Cornell drops Simpson in outdoor meet at Ash Park Field

MOUNT VERNON — Ash Park was illuminated on a weeknight when it normally would be dark after the Cornell football practice ended.

Tailgaters milled around the parking lot and then made their way to the stadium. They filled portable bleachers on the track surface, while some stood on the turf and the rest filling a chunk of the stands.

On a mild November night, 11th-ranked Cornell produced a rare treat Thursday night, bringing area fans outdoor wrestling to start the season. The Rams defeated Simpson, 27-15, in front of a 713 spectators for the inaugural 'Ash Park after Dark' dual.

'I think the event turned out well,' Cornell Coach Mike Duroe said. 'It looked like a good crowd.

'We had awesome weather.'

Mount Vernon Mat Club set up food and held a social gathering before the meet. Duroe praised them for their support and the contribution to the atmosphere. The wrestlers enjoyed the experience, which included wrestling as trains rolled by Ash Park.

'It's pretty cool,' Cornell 174-pound senior Michael Maksimovic said. 'You don't usually get to wrestle outside. It's pretty awesome.'

Wrestlers from around the area attended the meet. Some younger wrestlers traveled to Iowa to compete at the preseason nationals in Cedar Falls this weekend, but stopped by to take in the action.

Dan Burgess, a former Lisbon state champion and Cornell wrestler, brought seven wrestlers from Nevada for the tournament. They decided to drop in on the dual like they did last year for University of Iowa's 'Grapple on the Gridiron.'

'This is huge,' Burgess said. 'To me, it's a unique experience. It's awesome.'

The temperature was mild, beginning the dual at 58 degrees and remaining in the 50s the rest of the way. Some fans were wrapped in blankets, watching from the track.

The Rams warmed up in the practice room located in the Small Multi-Sport Center and then made their way to the mat when it was their turn to compete. The chill was only noticeable when the pace of the match slowed.

'I just tried to stay in the wrestling room and get warm,' Maksimovic said. 'We had a live feed going in there, so we could run out when it was our time. The match before me ended as I was running out so it was perfect.'

The only hiccup was excessive moisture on the mat early on caused by conditions. Heaters and large fans helped rectify the issue. Duroe and Simpson Coach Nate Hansen agreed to keep the dual outside.

'At the beginning the mat was really slippery,' Duroe said. 'I think the temperature of the mat and the temperature of the air caused some condensation. After the exhibition match, we got it dried up and it was fine.'

It's one thing to attract people with a special event, but you have to entertain to have them return. The Rams had four bonus-points, which is a way to broaden the sport's appeal.

'This sport needs excitement,' Duroe said. 'It needs falls and dominant wins. The more we can create that the better.

'We don't talk about necessarily putting on a show, but when the lights go on, literally, and the whistle blows that's your job. Try to dominate.'

Cornell won six bouts, receiving pins from Ben Hewson at 165 and 184-pounder Brian Cristion. Brody Lamb added a technical fall at 133 and Maksimovic won by major decision.

Duroe said the Rams didn't take advantage of all the scoring opportunities and some learned they can't fall behind early to good competition. Overall, it was a good start.

'For the first match of the year and early in the season, I think the intensity was good,' Duroe said. 'We have work to do but it is November, not March.'

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