Kenosha Reporter

University of Wisconsin–Parkside Head Wrestling Coach Craig Becker recently celebrated the Rangers wrestling team after it upset no. 9 St. Cloud State on Jan. 12 in NCAA DDII play. 

"Tonight was an incredible moment for these guys and our program,” Becker said, according to the Parkside Ranger Athletics. “A lot of head-to-head ranked match-ups and we were able to come out on top. I couldn't be more proud of the fight they brought and how they battled. Although, the battle was won in the months leading up to this match. How these guys live their lives is what won them this dual meet.”  

Becker applauds everyone on his team and has not forgotten those ''20+ guys back home" who he said he would want "to thank for pushing our starters. Sometimes it's not easy being the backup and we couldn't have won without our entire team.” 

"I have a ton of respect for Coach Costanzo and his program," Becker added "They have built a dynasty over the years and that is what we look to do here. We won the battle tonight but there is a lot more wrestling to go this season. Lastly, thank you to all our families, alumni, and fans for your continued support!"

St. Cloud State, ranked third, was narrowly upset by Parkside by a final score of 20-19. The Rangers have not lost at home since 2010 and have not lost in the NSIC conference since 2011. The victory also puts a stop to the Mustangs' 88-game winning streak in conference dual matches. Shane Corrigan, a freshman, defeated No. 6 ranked Paxton Crees in the 125-pound division by a major decision (11–3). Cayden Henschel, a redshirt sophomore, gave the Rangers a boost by defeating No. 8-ranked Alyeus Craig 5-3. At 165 pounds, redshirt senior Shane Gantz, who entered the night rated No. 1 in the nation and had a 21-0 record, was forced into overtime and prevailed 9-7. This was his season's first triumph over a highly-ranked foe. The last game of the evening saw the Rangers defeat the Huskies 3-1 via sudden death. The Rangers won the match with a takedown in the first overtime period from redshirt sophomore Lloyd Reynolds, who is ranked No. 10. Both Jason Guadarrama and Jordan Craft defeated opponents who were nationally ranked to win their respective weight divisions. The Rangers have not lost in the NSIC since January 27, 2011. The Rangers go to 2-0 in conference play and end UConn's run of 88 straight conference victories.

Hometown wrestler Troy Dolphin did not suit up for the match. The 133-pound freshman was a high school wrestler at Kenosha Christian Life High School. He is 6-2 on the season and last saw action at the Jim Koch Open on Dec. 3.

The UW-Parkside Rangers will host the Augustana College Vikings on Jan. 20.