Grapplers heat up in wins over Arizona Christian, Embry-Riddle

GLENDALE, ARIZ. – The Mustangs headed south to end 2022's matches in Arizona, as Arizona Christian University rolled out the (welcome) mat. Morningside swept its dual opponents today, defeating ACU 30-12 and no. 17 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Arizona 40-13.

The Arizona Christian dual got underway on the right foot for Morningside, with Evan Shell receiving a tech fall in 2:22. Taylor Vasquez followed at the 133-pound weight class, recording a 14-10 decision. 

Brock Bolling picked up a 7-4 decision at 149 and John Diener pinned his 157 pound opponent in 1:50. Caleb Connor recorded a major decision at 165, while at 184 pounds Hayden Wempen received a forfeit. Hunter DeJong picked up the final win of the dual for Morningside, recording a 3-0 decision at heavyweight.

The Mustangs also recorded four pins in extra matches, with Wyatt Skuodas and Nicholas Walters picking up wins via fall in 3:25 and 4:02, respectively. Abraham Dirkx recorded two pins, in 1:59 and 1:17. Forrest Hyson recorded a 3-1 sudden victory and Jakob Jerabek wrestled to a 2-0 decision.

Morningside's victory over Embry-Riddle started more favorably for the Mustangs, with the first six weight classes resulting in victories for the out-of-state team, giving Morningside a 30-0 advantage before ERAU had any points translate to its team score.

Shell, Walters, Bolling, and DeJong each received forfeits, Benjamin Schmitz recorded a 15-5 major decision, Noah Styskal recorded a 21-4 tech fall in 3:50, and Zander Ernst worked to a 9-2 decision and Wempen picked up an 11-5 decision.

In an extra match, Brett Tryon recorded a 19-9 major decision.

The Mustangs now go quiet until January 7, when they compete in the Central Invitational in Pella, Iowa.