KEARNEY, Neb. – The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team continued its open schedule on Saturday with two different place winners at the highly competitive Nebraska-Kearney Open, which featured 13 ranked teams. 

Caden Steffen continued his strong start to the 2022-23 season, going 3-1 on the day to place 2nd at 184. In his second match Steffen matched up with Quayin Short, a division I wrestler for the University of Wyoming, Steffen won the match 3-2 in the first tiebreaker period. In his third match Steffen picked up a 4-1 decision victory over NAIA national finalist Tyson Beauperthuv. In his final match of the day Steffen, the second ranked wrestler at 184, faced off with the top ranked wrestler at 184 Billy Higgins (UNK), Higgins managed to claim first place in the matchup of #1 vs #2, defeating Steffen by a 3-2 decision. 

Jacob Dykes finished his day 3-2, placing fourth at 285. Dykes advanced to the semifinals with two decision wins before falling to Lee Harrington, the second ranked wrestler at 285 in division two.  

Sean Howk and Lucas Hodges each finished their days 2-2 at 157 and 165 respectively.  
 
The Mustangs would finish the day with three falls.  

"This weekend was a true test for our team." Said second-year head coach Chayse Jackson. "We had the opportunity to compete against a diverse group of teams ranging from D1, D2, NAIA and NJCAA. We showed a true commitment to toughness battling through several overtime matches and scoring consistently in the 3rd period. I am truly proud of their performance in this tough early season tourney. As always, this gives us a chance to learn and improve before we hit conference matchups. While not all the matches went our way, our momentum is rolling. #Letsride" 
   
SMSU Results 
125- Ben Emrich 0-2 
133- Hunter Pfantz 0-2 
141- Hayden Straumann 0-2 
149- Luke Peterson 1-2 
149- Tyler Soltau 1-2 
157- Joseph Anderson 0-1 
157- Sean Howk 2-2 
165- Lucas Hodges 2-2 
165- Brandon Lalla 0-2 
174- Nye Becker 0-2 
174- Jace Paplow 1-2 
174- Elijah Sterner 0-2 
184- Kevin Bostwick 0-2 
184- Caden Steffen 3-1 (2nd place) 
197- Carter Marx 1-2 
285- Jacob Dykes 3-2 (4th place) 
285- German Fitzgerald 1-2 

  
Southwest Minnesota State wraps up its open season Saturday, Dec. 3, in Moorhead, for the MSU Moorhead Dragon Open starting at 9 a.m.