The Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) wrestling team dominated Sparta, 37-15, in a nonconference match on Thursday, Jan. 24.
"Sparta is a very physical team. It was great for our kids to see some different styles of wrestling. I was happy to see our kids figure out how to handle their physical strength," said SPASH coach Gee Pope.
A number of wrestlers from the junior varsity competed for SPASH because of illness and injuries to varsity wrestlers. Mitch Oksuita led the way for the SPASH reserves with a pin of Sparta's Eddie Hanson at 171 pounds. Bob Peterson picked up a forfeit victory at 275, while Timmy Peterson lost by decision to Adam Jessie at 125.
"We had some different kids in the lineup tonight and they really came through for us. Kids like Mitch Oksuita, Tim Peterson and Bob Pliska represent the depth on our team," Pope said.
"I was happy with the efforts of Aaron Nelson (who lost by decision to Eric Simpson at 103) and Tim Peterson because they could have given up pins but fought hard to keep the team score low," Pope said.
Jake Calhoun was the only other SPASH wrestler to win by pin, defeating Trent Brooks at 119 pounds in one minute flat.
Other victories came from Adam Kurzynski (140), Nate Kurszewski (140), Kevin Duda (145), Dan Pawelski (152), Josh Przekurat (160) and Adam Sandstrom (189).
"Sparta's strength is right in the middle of their lineup, right where our seniors are. The seniors showed their experience with yet another solid performance," Pope said.