Waldorf Athletics
Mike Stetson, Sports Information Director
CRETE, Neb. – A shorthanded Warrior men’s wrestling team still turned in a gutsy performance Saturday, closing out the fall semester of competition at the Doane Conner/Oppenheim Open.
Freddy Moreno picked a dramatic win for Waldorf, while Warrior defensive lineman Julevarrus Milstead made a stellar debut in his first two wrestling matches – ever – as Waldorf was limited to just five healthy wrestlers in their final meet of the 2020 calendar year.
“We were handicapped this week with a small roster, but guys battled hard,” Waldorf head coach Maurie Tomke said.
Leading the way was Moreno at 133 pounds as he picked up a thrilling win by pin over Isaiah Jasso of York in the final minute of their match.
“Freddy really showed what we are trying to do: Keep fighting, keep wrestling the match and good things will happen,” Tomke said. “He battles his way back into the match after being down by seven points, ties up the score and then pinned his guy! He earned that win with his willpower.”
While Moreno’s hard-work win highlighted the day, Milstead’s debut on the mats added to the Warriors’ excitement.
“He joined the team before Thanksgiving break, and even though he didn’t win, he scored points and was leading his last match before getting caught by a more experienced wrestler,” Tomke said. “You wouldn’t believe those were his first two wrestling matches – EVER!
“We, as a coaching staff, can’t believe his growth and the effort he has shown.”
Saturday’s tournament was the final event of the fall for the Warriors who now are off for a little more than a month, returning to the mats on January 9 when they compete at the Under Armour Invite in Pella, Iowa.
“On to finals week and then Christmas break,” Tomke said. “We’re looking forward to being back to full strength come January and being one team again.”