Dickinson State University (DSU) showcased a commanding performance in its wrestling dual against Bismarck State College on December 11, 2023. The Blue Hawks secured a decisive victory with a score of 42-5 at Scott Gymnasium, marking a promising start to their season.
Senior wrestler Wyatt Engwicht set the tone early in the match, quickly scoring six points before pinning his opponent in just over a minute. “You have to set the tone, because that first match is important,” Engwicht stated. His strong performance energized the team and the crowd, highlighting the significance of momentum in wrestling competitions.
The Blue Hawks dominated throughout the evening, winning nine out of ten matches. They added two exhibition victories, further solidifying their performance. Head coach Justin Schlecht emphasized the importance of starting strong, saying, “Starting off a dual with some big wins is obviously a big momentum thing.” He noted that having a supportive bench helps maintain focus and energy during the matches.
Bismarck State managed to score only once during the dual, reflecting the Blue Hawks’ defensive strength. Despite the overwhelming win, Schlecht acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining intensity throughout matches. “There’s definitely still room for improvement in the matches we dropped,” he explained. “We need to clean some things up, and more than anything just become more offensive and more aggressive in some of our matches.”
The Blue Hawks displayed versatility in their victory methods, with Engwicht, Cutter Jones, and Connor Bleymeyer each achieving 6-0 falls. The team also secured three technical falls and three decisions, contributing to their impressive score. Schlecht added, “The good thing is after each of those matches, the guys are already beginning the learning process and making adjustments, because we want to get better.”
Looking ahead, the Blue Hawks will face a quick turnaround as they prepare to compete against Minot State University on December 12, 2023. Last season, DSU lost to the Beavers with a score of 37-11, but the team is determined to leverage its recent success. “We’re excited for this year,” Engwicht remarked. “This is just the beginning. We got a lot to improve on, and it’s just going to get better and better throughout the year.”
With a strong start and a focus on continuous improvement, Dickinson State University appears well-positioned for a competitive season ahead.
