Chadron State's R.J. Boylan, top,
(Photo Alex Helmbrecht

CHADRON – The Chadron State College wrestling team got back on the winning track Thursday at the Nelson Physical Activity Center.

The Eagles, who lost their previous two matches, won seven of 10 matches and had no problem in dispatching New Mexico Highlands, 28-13.

With the win, Chadron State improves 5-6 overall and 2-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

“It’s always good to get a win, especially in the conference,” CSC head coach Scott Ritzen said. “I think we have a lot to improve but we can take plenty of positives from tonight.”

Not counting Connor Larson’s forfeit victory at 125 pounds, two of the Eagles’ wins scored bonus points. Leandro Arias breezed to a quick pin of Robert Lopez at 141 in less than two minutes and Mikah Kadera had three takedowns in the first period en route to his 13-5 major decision over Chris Apodaca at 165.

The remaining four decisions for Chadron State were full of tense moments, beginning at 157 pounds.

C.J. Clark tied his match at 3-3 on a one point stalling penalty on Chris Rubalcaba as time expired. With new life in overtime, Clark ended the match midway through the extra period when he took down Rubalcaba.

Chris Leak trailed for a majority of his match with Justin Rockhill at 197 but he landed a takedown near the edge of the mat with 10 seconds to go to escape with the win.

Following that match, CSC’s heavyweight R.J. Boylan eked out a 2-0 decision over Louis Thornton. Boylan notched an escape in the second period and then rode Thornton out in the third period for the win.

Also for Chadron State, Bret Klopp cruised to an 11-4 decision at 174 pounds.

Chadron State will dual the University of Nebraska-Kearney Saturday afternoon.

Chadron State 28, New Mexico Highlands 13

125 – Connor Larson, CSC, won by forfeit

133 – Edward Zuckerman, NMH, pinned Perry McAfee, 5:46

141 – Leandro Arias, CSC, pinned Robert Lopez, 1:55

149 – C.J. Clark, CSC, dec. Chris Rubalcaba, 5-3 in overtime

157 – Travis Saxon, NMH, dec. Bruce Zurek, 4-2

165 – Mikah Kadera, CSC, major dec. Chris Apodaca, 13-5

174 – Bret Klopp, CSC, dec. Easton Hargrave, 11-4

184 – Igor Gomzin, NMH, major dec. Jordan Debus, 8-0

197 – Chris Leak, CSC, dec. Justin Rockhill, 9-7

285 – R.J. Boylan, CSC, dec. Louis Thornton, 2-0

—Alex Helmbrecht, Sports Information Director