College wrestling: Warhawks suffer season-opening loss at UW-Parkside
KENOSHA — The UW-Whitewater wrestling team opened the 2026-27 campaign at NCAA Division II UW-Parkside Thursday evening. The Rangers maintained possession of the Sake Bottle, taking the dual 27-13. The Sake Bottle Trophy originated in 1975 when UW-Parkside head coach Jim Koch and UW-Whitewater head coach Willie Myers toured Japan and Korea with an NAIA All-State Team. During the trip, Mr. Hatta, the former president of Japanese wrestling and considered the father of the sport in Japan, presented the two coaches with a sake bottle. Since then, the two southeastern Wisconsin schools have battled for possession of the traveling trophy. UW-Parkside got on the board first with a technical fall at 125 pounds. UW-Whitewater responded with back-to-back tech falls from Jordan Rasof and Cale Stonitsch to take the lead, 10-5. The Rangers added three consecutive decisions including the 165-pound bout that came down to the wire and was decided by riding time. Brayden Peet, ranked third nationally, secured the final win for the Warhawks with an 8-5 decision at 174 pounds. The Warhawks have a quick turnaround before competing in their first tournament of the season. UWW will head to Stevens Point for the Pointer Open Saturday. Results 125 —