Recap and Border Bell/Senior recognition

Time flies...It's hard to believe the dual season is on the verge of closing out. With the border bell battle Friday, we take on our horned rivals to the north. This season Coach Bono and crew have been on a tear, ripping off 13 straight dual victories and an undefeated record in the Big 12. That said there is plenty of wrestling left for these guys after Fridays match. The Big 12 tourney in the first week of March followed by the national championships in Cleveland St Patty's Day weekend.


Quick recap of the last few matches to get you up to speed...




-Jacks over Iowa St, 30-15...the Big Game was exciting and entertaining even for us Vikings fans. Earlier that day though over 2,200 fans gathered at Frost to witness history. Coach Bono's grapplers handed him the 100th victory of his dual career. Humble and gracious coach Bono witnessed to the crowd that it was the fans, coaches around him, wrestlers and his family that are the reasons for the success. As a fan I will say it begins with you coach, congrats! As Jacks fans we are extremely fortunate to have many great coaches on staff right now and Coach Bono is one of the best of them.




-Jacks top Pitt, 25-13...on the road the Jacks prevailed in a back and forth. Seth Gross had another dominant performance tech falling #10 Forys by a score of 16-1 in the second period. This put the Jacks up comfortably 19-13 in the final match. At 141 all Pohlmeyer needed to do to secure the dual win was not get pinned. Instead Henry came out and had a couple sweet moves that put Zanetta on his back and ultimately Hank pinned him.


-Jacks defeat West Virginia, 24-9...on Sunday another historical achievement was reached as David Kocer made SD proud by becoming the 14th wrestler in SDSU history to notch 100 wins. The Wagner native took out VonEgidy to bring his win total into triple digits. Luke Zilverberg with his win put himself closer to getting to that 100 win total with 93.


Which brings us to this Friday, 2/16 in Brookings. The Jacks take on the familiar foe in many sports in the Bison. some of the Highlights of this border bell battle include #14 Zilverberg vs #9 Clay Ream, and #1 Gross taking on #25 and former Jackrabbit Cam Sykora. there should be little motivation needed to get out and support this team anyhow but with it being the Bison and Senior recognition there are few excuses that should keep you from travelling to Brookings on Friday night.


Speaking of seniors, this group is something special as they have been there from the start of this program's tremendous turnaround from 6-8 to double digit wins. Lead by a pair of South Dakotans in David Kocer and Nate Rotert, Minnesotans Luke Zilverbereg and Brady Ayers, Californians Isaac Andrade and Jaxon Fitzgerald, plus the lone Iowan in Alex Macki...these 7 guys have battled and spilled blood and sweat on those mats. Their dedication to the sport, the university and ultimately their teammates shines in how far this program has come. My only regret is that I waited so long ot get to these matches. Jacks fans, get out there, this is your last chance to see these kids this year. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, if anything you'll be hooked and looking for swag that says "Bono is my Homeboy", throwing your fist up in the air and shouting "2!!!". #getjacked is the hashtag but it is also a mentality...get out there, #getjacked, #11thman, #fillfrost, #borderbell.




-Rick

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