INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Minot State's standout seniors
Wayne Joint,
Cannon Potts, and
Jake Swirple led the way Saturday at the Midwest Classic men's wrestling tournament and find themselves battling in the consolation bracket for a top finish.
Joint ran off three straight wins while Potts and Swirple each went 2-1 on the day as each will continue their run in one of the nation's biggest NCAA Division II events, hosted by the University of Indianapolis, on Sunday.
Potts started his day on the mats with a pin in 33 seconds over Nathan Coley of King in the championship second round, then after his first setback, Potts bounced back strong with a 15-0 technical fall win over Raife Smart of Mount Olive to advance in the consolation bracket.
As for Swirple, his day went much the same as he won a 7-1 decision over Gavin Harper of Wheeling in their 285-pound consolation second-round match, his first match of the day, then after a setback, Swirple rallied for a 10-0 major decision over Brayden Seago of Ouachita Baptist in the consolation round to advance in the 285-pound consolation bracket.
And battling at 133 pounds, Joint lost his opener then rallied with three straight consolation wins at 133 pounds, beating David Makupson of Salem in a 19-5 major decision, beating Jacob Gardner of Seton Hill by a 10-2 major decision, then beating Javien DeLeon of Kutztown by a 13-2 major decision.
Brendan Barnes added a win on the day for the Beavers at 165 pounds, a pin in 2:27 over Walker Heckendorf of Western Colorado in the championship second round before two setbacks ended his day.
Jared Shafer picked up a pair of victories for Minot State at 174 pounds, both in consolation matches, with an 18-1 tech fall win over Christopher Drakeford of Limestone and a 14-4 major decision win over Chris Mapp of Newmann before his run ended.
And
Dylan McDonald picked up a 20-5 tech fall over Preston Xayachak of Southwest Minnesota State in a 125-pound consolation match for his lone victory of the tournament.
Back in action to wrap up the Midwest Classic on Sunday, the Beaver then return home to open NSIC action hosting No. 3-ranked Parkside (Wis.) on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the MSU Dome.
