PRATT, Kan.- Rewarded with a number eight next to its name, the Pratt wrestling program has been bestowed lofty expectations following a 2020 in which two of its incumbents won national championships. To start 2021, the Beavers proved that number may even be a little too low. Hosting both #11 Neosho County and #20 Cloud County on Tuesday, head coach Ken Kepley's team felt little resistance from ranked conference opponents, winning both duals 48-3 and 38-6, respectively.
vs. Neosho County
One of the afforementioned national champions is Michael Spangler, who opened the evening for Pratt with a stealthy pin fall early in the second period. Facing off against Roberto Camacho, Spangler led 8-2 with more than a minute remaining in the period before reversing position, scoring a takedown, and quickly locking in the decisive position. Jason Henschel, a star freshman for the Beavers, opened his collegiate career against the fifth-ranked Kolton Miller. At the two-minute mark of the first period, Henschel defended a takedown with a well-timed sprawl before landing in top position. Henschel then took Miller's back and progressively worked toward an eventual pin fall with only 20 seconds remaining in his first collegiate period.
Jacob Mitchell, a returning 141-pounder for the Beavers, grinded out an intense 6-4 decision against #3 Ethan Ewing. Mitchell shook of an early takedown to score a reversal midway through the first period, then scoring his own takedown at the 1:30 mark of the second period. Mitchell was hit with a stalling call about 30 seconds later, as the period ended with Mitchell leading 4-3. Mitchell managed to create a takedown with only seconds to spare to give him some cushion and 6-4 decision win. Dayton Porsch (157 lbs.) and Taidon Wills (165 lbs.) both won on first period pin falls in their respective bouts, as did Deston Miller at 184 pounds. Cayden Atkins, wrestling at 174 pounds, grinded through a 7-3 decision loss against #4 Tyson Villalpando, though the score didn't due justice to his effort. #7 Bryce Westmoreland found tough sledding against Ryan Murphy at 197 pounds, though Westmoreland managed to find a first period takedown, a second period reversal, and ample riding time to create a 4-1 win. Devon Dawson opened eyes at heavyweight, as the freshman manhandled Emmanuel Briggs to a 8-2 lead after the first period. In only 15 seconds of the second period, Dawson scored a single-leg takedown, gained top position, and scored the pin fall.
Vs. Cloud County
The 125-pound class was left open by Cloud County, giving the Beavers six free points. At 133 pounds, Henschel was just as impressive in his second match as he was in the first. Henschel spent most of the match on top and in control of his opponent Toby Gavette, leading to a 18-3 technical fall following the final whistle. Mitchell was locked in a back-and-forth affair, but he continually created points en route to a 14-7 decision win. Beeson proved to be his dominant self in his second match, managing a 17-0 technical fall decision against Joel Ostrom. Porsch was tested in his second matchup of the night versus Tristin Hauck, but still came out on top with a 15-7 majority decision. Wills and his Cloud County opposition Cooper Mosier dueled over a furious seven minutes, but Mosier managed a 8-6 decision win. Cayden Atkins did not have an opponent at 174 pounds, winning by forfeit. Miller gritted out a 8-6 decision win, while Westmoreland was downed in a sudden death 12-10 loss. Dawson was not given an opponent in the final match of the night, winning via an open mat.
The Beavers will be back at the Dome in exactly one week, facing off against Barton Community College at 7 PM. The livestream will be available on GoBeaverSports.com