GU Showcases Grit Against Top NAIA Competition in Nebraska

CRETE, Neb. — Graceland University's men's wrestling team competed against some of the top small-college programs in the nation at the Connor Oppenheim Open, hosted by Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. Known for its elite competition, the event annually features some of the best NAIA and small college talent in the country.

The Yellowjackets showcased grit and determination across multiple weight classes in a tournament that highlighted technical skill, deep brackets, and national-caliber opponents.

Highlighting Graceland's performance was senior 174-pounder Jeraimiah Nyberg, who recorded four victories including a technical fall, a fall, and a decision win over nationally ranked opponents, en route to a deep run in the championship bracket. Nyberg, who earned a technical fall (15-0 in 3:00) over Grand View's Ben Bryant, then followed up with a hard-fought 8-6 decision over Derrick Bannister (Cumberlands), and a pin over Bradlee Shaw (Dickinson State) in 5:59, before falling to Grand View's Richard Mack in a narrow 4-2 decision.

In the 125-pound bracket, Christian Trujillo-Quintana opened his day with an 8-5 decision win over Chase Preston (Dakota Wesleyan). He later dropped a close 8-7 bout to Damien Lopez (Doane) and was defeated by fall by Grand View's Kaden Weber.

133-pounder Davion Wilson earned a 14-6 major decision over Aaron Ohnoutka (Concordia) after an opening tech fall loss. Wilson later fell 10-3 to Grand View's Braden Graff in a well-contested bout.

Graceland had dual representation at 141, with Joe Frazier and Payton Harger both securing wins. Frazier advanced with a forfeit win over Grand View's MJ Charelus, while Harger notched a 14-6 major decision over Ian Metz (Dakota Wesleyan) and a 9-4 decision against Briar Cliff's Evan Fuchs, before falling to Zeb Fitzgerald (Grand View) by technical fall, 22-5.

At 157 pounds, Invi Bella won two matches, including a 13-10 sudden victory win over Ryan Graves (MSU-Northern) and a 10-4 decision against Ayden Lehman (Cumberlands). He was defeated by fall and tech fall in his other two matches.

Heavyweight action (285 lbs) saw Oran Varela record a 7-4 decision over Amad Soufi (Missouri Baptist), while Kazz Hyson defeated host Doane's Angelo Franco, 7-1, before dropping a close bout to Eastern Oregon's Nicolas Rodriguez and a decision to MSU-Northern's Shane Mattson.

Other participants included:

Kayden Johnston (184 lbs): Scored a forfeit win over Ottawa's Jaron Alf but was defeated by fall in two other matches.
Carlos Ruiz (285 lbs): Competed in two matches, both resulting in falls against high-level opponents.
Khalil Hampton (157 lbs): Battled in two matches, losing by major decisions.

Graceland Head Men's Wrestling Coach Evan Hansen praised the effort and development of his squad against a nationally competitive field:

"The Connor Oppenheim Open is one of the premier events in small college wrestling," said Hansen. "To see our guys battling and getting quality wins against nationally ranked talent shows that we are heading in the right direction. Nyberg had a phenomenal day, and the progress across the roster is something we'll build on as we enter the heart of the season."

The Yellowjackets' current overall regular season record is 1-3, and they are 0-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) duals. While results in open tournaments do not count toward dual records, they are essential for individual seeding, national ranking consideration, and postseason evaluation.

Graceland gears up for one of the most significant events of the year on Saturday, December 13, at the Heart Open, hosted in the Penn Activity Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Action is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM CST, featuring the strongest competition in the Heart.

For more information on Graceland Men's Wrestling and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.