The UW-Whitewater wrestling team fell to Division II UW-Parkside 30-9 in Russell Arena Saturday morning. 

The match started with the 174-pound weight class that featured a pair of ranked brawlers. Jermaine Butler, ranked twelfth in Division III, battled but fell to seventh-ranked Dajun Johnson by 4-3 decision.

Gavin Kohel had the response in a thrilling bout at 184. Kohel connected on a shot on the opening whistle for an early takedown and fended off a late attack from Parkside’s Brady Schuh for a 13-10 decision. 

The Rangers won the next three bouts with Cooper Caray winning by 16-1 technical fall over Isaak Smith at 285, second-ranked Shane Corrigan won by 16-1 technical fall over Brady Phelps at 125 and Elon Rodriguez picked up a 7-2 decision over UWW’s Jordan Rasof. 

Justin Fortugno, ranked tenth, added three to the Warhawk total with a 7-2 decision over Troy Dolphin. Fourth-ranked Jalen Spuhler won by technical fall, 16-1, over Dominik Mallinder at 149 pounds. At 157, it was Parkside’s Easton Worachek with a close 4-3 decision over Luke Swan. 

Brayden Peet capped the dual with a phenomenal win over Brody Hemauer. Peet, ranked third, registered a takedown to take the lead. Hemauer, ranked fourth in DII, was able to tally a late escape to set up a thrilling end. The wrestlers battled with Peet fending off a few Hemauer shots to hold on for the 3-1 decision. 

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics.