Four Norse Place at Pointer Open
Nov. 10, 2008
The nationally ranked Luther wrestling team open the 2008-09 season at the UW-Stevens Point Pointer Open on Saturday, Nov. 8. The Pointer Open has two divisions, the Gold Division for returning wrestlers, and the Silver Division for first-year wrestlers.
In the Gold Division, Yonny Quist (Hilo, Hawaii), Jason Pyle (Morrill, Kan./Sabetha) and Dustin Balsley (Osage, Iowa) all placed.
Quist, a 2008 All-American, placed third at 149. Quist posted a record of 5-1 that included two major decisions. He defeated the top ranked wrestler at this weight class, Matt Mauseth from UW-La Crosse, 7-6 in the quarterfinals. He was eliminated from the championship bracket by NAIA nationally ranked Sam Schmitz of Lindenwood 8-6 in the semifinals.
Jason Pyle (Morrill, Kan.) also placed in the 149 division. Pyle placed fifth posting a record of 5-2 that included three falls. Pyle was eliminated in the quarterfinals by fall at 2:16 by Jeremy Powell of Lindenwood.
Pyle and Quist met in the semifinals of the consolation bracket where Quist recorded an 8-3 victory. Quist went on to defeat Tyler Baker of Coe 5-1 to capture third place. Pyle was to face Powell for a second time in the fifth place match but Powell forfeited.
At 157, Dustin Balsley (Osage, Iowa) placed fifth after posting a fall in 42 seconds over David Paramski of Cornell. Balsley had advanced to the quarterfinals of the championship bracket before losing to unattached Ben Jordan from the University of Wisconsin by fall at 2:45. Balsley completed the day with a record of 5-2 that included two major decisions and one fall.
Complete Gold Division results (pdf) .
Alex Paige (Clearwater, Fla./Central Catholic) was the only freshman to place in the Silver Division. Paige finished fourth at 184 following a 2-2 record.
Complete Silver Division results (pdf).
The Norse will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 15 when they will travel to Sheboygan, Wis. and Lakeland College for the Lakeland Duals. Wrestling action will begin at 9:00 a.m.
