We just have to find a way to win,” Whitcomb said.
The team certainly was able to find a way to overcome that obstacle on Nov. 11. NIC won 21-15 against Southwest Oregon Community College with the Cardinals securing victory in six matches.
Starting at the 125-pound bracket, NIC’s Joaquin Calderon held a major decision over Coby Horner, 10-0. At 141 pounds, NIC’s Jarrett Morrill won by decision over Bobby Short, 10-3. NIC’s Bryce McMahon at 149 pounds won by decision over Joseph Gardner, 8-6.
Ryan Zumwalt at 157 pounds secured a major decision over Tyler Strenke, 11-1. At 174 pounds, Kyle Sweedman of NIC also had a major decision over Kris Newport, 14-5. In the 285-pound heavyweight bracket, NIC’s Matthew Foxworthy won by decision over Johnathon Hatch, 9-3.
The losses for the Cards began at the 133-pound bracket with Mike Carreon losing by decision to Cartice Lloyd, 3-5. Ricky LaBelle at 165 pounds lost to Saul Soto by major decision, 7-19. Justin Gillespie lost to Bo Younker at 197 pounds with a technical fall, 3-18. Returning sophomore Justin Korthius at the 184-pound bracket lost by a close decision to Ryland Geiger, 9-11.
“The mindset is just to go out and do your very best, whether you win or lose,” said Jarrett Morrill, 21, psychology.
On Nov. 5, the wrestling team lost to Highline Community College, 17-20. NIC only had four wins that night including Mike Carreon at 133 pounds with a decision against Sam Ottow, 9-4, and 141-pound Jarrett Morrill securing a major decision over Kevin Rampp, 10-2.
Ryan Zumwalt won at 157 pounds with a major decision against Zeke Nistrain, 9-0. Matthew Foxworthy continued to stay dominant at 285 pounds with a victory by fall over Michael Henry 2:40 minutes into the match.
Losses for the Cardinals start at 125 pounds with Joaquin Calderon losing by decision to Steven Romero, 5-7, and Bryce McMahon losing by major decision to Josh Romero, 3-11, in the 149-pound bracket.
South African-native Wilhelm Viljoen Meyer lost to Micah Morrill by decision, 8-13, in the 165-pound bracket. Highline C.C.’s Tyler Story at 174 pounds delivered a major decision to Scott Wolf, 14-0, and Lucas Huyber won by decision over NIC’s Justin Korthius in the 184-pound bracket, 4-2. Highline’s Anthony Whitmarsh also held a decision over Justin Gillespie, 3-1, at 197 pounds.
“Losing to Highline really hurt because we hadn’t lost to them before,” Whitcomb said. “Once we get everyone settled into their weights and healthy, we’re going to be okay.”
On Oct. 29, the guys suffered their first loss to Montana State Northern, 19-22. NIC only won four matches, which included Joaquin Calderon at 125 pounds with a decision, Jarrett Morrill at 141 pounds with a major decision, Ryan Zumwalt at 157 pounds with a decision and heavyweight Matthew Foxworthy with a decision.
Losses for the Cardinals include 149-pound Bryce McMahon by decision, 165-pound Wilhelm Viljoen Meyer by fall at 4:49, 174-pound Kyle Sweedman with a decision, 184-pound Justin Korthius by major decision and Caleb Rivera at 197 pounds with a match forfeit.
“If we’re making mistakes, we can see what those are and change them,” Morrill said. “But if you don’t do your best, you can’t help yourself..”
The guys started off the season with a win against Great Falls University, 26-14. Coach Whitcomb said it was the toughest of all the matches so far and was the last one that had all the guys healthy and competing.
NIC won a total of five matches. Mike Carreon at 133 pounds won by major decision, Jarrett Morrill at 141 pounds won by decision, 157-pound Ryan Zumwalt won by decision, Kyle Sweedman at 174 pounds secured a victory by fall at 3:18, and Caleb Rivera at 197 pounds won by decision.
“You gotta do whatever it takes to win,” said Justin Korthuis, 20, business.
The NIC wrestling team will be competing in the Cardinal Duals at home on Nov. 19.
