CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The West Liberty University men's wrestling team faced elite national competition on Friday at the NWCA Division II National Duals inside the UNI-Dome, opening the tournament against No. 3 Wisconsin-Parkside before dropping a consolation-round dual to Minnesota State.
Championship Round 1: No. 3 Wisconsin-Parkside 33, West Liberty 4
West Liberty ran into a powerful Wisconsin-Parkside lineup in the opening round, with the Rangers pulling away for a 33-4 victory.
The Hilltoppers' lone win came at 141 pounds, where Khyvon Grace delivered an impressive major decision, rolling to a 15-4 victory over Troy Dolphin. Grace controlled the pace throughout and provided an early spark for WLU.
Parkside collected bonus points at 125 and 184 pounds, while also capitalizing on close decisions throughout the middle of the lineup. Several bouts were tightly contested, including a one-point decision at 174 pounds and a sudden-victory win at 133.
Consolation Round 1: Minnesota State 24, West Liberty 10
West Liberty rebounded in the consolation bracket with a more competitive showing against Minnesota State, earning three individual victories but ultimately falling 24-10.
Logan Davis opened the dual in strong fashion at 125 pounds, earning a 12-1 major decision over Jacob Fitzpatrick. Jordan Watters followed with a convincing 10-3 decision at 165 pounds, and Carter Winegardner added another highlight with a thrilling 9-8 win at 174.
Several bouts were decided by narrow margins, including a sudden-victory loss at heavyweight, as Minnesota State used depth and consistency to secure the dual win.
West Liberty will look to close out the weekend on a positive note when the Hilltoppers face Maryville on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the NWCA National Duals.
Wisconsin-Parkside defeated West Liberty 33-4
125 - Shane Corrigan (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Logan Davis (West Liberty) Maj 9-1
133 - Matthew Chi (Wisconsin-Parkside) over James Armstrong Jr (West Liberty) SV-1 4-1
141 - Khyvon Grace (West Liberty) over Troy Dolphin (Wisconsin-Parkside) Maj 15-4
149 - Jalen Spuhler (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Anthony Wood (West Liberty) Dec 5-1
157 - Easton Worachek (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Nico Taddy (West Liberty) Dec 4-1
165 - Brody Hemauer (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Bodie Morgan (West Liberty) Dec 6-0
174 - Dajun Johnson (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Carter Winegardner (West Liberty) Dec 6-5
184 - Brady Schuh (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Levi Abbott (West Liberty) TF 20-4
197 - Jordan Blanchard (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Unknown (Unattached) Forf
285 - Cooper Caraway (Wisconsin-Parkside) over Parker Bentley (West Liberty) Dec 4-2
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Minnesota State defeated West Liberty 24-10
125 - Logan Davis (West Liberty) over Jacob Fitzpatrick (Minnesota State) Maj 12-1
133 - Chase Beckett (Minnesota State) over James Armstrong Jr (West Liberty) Dec 7-2
141 - Colton Hush (Minnesota State) over Khyvon Grace (West Liberty) Dec 6-3
149 - Walker Bents (Minnesota State) over Joey Sentipal (West Liberty) Inj 2:01
157 - Caleb Meunier (Minnesota State) over Nico Taddy (West Liberty) Dec 3-0
165 - Jordan Watters (West Liberty) over Paolo Salminen (Minnesota State) Dec 10-3
174 - Carter Winegardner (West Liberty) over Drake Hayward (Minnesota State) Dec 9-8
184 - jaquan east (Minnesota State) over Gabe Blissenbach (West Liberty) Dec 4-3
197 - Grant Cook (Minnesota State) over Levi Abbott (West Liberty) Dec 8-1
285 - Jesus Gonzalez (Minnesota State) over Parker Bentley (West Liberty) SV-1 2-1
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
