ARCATA, Calif. – Wrestling returned to Cal Poly Humboldt for the first home dual in 33 years in electric fashion as the Lumberjacks showcased their dominance in a commanding 39-10 victory over Simpson University (Calif.) on Friday night. With a packed house at Lumberjack Arena fueling the energy, the evening was highlighted by thrilling performances, capped by Jayson Victoria's stunning comeback victory in the 149-pound bout.
Humboldt wasted no time making an impression in the opening match. Caleb Tatad pinned Simpson's Peyton MacDonald in just 1:11 at 125 pounds, setting the tone for the night. Isaiah Miller (133) and Nathan Aguilar (141) followed with technical falls, showcasing their superior control and technique to extend Humboldt's lead.
The standout moment of the night came at 149 pounds, where Victoria faced a daunting deficit against Tyler Diaz. With the crowd roaring, Victoria staged an incredible comeback, sealing an 8-7 decision in the final moments. His determination and grit brought the fans to their feet and secured his place as the night's hero.
"This was a special night for Humboldt wrestling," said Head Coach Lennie Zalesky. "The energy from the fans and alumni paired with the resilience shown by our team, made this return unforgettable."
Humboldt continued to shine in the middle and upper weights. Cole Zoller edged William Schwertscharf in a tight 3-2 decision at 165 pounds and Abdurrahmann Garner earned decisive victories in their respective weight classes. Garner's 19-3 technical fall at 197 pounds was another dominant display for the Lumberjacks. Diego Robles and Carson Hatch earned victories by forfeit.
Simpson managed to pick up wins at 157 and 184 pounds, including a major decision by Tomas Jacobo, but it wasn't enough to derail Humboldt's momentum.
With the victory, Humboldt wrestling begins its new chapter on a high note, and the Lumberjacks look poised to build on this momentum as the season progresses.
Match Results
125: Caleb Tatad (CPH) def. Peyton MacDonald (SICA) (Fall 1:11)
133: Isaiah Miller (CPH) def. Arthur Parra (SICA) (TF 19-0, 2:44)
141: Nathan Aguilar (CPH) def. Christopher Guizar (SICA) (TF 17-1, 5:52)
149: Jayson Victoria (CPH) def. Tyler Diaz (SICA) (Dec 8-7)
157: Tomas Jacobo (SICA) def. Gil Mossburg (CPH) (MD 8-0)
165: Cole Zoller (CPH) def. William Schwertscharf (SICA) (Dec 3-2)
174: Diego Robles (CPH) wins by forfeit
184: Bryant Bartlett (SICA) wins by forfeit
197: Abdurrahmann Garner (CPH) def. Luke Miller (SICA) (TF 19-3, 5:39)
285: Carson Hatch (CPH) wins by forfeit
Team Score/Up Next:
Cal Poly Humboldt 39, Simpson University (Calif.) 10
The Lumberjacks return to action next Friday and Saturday in Colorado, taking on Colorado School of Mines on Friday (Jan. 17) and Colorado State University Pueblo on Saturday (Jan. 18).
For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt Wrestling, please visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app, and follow us on all social media platforms.
