South Dakota State University’s wrestling team achieved two victories on the first day of the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Jackrabbits began Friday with a strong performance against Harvard, winning 35-3. Early wins came from Brady Roark at 125 pounds, Cale Seaton at 133 pounds, and Julian Tagg at 141 pounds. Tagg secured a technical fall over Sidney Tildsley with a score of 19-3.
Logan Swensen made his debut at 149 pounds but lost to Jack Crook. However, the team won all remaining matches in the dual. Cael Swensen and Jacob Herm each earned decisions, with Herm competing in his first dual for South Dakota State. Moses Espinoza-Owens added a major decision victory, while Brock Fettig won by tiebreaker. Bennett Berge returned to competition and achieved a technical fall in the first period, and Luke Rasmussen finished with a pin in under one minute.
In their second match of the day, South Dakota State faced Northern Illinois and won 26-10. Daniel Guanajuato started with an 18-4 major decision at 125 pounds. Cale Seaton lost to Markel Baker at 133 pounds, but Julian Tagg responded with another technical fall at 141 pounds. Logan Swensen was defeated by Lucas O’Brien at 149 pounds before Cael Swensen secured a win at 157 pounds.
Jacob Herm lost his match at 165 pounds after Brett Smith scored late points for Northern Illinois. The Jackrabbits then extended their lead through decisions by Moses Espinoza-Owens and Brock Fettig. Bennett Berge continued his success with another technical fall, and Micah Hach closed out the dual with his first collegiate win.
The day’s results included several milestones: Daniel Guanajuato and Jacob Herm made their dual debuts for South Dakota State; Logan Swensen debuted at 149 pounds; Micah Hach recorded his first collegiate victory; Bennett Berge and Julian Tagg each posted two technical falls during the event; and the Jackrabbits improved to a season record of 6-0 in dual meets—their best start since moving to Division I competition.
Looking ahead, South Dakota State is scheduled to compete against Campbell University on Saturday morning before facing Central Michigan later that day.
“Daniel Guanajuato and Jacob Herm made their dual debut for the Jackrabbits.”
“Logan Swensen made his 149-pound debut.”
“Micah Hach scored his first collegiate win.”
“Bennett Berge and Julian Tagg each scored tech falls in both of their matches.”
“Jacks improved to 6-0 in duals, the best start since the jump to Division 1”