ST. ANSGAR, IOWA – The Austin wrestling team went 2-2 and placed fourth as it opened its season at the Saint Ansgar, Iowa Duals Saturday.

Austin’s Brandon Cotter went 4-0 with three pins and a forfeit.

“Brandon looked like he was in midseason form,” Austin head coach Bill Kinney said. “He transitioned from move to move very well, and utilized his quickness to beat three very good wrestlers. We are hopeful that this is the start of a breakout year for Brandon.”

Austin’s Aiden Wilson picked up his first varsity win at 106 pounds with a pin 11 seconds into his first round match and he finished 3-1, Joe Maxfield picked up three pins at 113 and finished 3-1, Brennen Russell picked up his 75th career win as he went 3-1 at 132, Devon Felten earned his 75th career win as he finished 3-1 at 138, Mitch Tebay went 3-1 while wrestling at 170 and 182 and Kole Igou and Venith Khamphoy picked up their first varsity wins for the Packers.

Austin (2-2 overall) lost to Clarksville, Iowa 48-24, beat St. Ansgar-Riceville, Iowa 45-34, beat Northwood-Kensett, Iowa 55-21 and lost to Forest City, Iowa 58-24.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with our start,” Kinney said. “The entire team wrestled very well, and held their own against several quality teams. The Iowa teams started a week earlier than us. The only place I felt that hurt us was in conditioning.”