Bison struggle just a little this time, Sioux wrestlers give NDSU more problems than last time, but still fall short

The Forum, Fargo, North Dakota

02/16/1997

Bison struggle just a little this time, Sioux wrestlers give NDSU more problems than last time, but still fall short
By Brian Hvinden

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- It wasn't as easy the second time around, but North Dakota State won six of 10 matches to defeat North Dakota 27-16 in North Central Conference wrestling Saturday at the Hyslop Sports Center.

The Bison (5-4 overall in duals, 4-2 NCC) picked up a 38-7 victory in the first matchup of the season, a match where UND (1-9, 1-6) had to forfeit in four weight classes.

This meeting saw two forfeits, one by each school. NDSU's came at 118 pounds and gave the Sioux an early 6-0 lead.

UND hiked its lead when sophomore Scott Braun defeated Jeff Kapusta 8-5 at 126. Braun took control of the match with a near fall late in the second period.

"Scott, a second-year guy for us, took it to a senior," UND coach Bruce Moe said. "He was down 3-0 and just kept after him. They will probably meet in the NCC meet in two weeks." UND's advantage was quickly erased, however, as the Bison took victories in the next four matches to go up 18-9.

"Last time they forfeited against our better guys," Maughan said. "(The) 158 (bout) was the big match for us tonight." At 158, NDSU's Mark Pazdernik faced UND's Chris Johnecheck, who is ranked first in the NCC. Pazdernik was convincing in picking up an 8-2 victory. He was the aggressor throughout the match.

Sioux all-American Jason Wagner ran his record to 12-1 on the season with a 13-5 victory over Brett Svendsen. Travis Hughes was equally impressive in picking up a 13-6 Sioux victory at 177. That win brought UND to within 18-16.

But the Sioux came no closer as UND forfeited to Bison all-American Ryan Wolters at 190, giving the Bison an insurmountable eight-point lead.

NDSU heavyweight David Clymer capped the victory, handing Keith MacArthur a 5-0 defeat.

The match gave both teams some idea where their wrestlers would be heading into the NCC meet March 1 in Grand Forks.

"The match at 158 was probably for No. 1 in the conference meet," Maughan said. "The loss at 126 didn't hurt us. (UND's) Wagner will probably be second at 167. This is a match we were expected to win, so it's not a surprise.