Loras 30, Simpson 9

The Loras College wrestling team hosted their first dual meet of 2011-12 on Wednesday night and took down the Simpson College Storm, 30-9. Loras used two pins, four decisions, and a forfeit to reach 30 points, their highest output of the season.

Loras' pins came at 133-pounds and 197-pounds. Brian Cullen needed 5:30 to defeat Devin Rausch in the about at 133-pounds. Ryan Ward needed 4:32 before stopping Jared Bevins.

 Winnings decisions on the night were Joe Wood, Mitch Gansen, Joe Butler, and Josh Kirkland.

Wood took control of his match early and finished a 9-4 winner at 149-pounds. Gansen came on late in his 165-pound match to win 8-3. Butler also used a big third period that included a pair of takedowns to score 11 points and win 11-7. Josh Kirkland shutout his opponent 4-0.

Loras' three losses came by a combined eight points. Simpson won bouts at the 141-pound class (Sean Raddatz, 6-2), 157-pound class (Chris Gansen, 4-3), and heavyweight (Kyle Henry, 3-0).

Pat Pfantz earned a forfeit win at 125-pounds.

The win puts Loras at 1-0 in the Iowa Conference as the tournament schedule gives way to more duals over the final month of the regular season. There will, however, be two chances to watch tournaments in the Graber Sports Center. The Pat "Flash" Flanagan Open will be this Saturday and the Duhawk Open will be on February 4. Loras will also host duals against UW-Platteville and Dubuque in February.