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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Wrestling Shines in Back-to-Back Competitions at Grand View and Coe

Wrestling Shines in Back-to-Back Competitions at Grand View and Coe

Results Results
GRIMES, Iowa/CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Graceland University's wrestling team displayed grit and determination during a challenging weekend of NAIA competition, participating in the Grand View Open on November 16 at the Ignit Sports Complex in Grimes, Iowa, and the Coe College Open at Kohawk Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, just days later.

Grand View Open Highlights

Facing elite competition at the Grand View Open, several Yellowjackets turned in notable performances:

  • 125 lbs: Clemente Delgado advanced to the third round and earned 7.0 team points. Delgado recorded a dominant technical fall victory (18-0) in the second round but faced tough losses against ranked opponents.
  • 133 lbs: Nick Foster earned 6.5 points, highlighted by a hard-fought decision win and a pinfall before exiting in the consolation bracket. Teammate Terrance Smith added 4.0 points with a decisive major decision victory in his consolation match.
  • 165 lbs: Stephen Dickerson stood out, scoring 8.0 points. He delivered an impressive technical fall (23-7) in the consolation rounds.
  • 285 lbs: Heavyweight Xavier Smith showed potential, notching a pin (4:45) before bowing out in later rounds.

The Grand View Open, hosted by Grand View University every year in mid-November is one of the most prestigious and competitive small college wrestling events in the midwest boasting teams from all over the country. Head Coach Zack Mullins reflected on the squads early season progress, sharing, "The team competed tough on the road, which will help fortify this squad going forward. They are buying into the coaching staff, and it's noticeable the improvement each time they compete. We are excited for the next opportunity to see how good we can be."

Coe College Open Recap

The competition continued at the Coe College Open, where Graceland wrestlers again put their skills to the test:

  • 133 lbs: Payton Harger claimed 7th place, contributing 7.0 points. Harger closed the day with a commanding technical fall victory (18-2) in his placement match.
  • 157 lbs: Daylen Jackson battled through a tough field to finish 8th, adding 3.0 team points.
  • 174 lbs: Chris Wohrley secured a 6th-place finish, earning 8.0 points. His performance included an impressive technical fall (17-1) in the consolation bracket.
  • 285 lbs: Heavyweights Carlos Ruiz and Sam Fleming made notable contributions. Ruiz earned a victory by fall in the third consolation round.

Mullins also lamented the team's ongoing development, adding after the Coe Invitational: "We've challenged this team early to gain as much growth as possible this semester, and they continue to respond. They are eager to grow, learn, and compete at a high level, which will only propel them forward to their goals second semester."

Looking Ahead

Graceland's wrestlers demonstrated measurable progress in both events, with Coach Mullins and his staff emphasizing growth as the team continues to gel.

The Yellowjackets will next return to their home mat on Wednesday, November 26, to face William Woods University at 7 p.m. inside the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland wrestling and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.