In a commanding display of skill, the Dickinson State University (DSU) Blue Hawks secured a decisive victory over Bismarck State College, winning 42-5 in their opening dual on December 11, 2023. Senior wrestler Wyatt Engwicht set the tone early, scoring six points within the first minute and pinning his opponent, which ignited the team’s momentum throughout the match.
Early Dominance Fuels DSU’s Performance
Engwicht’s quick victory exemplified the Blue Hawks’ strategy to establish dominance from the outset. “You have to set the tone because that first match is important,” Engwicht remarked. “If I go out and beat the guy, it’s just the next one up, and they get all fired up.”
DSU’s performance was marked by a remarkable winning streak, capturing nine out of ten matches. The team also added two more victories in exhibition bouts, showcasing a well-rounded effort. Head coach Justin Schlecht noted, “Starting off a dual with some big wins is obviously a big momentum thing.” He emphasized the importance of team spirit, saying, “Knowing you have a bench full of guys that believe in what you’re doing makes a significant difference.”
The Blue Hawks faced minimal challenges during the dual, with only one Bismarck State wrestler managing to score. Despite their overwhelming success, the team acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly their performance in the later stages of matches. “There’s definitely still room for improvement in the matches we dropped,” Schlecht stated. “We need to clean some things up and become more aggressive in some of our matches. Even in our wins, we need to finish stronger.”
Varied Victories Highlight Team Strength
DSU’s method of victory varied throughout the dual. Engwicht, along with teammates Cutter Jones and Connor Bleymeyer, secured 6-0 falls, while the team also achieved three technical falls and three decisions. “The good thing is after each of those matches, the guys are already beginning the learning process and making adjustments,” Schlecht explained. “It’s one percent every day. We want to get better today than we were yesterday.”
The Blue Hawks are set to face a quick turnaround, traveling to challenge Minot State University on December 12, 2023. After suffering a 37-11 loss to the Beavers last season, the team aims to turn the tables this time around, hoping to use their dominant performance against Bismarck State as motivation. Engwicht expressed enthusiasm for the season ahead, stating, “We’re excited for this year. This is just the beginning. We have a lot to improve on, and it’s just going to get better throughout the year.”