By: Clint Neumann
WORTHINGTON, Minn. – Several members of the University of Sioux Falls Men's Wrestling team competed Sunday at the Minnesota West Open, taking on a deep, mixed-division field that included NCAA, junior college, and unattached wrestlers. The Cougars were led by a podium finish from Andreas Barnett and placement efforts from Westin Sherlock and Sir Brandon Watts, while others gained valuable mat time as the team prepares to return to dual competition.
Barnett delivered the top finish of the day for USF, while Sherlock and Watts battled through long consolation runs to place. The open provided a demanding test, with multiple Cougars wrestling five or more matches across the day.
Top Performers
Andreas Barnett (285) recorded the strongest result of the tournament for the Cougars, finishing third and scoring 10 team points. Barnett opened with two quick falls, both ending in under two minutes, and added a solid decision victory to reach the semifinals. After a setback against a Division I opponent, he closed the day with a medical forfeit win to secure his podium spot.
Westin Sherlock (149) put together a high-volume day, placing sixth and earning six team points. Sherlock picked up two bonus-point wins early, then responded well after a mid-tournament loss by winning three of his final four bouts, including a sudden-victory decision and another major decision to wrestle into the placement rounds.
Sir Brandon Watts (157) placed seventh and totaled four team points after navigating a tough bracket. Watts opened with back-to-back major decisions, then continued to compete through the backside with a mix of close losses and a key decision win to finish in the top eight.
Individual Results (by Weight Class)
125 lbs – Gabino Vargas
Ostin Blanchard (UNAT) def. Gabino Vargas – Fall (1:06), 6–1
Leo Edblad (St. Cloud State) def. Gabino Vargas – TF 15–0 (5:55)
125 lbs – Antonio Martinez
Gabriel Michels (Ridgewater) def. Antonio Martinez – Dec 5–3
Jacob Campbell (Minnesota West) def. Antonio Martinez – TF 26–10 (6:08)
149 lbs – Westin Sherlock – 6th place, 6 points
Westin Sherlock def. Chase Moore (ICCC) – MD 14–3
Westin Sherlock def. Daniel Camacho (ILCC) – TF 19–4 (5:47)
Mathew Roche (ICCC) def. Westin Sherlock – Dec 10–4
Westin Sherlock def. Logan Lagerman (St. Cloud State) – Dec 15–12 (SV)
Westin Sherlock def. Caleb Michels (Ridgewater) – MD 13–5
Karson Keiser (UNAT) def. Westin Sherlock – Medical Forfeit
157 lbs – Sir Brandon Watts – 7th place, 4 points
Sir Brandon Watts def. Cory Scanlan (NIACC) – MD 17–8
Sir Brandon Watts def. Michael Myers (ICCC) – MD 14–6
Michael Dickinson (UNAT) def. Sir Brandon Watts – Fall (4:00), 7–6
Sir Brandon Watts def. Gavin Braun (Dakota Wesleyan) – Dec 14–11
Mason Carpenter (St. Cloud State) def. Sir Brandon Watts – Dec 5–0
Sir Brandon Watts def. Griffin Lundeen (Northern State) – No Contest
165 lbs – Joel Thompson
Carson Turnis (Minnesota State) def. Joel Thompson – TF 16–1 (5:50)
Jacob Marshall (ICCC) def. Joel Thompson – Fall (1:12), 3–0
285 lbs – Andreas Barnett – 3rd place, 10 points
Andreas Barnett def. Grant Henderson (NIACC) – Fall (1:50), 3–0
Andreas Barnett def. Makota Misgen (MSU) – Fall (1:11), 3–0
Andreas Barnett def. Marcelo Rosario (ICCC) – Dec 9–3
Micah Hach (South Dakota State) def. Andreas Barnett – Fall (2:47), 7–0
Andreas Barnett def. Cito Tuttle (RCTC) – Medical Forfeit
285 lbs – Jesse Garcia
Nathan Schauer (Northern State) def. Jesse Garcia – TF 17–1 (6:10)
Jesse Garcia def. Tafari Parker – Fall (2:29), 3–0
Jesse Garcia def. Shantavous White (ECC) – Fall (1:39), 3–0
Ayden Viox (Northern State) def. Jesse Garcia – Fall (6:08), 7–4
Up Next
The Cougars return to dual action next week, traveling across town to face No. 9 Augustana at the Elmen Center on Saturday, January 24. First whistle is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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