The varsity wrestling team defeated rival Churchill Bulldogs, 51-21, improving its record to 6-2.

The first three Viking wrestlers all defeated their Bulldog opponents with ease, putting them up 18-0. Churchill then scored off of a 6-5 win, closing in on the Viking lead.

Despite the Bulldogs efforts, Viking wrestlers Max Sessions, Josh Daryoush, Ned Daryoush and Harriet Symington scored a consecutive 19 points, increasing the team’s lead to 31 points.

Churchill slowly began to come back after gaining points from a forfeit and two immediate wins, bringing them within 16 points.

Viking Eric Harder gave the team the extra push needed after defeating his opponent 12-4 after coming back from trailing 4-3, putting the Vikes up 44-21. Will Bouten ended the match for the Vikes with a 2-0 takedown.

Coach Derek Manon credits the victory to the wrestlers who consistently kept the pressure on when going against the Churchill wrestlers.

“Our guys who won were aggressive in all positions on the mat and on their feet,” he said. “They never stopped wrestling and gave up few points while down on the mat.”

The Vikes look to take on the Northwood Gladiators and Richard Montgomery Rockets on Jan. 22.