LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Key decisions at 165-184 proved to be the difference in propelling the New Mexico Highlands wrestling team (4-4) to a 22-15 win over Oklahoma City (6-9) Friday afternoon at Robertson HS.
Once again, Highlands got off to a quick start. Sophomore
Erick Rangel overcame an early takedown to claim the 6-3 win at 125. Junior
Tre Humphrey allowed only three escapes en route to the major win, 14-3, at 133.
Oklahoma City struck back with wins at the next three weight classes, including a pin by Zach Skates at over sophomore
Jesse Martinez at 157 to put the Stars up 12-7.
Oklahoma City looked like it might even take a bigger lead with the early takedown at 165, but redshirt sophomore
Juan Alvarado quickly escaped to trail only 2-1 going into the second. Hunter Muskrat chose down to start the second and escaped, but Alvarado notched his own takedown and rode out his opponent to keep the score knotted at three into the final period.
In the third, Alvarado got an early takedown and rode out his opponent. With riding time, Alvarado claimed the 6-3 win.
At 174, junior
Easton Hargrave recorded a trio of takedowns and a reversal for the 8-3 win to put the Cowboys in the lead for good.
At 184, Highland senior
Igor Gomzin clinched the dual win for the home team with a dominating win with a pair of takedowns and riding time for the 5-2 decision.
Oklahoma City's Teaghan Franco got the takedown in the first overtime for a 3-1 win over junior
Justin Rockhill. Sophomore
Cody Marquez claimed a forfeit win at 285.
The New Mexico Highlands wrestling team returns Tuesday (Feb. 4) in a rematch with Wayland Baptist. The Cowboys defeated the Pioneers 32-18 on Sunday, Jan. 5.
Results:
125:
Erick Rangel (NMHU) won by decision vs, #14 Adrian Gaines (OCU), 6-3. NMHU 3-0
133:
Tre Humphrey (NMHU) won by major decision vs. Alvie Killingsworth (OCU), 14-3. NMHU 7-0
141: James Landoll (OCU) won by decision vs.
Dan Gaylor (NMHU), 3-2 OT. NMHU 7-3.
149: # 10 Ricky McCarty (OCU) won by decision vs.
Pierce Stowman (NMHU), 7-2. NMHU 7-6.
157: # 3 Zach Skates (OCU) won by fall vs.
Jesse Martinez (NMHU), 4:02. OCU 12-7
165:
Juan Alvarado (NMHU) won by decision vs. Hunter Muskrat (OCU), 6-3. OCU 12-10
174:
Easton Hargrave (NMHU) won by decision vs. #5 Derek Sivertsen (OCU), 8-3. NMHU 13-12
184:
Igor Gomzin (NMHU) won by decision vs. #8 Cody Sivertsen (OCU), 5-2. NMHU 16-12
197: Teaghan Franco (OCU) won by decsion over
Justin Rockhill (NMHU), 3-1 OT. NMU 16-15
285:
Cody Marquez (NMHU) won by forfeit. NMHU win 22-15.
