Mustangs cap NWCA trip with victory over Oklahoma City

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA – Morningside picked up a tight team win to finish its stay at this year's National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals, collecting a 21-19 victory over Oklahoma City after falling to Eastern Oregon 23-15 earlier today.

Abraham Dirkx was first to put Morningside on the board in this morning's dual with EOU, winning a 4-0 decision with a second period escape and takedown of opponent John Rudebaugh.

Alex Vandyke followed with an 8-1 decision over Treven Hokland, getting an early takedown and growing a bigger lead in the final period.

Kaden Street added six points with a victory by forfeit, and Jakob Jerabek scored a 4-1 victory by sudden victory in overtime as he and opponent Nico Rodriguez each tallied an escape in regulation.

It was Christian Ahren that started things for the Mustangs in the afternoon's OKC dual, posting six points due to a forfeit. Chris Aragon followed with a 14-11 decision, scoring three takedowns in the third period to come from behind and take the win.

Caden Eggleston and Braedyn Rakes kept the momentum in Morningside's favor, following with a pair of decisions. Eggleston took an early lead over Hayden Brown in his match, registering a takedown early and getting some insurance points in the third period. Rakes matched Eggleston's effort with a pair of takedowns in the opening frame and three more points in the third against Alex Wilson.

Three OKC wins put the Stars on top as the heavyweight class took to the mat. Jerabek worked deliberately in his second match of the day, collecting a point for stalling in the second period before landing a reversal and the pin to put Morningside on top.

The Mustangs will next send a delegation to Jan. 18's  Minnesota West Open in Worthington, Minn.