The Western Concept

by Beth Hurt 

Just months after having completed their time as members of the Dickinson State University wrestling team, seven alumni affiliates returned to the floor to triumph in the annual Alumni Wrestling Dual.  The alumni wrestlers were paired with current members of the DSU wrestling team for a match of three one-minute periods.   Five of the seven alumni competitors were victorious.           

Brothers Mark and Cory Johnston were paired for the first match.  Mark Johnston won the match when he scored the last takedown of the match for a total of 5 points.            

Alumni wrestler Frankie Schoonover defeated Matt Pridgeon 4 to 1 with two takedowns and one reversal.  Pridgeon only managed to score one escape.           

Keri Stanley was also victorious in his match against DSU’s Colt Goff when he pinned his opponent for the required three seconds.             

Wade Blankenbaker was one of only two alumni wrestlers who did not win his match when Brett Owen took down Blankenbaker and scored with a reversal.             

The fifth match between Gabe Harry and Matt Michaelson ended with Harry in the lead when he rode his opponent for the total amount of time, breaking their current tie with one point.             

Jay Danbom defeated Cody Jamgaard with a takedown after obtaining a bloody nose from his challenger.           

Clay Rodgers wrestled the final match with Brett Mathern, Rodgers was defeated after he lost his footing.  Mathern capitalized on his opponent’s loss of position and went in for a takedown, scoring five points.           

The final score for the alumni dual ended with the alumni wrestlers victorious over the Blue Hawk’s 13 to 9.