JC beats Regina

Marlon Branson doesn’t have a good reason as to why he commonly finds himself trailing after the first period.

The Kodiak, Alaska native still seems to find a way to win.

Behind 5-0 in the first, the Jamestown College senior scored an escape and a takedown before the period ended and used the momentum to pin Regina’s Jacob Luczak in 3 minutes, 3 seconds in a 38-12 dual win over Regina (Saskatchewan) Thursday at the Hansen Center.

“I get down and frequently find a way to win,” said Branson, who improved to 2-2 on the young season. “I’m good at scoring in the second and third.”

Jamestown College coach C.J. Campbell said Branson’s rallies

make it easier to coach him when he finds himself down early.

“He knows the match is never out of reach,” Campbell said. “When he gets down 3, 4, 5 points, (he) can get that back.”

To ensure that spots were filled, Campbell bumped everyone up a weight class from 157 to 197. And though he won by a pin, Branson noticed the difference.

“He was strong,” Branson said of Luczak. “They do freestyle (wrestling), so he’s got some good throws.”

The Jimmies dominated most of the dual, winning eight of 10 matches and seven of the eight that were wrestled. Sean Blumhardt (125) took a forfeit, but later won 7-2 in an exhibition match.

Johnny Gonzalez (174) and Jaykob Miller (165) both pinned their opponents in the first period for the Jimmies, who got a 13-1 win major decision win from Dillon Kifer at 141. Sam Brown (149), Tyler Schnaubert (157) and Steve Holliman (94) each posted wins by decision.

The Bison head to the Bison Open Saturday in Fargo.

“I was pleased with the performance,” Campbell said. “We look forward to the competition this weekend.”

Jamestown College 38, Regina (Saskatchewan) 12

125 — Sean Blumhardt, JC, won by forfeit.

133 — Thomas Ostapowich, R, won by forfeit.

141 — Dillon Kifer, JC, maj. dec. Kirk Ackerman, 13-1.

149 — Sam Brown, JC, maj. dec. Mark Ballon, 9-1.

157 — Tyler Schnaubert, JC, dec. Brayden Parson, 10-7.

165 — Jaykob Miller, JC, pinned Richard Bell, 2:00.

174 — Johnny Gonzalez, JC, pinned Regan Pratt, 0:55.

184 — Marlon Branson, JC, pinned Jacob Luczak, 3:03.

197 — John Lendvoy, R, pinned Brian Kaehler, 1:40.

285 — Steve Holliman, JC, dec. Paul Grebinski, 9-4.

Exhibition

Blumhardt, JC, dec. Ostapowich, 7-2.

Sun sports writer Chris Aarhus can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at caarhus@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jimmies, wrestling