MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team concluded its open season today, competing in the MSU Moorhead Dragon Open.
 
At 133, Chase Hanson began his open with a 10-8 decision victory over Owen Bertram (Concordia-Moorhead) before losing by tech fall to Johnny Colon. In the consolation bracket, Hanson was able to pick up an 11-9 decision victory over Xavier Jones (St. Johns). Hanson placed sixth at 133 pounds.
 
Wrestling unattached, AJ Polansky lost his first match at 133, but found his rhythm in the consolation bracket, picking up a fall victory over Owen Bertram, an 18-11 decision victory over Shad Cano (MSUM) and a 13-5 major decision victory over Johnny Colon to earn a spot in the third-place match. Polansky lost to Braiden Kort (Augustana) to place fourth at 133.
 
Alex Ibanez wrestled at 165 at the Dragon Open, matching up with Minot State's Tristan Pekas in his first match. Ibanez dominated the match, earning a 13-0 major decision victory. Ibanez then lost a close 7-6 decision to Northern State's Kaden Broer. For his final two matches, Ibanez picked up a 5-3 decision victory before losing an 11-6 decision.
 
Wrestling at 197, Kody Marschner started the open strong, earning a fall (2:57) victory over James Diaz (St. Johns) and a tech fall victory over Jamestown's Ezra Mabe. In his third match, Marschner lost to Isaiah Huus (MSUM) who would go on to place first in the open. In the consolation bracket, Marschner lost a decision to St. Cloud State's Jaydon Walls, who would go on to place third at 197. Marschner placed sixth at 197.
 
"It was great to see more competition this weekend," said third-year head coach Chayse Jackson.  "The younger guys and those who hadn't traveled with our team showed up and wrestled well. They attacked, listened to the coaches, and all saw wins that came with improvement thus far in the season. I can't wait for these guys to be in our lineup in the next couple years!

The Mustangs will return to action Friday, Dec. 8, when they host Minnesota West and Ridgewater College for a tri dual, with Ridgewater vs Minnesota West at 5, SMSU vs Ridgewater at 6:30 and SMSU vs Minnesota West at 8. 
 
SMSU Results
133 – Chase Hanson 2-1 (6^th place)
165 – Alex Ibanez 2-2
285 – Jackson Esping 1-1
 
Unattached Results
133 – AJ Polansky 2-2 (4^th place)
149 – Cade Lierman 1-2 (6th place)
157 – Chance Burns 1-2
197 – Kody Marschner 2-1 (6^th place)