By Staff
EAU CLAIRE - Buchanan wrestling coach Frank Mucha said the Bucks' goal this season is to top the school's record for wins set last year when the team went 23-10.
The Bucks got off to a good start Thursday night with victories over Benton Harbor and Lakeland Conference foe River Valley at Eau Claire.
Buchanan faced Benton Harbor first and won nine of the 14 weight classes. David Medlin pinned the Tigers' Joshua Armstead in 45 seconds, and Ryan Simpson pinned his opponent in 56 seconds to lead the Bucks. At heavyweight, Ryan Carrigan also won his match by pin, as did Nick Wheatley at 119.
The Bucks also got three victories by forfeit in beating the Tigers 51-30.
In their second match of the night, the Bucks beat River Valley 37-29. Buchanan's Travis Reith was the only wrestler on the team to win by pin against River Valley, pinning the Mustangs' Ryan Narregoln in 42 seconds.
Reith went to the state finals a year ago and finished eighth at 112-pounds. The junior wrestled at 125 last night. Last season he went 43-11.
Two matches went to overtime, as the Bucks' Josh Denney at 215 and Carrigan at heavyweight earned victories in the extra period.
The Bucks will be in action against Saturday when they wrestle in the Niles Invitational, beginning at 10 a.m. Benton Harbor, Sturgis and Mendon, along with the host Vikings, will be at the invitational.
Buchanan…………51
Benton Harbor….30
103 - Todd Taylor (BU) win by forfeit; 112 - David Knisely (BU) win by forfeit. 119 - Nick Wheatley (BU) pinned George Piggee, 3:14. 125 - Travis Reith (BU) win by forfeit. 130 - Terry Callahan (BH) pinned Ryan Simpson, 0:56. 135 - Cameron Smith (BH) win by forfeit. 140 - Mike Smith (BH) wins by forfeit. 145 - Tyler Mitchell (BU) win by forfeit. 152 - David Medlin (BU) pinned Joshua Armstead, 0:45. 160 - Auston Ferris (BU) win by forfeit. 171 - Anthony Williams (BH) pinned Shane Collins, 3:25. 189 - Jim Connors (BU) d. Brian Jenkins, 5-0. 215 - M. Johnson (BH) pinned Josh Denney, 5:49. 275 - Ryan Carrigan (BU) pinned Rodney Driver, 2:19.
Buchanan……..37
River Valley….29
103 - David Knisely (BU) d. Dustin McMullen, 4-0. 112 - Todd Taylor (BU) d. John Stein, 13-2. 119 - Nick Wheatley (BU) pinned Kyle Gordon, 4:47. 125 - Travis Reith (BU) pinned Ryan Narregoln, 0:42. 130 - Dan Simpson (BU) win by forfeit. 135 - Mike Stein (RV) win by forfeit. 140 - Void. 145 - Jason Ehlert (RV) pinned Tyler Mitchell, 2:52. 152 - David Medlin (BU) d. Dustin Smith, 15-4. 160 - Tim Morrissey (RV) d. Auston Ferris. 171 - John Conigino (RV) pinned Shane Collins, 3:21. 189 - Josh Denney (BU) d. Ben Kacmer. 215 - Zak Kacmer (RV) pinned Jim Connors, 1:55. 275 - Ryan Carrigan (BU) d. Mike Crakmore, 6-4.