Graceland Grapplers Grind Out 27-18 Dual Victory Over Saint Mary
Lamoni, IA – The Graceland University men's wrestling team secured a hard-earned 27-18 victory over the University of Saint Mary (KS) in a competitive dual meet. The match showcased the determination and resilience of the Yellowjackets, who capitalized on crucial wins across weight classes to emerge victorious.
Dual Highlights and Match-by-Match Summary
The dual began with an explosive start for Graceland at 125 pounds as Clemente Delgado dominated Zayne Lewis, securing a major decision with a 17-7 victory. This strong opening set the tone and earned the Yellowjackets their first four points of the evening.
The 133-pound bout saw Riley Harger face off against Freddy Barajas. Despite Harger's persistent efforts, Barajas claimed the decision with a 10-3 score, bringing three points to Saint Mary.
At 141 pounds, Caden Lopez battled Roman De La Cruz in a closely contested match. De La Cruz edged out Lopez with a 10-3 decision, leveling the overall score further and demonstrating the competitive spirit of both teams.
The 149-pound weight class awarded Graceland six points via a forfeit, credited to Ryan Anderson, putting Graceland back in the lead. However, the University of Saint Mary responded strongly in the 157-pound match when Colin Sharp was pinned by Josey Jernegan at the 2:24 mark, adding six points to Saint Mary's total.
In the 165-pound category, Invi Bella put on a solid performance, defeating Jackson Jones by an 8-2 decision. Bella's win added three points to Graceland's team score and further fueled the momentum.
The 174-pound match showcased Jett Nelson's technical skill and dominance as he achieved a 15-0 technical fall over Luke Hancock, pushing the Yellowjackets' lead with an additional five points.
Graceland added another six points at 184 pounds as Joseph Teguia secured a forfeit victory, reinforcing the team's commanding lead. However, the 197-pound contest saw John Schuttler fall to Ryker Blackburn by pin at 2:31, allowing Saint Mary to close the gap with six more points.
The final bout at 285 pounds featured Kazz Hyson, who delivered a clutch 7-3 decision win over Kadence Baker, adding three crucial points and sealing Graceland's overall victory at 27-18.
Head Coach's Perspective
Reflecting on the dual, Graceland head coach Zack Mullins praised the team's tenacity and performance. "Proud of the way our guys competed tonight. Tough, gritty team win, and those almost always mean the most. The best part is we have plenty of room to improve, and these guys are hungry to continue finding ways to get better," Mullins said. His confidence in the team's future prospects underscores the dedication within the Yellowjacket wrestling program.
Next Up
Graceland will look to build on this victory as they prepare for their next dual meet on Tuesday, November 26, at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. The dual is set to begin at 6:00 p.m. CST and promises to be another intense matchup as the Yellowjackets aim to carry their momentum forward.
For more information on the Graceland men's wrestling team and all of Yellowjacket athletics, please visit GUjackets.com.