Devon Alder made the jump from 126 pounds last year to the 145-pound weight class this winter. It’s always tough jumping two weight classes over the course of a year, but Alder feels as if he’s off to a good start at his new spot in the line up.

Despite coming up short in last week’s match against Northwestern, he faced one of his toughest opponents all season, which will only bode well for the future.

Northwestern won three of the four contested bouts last Wednesday to secure the 57-12 victory.

“This season has been very interesting,” Alder said. “I’m learning plenty of new things and trying to wrestle at a new weight class. It has truly been a pleasure so far. I cannot wait to see what the postseason has in store for me.”

After getting taken down early by Northwestern’s Harrison Bernhard, Alder was able to escape to his feet moments later. But Bernhard, who has a family tradition that is rich in wrestling, quickly took down Alder again and pinned him shortly after.

Bernhard’s brothers, Jackson and Quentin Bernhard, are both two-time state qualifiers. And Harrison seems on pace to keep the family tradition going.

“This was the first time I met [Bernhard], and I’m glad I did,” Alder said. “It showed me that I have somebody else to strive to get better than, and gives me another reason to work even harder.

“I feel like that match didn’t go as well as it cold have. It showed me that there is plenty for me to work on so that I can get better to make a good run at districts.”

Alder is now 7-3 on the season.

After Northwestern’s Ryan Haverkamp and Salisbury’s Jonah Niesenbaum earned forfeits to start the match at 195 and 220 pounds, followed by a double forfeit at 285, Salisbury took a brief lead.

The 106-pounder Carver Moyer wasted no time in pinning Northwestern’s Eli Dellicker in 1:46. Unfortunately, that’s the only other bout Salisbury would win.

Two other Tigers picked up wins by either decision or fall, and six others won via forfeit. Donovan White earned a tough 6-2 decision over Nate Natel at 138, while Ryan Haas pinned Ben Krauss early in the second period at 160.

Despite the defeat, Alder’s goals haven’t changed. He hopes to advance past districts and into regionals come the postseason.

“My goal this year is to place in the regional tournament,” Alder said. “I believe it is a good and realistic place to set as a goal in my career. Once I get there, I will begin to progress into bigger goals and compete with better opponents to reach those goals.”

And he’s hoping the muscle he’s put on in the offseason and during football season helps him achieve that goal after not placing at districts last year.

“One thing I definitely worked on with the football and wrestling teams was my strength,” Alder said. “I did plenty of lifting to prepare for a new weight class, to make sure I was strong enough to keep up with the other wrestlers in this class.”