MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team defeated the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons by a final score of 30-8 on Sunday afternoon inside the PE gym.
 
The 30 team points scored by the Mustangs is the most since the 2021-22 season, when they defeated MSU Moorhead 32-8.
 
Carlo Arreola got the Mustangs started off strong, picking up a 17-9 major decision victory over Hunter Heim to begin the dual.
 
The Dragons took an 8-4 lead after winning 133 by tech fall and 141 by decision, but SMSU found its rhythm starting with Luke Peterson at 149.
 
Peterson defeated Gunnar Mogen by an 18-7 major decision. Sean Howk wrestled Cody Weinen and was able to earn an 11-4 decision victory.
 
After the break, the Mustangs continued to roll, with Ashton LaBelle securing a hard fought 10-4 decision victory over Jacob Reinardy.
 
Lucas Hodges defeated Wayne Mellon by a 15-4 major decision. Adam Sylvester earned a 7-3 decision victory over Anhtony Sykora.
 
Caden Steffen dominated Caleb Vacura, earning a 21-5 tech fall victory in just 3:45, before Jacob Dykes finished off the day strong for the Mustangs with a 13-5 major decision.
 
"It's a great day to be a Mustang!" Said third-year head coach Chayse Jackson. "We welcomed back a great group of Alumni and put on a show! The PE Gym was rocking as we won 9 out of the 11 matches! This was a great confidence boost for the team, and a reminder that we are a very talented team. I look forward to seeing these guys take the energy and passion they showed on the mats into the rest of the conference season! Let's ride!"
 
SMSU 30, MSU Moorhead 8
125 presented by Fixen Chiropractic
- Carlo Arreola (SMSU) over Hunter Heim (MSUM) (MD 17-9)
133 presented by Fort Pierre Livestock Auction 
- Thomas Carillo (MSUM) over Chase Murphy (SMSU) (TF 15-0 2:59)
141 presented by Leirman Excavating Co.
- Hunter Hayes (MSUM) over Jake Messner (SMSU) (Dec 8-1)
149 presented by Xcaliber Gunsmithing
- Luke Peterson (SMSU) over Gunnar Mogen (MSUM) (MD 18-7)
157 presented by Wendinger Travel
- Sean Howk (SMSU) over Cody Wienen (MSUM) (Dec 11-4)
165 presented by Mustang Wrestling Club
- Ashton LaBelle (SMSU) over Jacob Reinardy (MSUM) (Dec 10-4)
174 presented by Cottonwood Oil Co-op
- Lucas Hodges (SMSU) over Wayne Mellon (MSUM) (MD 15-4)
184 presented by The Marshall Army National Guard
- Adam Sylvester (SMSU) over Anthony Sykora (MSUM) (Dec 7-3)
197 presented by Borch's Sporting Goods
- Caden Steffen (SMSU) over Caleb Vacura (MSUM) (TF 21-5 3:45)
285 presented by Countryside Golf Club
- Jacob Dykes (SMSU) over Airin Spell (MSUM) (MD 13-5)
 
Extra Matches
184 – Elijah Sterner (SMSU) over William Price (MSUM) (Dec 5-3)
 
The Mustangs will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 27 when they travel to St. Cloud, Minn. to take on the St. Cloud State University Huskies with the dual scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.