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SCSU Wrestling Opens Season with Black/Red Classic
Harstad and Wenker Saluted as Honorary Alumni Coaches

November 10, 2008

St. Cloud, Minn. - St. Cloud State University wrestling kicked off itrs 2008-09 season this on Nov. 7, with its annual Black/Red Classic in Halenbeck Hall. The Black won seven of the 10 bouts on the evening to secure the victory 26-10 over the Red crew. Highlighting the Black team victory were major decisions by Gabe Suarez (So, 141, Las Vegas, NV) and Tad Merritt (RFr, 165, Canby, MN). The only fall on the evening came from Black team’s Bobby Ross (So, 285, St. Peter, MN).

Former SCSU wrestling greats Jim Harstad ’79 and Steve Wenker ’75 served as the honorary coaches for the event. Harstad was a 1978 NCAA DII All-American and Wenker was a 1975 NCAA DII All-American while competing for the Huskies. Both men are successfully self-employed and still reside within the area with their families.

Black 26, Red 10
Exh. 174 – Justin Jones – B dec. Ryan Dougherty – B, 8-7
125 – Aaron Wilcox – B dec. Pat LeVasseur – R, 5-1
133 – Josh Williams – R dec. Matt Jackson – B, 11-5
141 – Gabe Suarez – B major dec. Tyler Furger – R, 13-4
149 – Jake Horn – B dec. Jake Tabbert – R, 9-3
157 – Alex Kontz – R dec. Jacob Bowland – B, 4-2
165 – Tad Merritt – B major dec. Mitch Altermatt – R, 10-2
184 – Brad Padgett – B dec. Luke Munkelwitz – R, 4-2 TB
197 – Ted Saatzer – B dec. Erik Rogness – R, 3-1
285 – Bobby Ross – B winner by fall Logan Atkins – R, 3:00