Demon grapplers move to 2-0 in SEC

The Washington wrestling team continued its strong season on Thursday night, taking another conference dual.

The Demons traveled to Keokuk for a Southeast Conference matchup and came away with a 44-26 victory over the Chiefs to improve their dual record to 12-0 on the year (2-0 in conference duals).

The dual started at 120 pounds in a close fashion with Washington?s Cade Pohren claiming a 2-1 decision over Matt Wyatt to give Washington a 3-0 lead in the team battle.

Keokuk responded with a pair of victories, as Brant O?Shea (126 pounds) pinned Andrew Waite in 4:54 and Camiran Sadeghi picked up an 8-5 victory over Kyle Anderson at 132.

Austin Hazelett earned a forfeit at 138 to get the Demons back in the scoring column, and Washington senior Michael Ellingson followed that up with a dominating victory.

Ellingson (145 pounds) claimed an 18-3 technical fall over Donnie Rose in 5:56, followed by Trey Van Weelden picking up a pin fall at 4:50 to put Washington on top 20-9.

Tyler Bitting narrowly beat Demon freshman Tristan Westphal-Edwards in a sudden victory, getting a takedown and three near-fall points in the extra period to claim a 6-1 win.

The Demons picked up a forfeit victory at 170 for Bryce Rickey, while Demon junior Karlton Skubal earned a pin at 1:17 to win his match at 182.

Keokuk won the next three matches, with Jacob Briscoe claiming a 3-1 decision at 195 over Tanner Murphy, Jerry Glenn picking up a third-period pin over Collin Murphy at 220 and Jesse Belba picking up a first-period pin of Mitchell Huisenga at 285.

The Demons claimed the final two matches of the night, and the dual victory with both Ikerds picking up quick pin falls.

Garett Ikerd claimed a 43-second pin fall at 106 pounds, followed by Walker Ikerd?s 48-second pin at 113 to round out the dual.

Washington will head to Dike-New Hartford on Saturday for a tournament, and will also send some wrestlers to a junior varsity tournament at Wilton.