COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Nebraska Wesleyan wrestling bounced back in a big way Friday night, defeating Saint John's University, 32–24, in an energetic road dual that featured eight pins between the two teams. The victory marks NWU's first dual win of the 2025–26 season after dropping its opener to Central earlier in the week.
The Prairie Wolves battled from an early deficit but roared back with four consecutive wins in the middle weights to seize control of the dual.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint John's opened strong at 125 pounds as Thomas Holmquist pinned Julian Long in 3:52 to put the Johnnies ahead 6–0. NWU immediately answered when Isaiah Graves recorded a lightning-quick pin at 133, flattening Luke Jolly in just 54 seconds to even the score.
The momentum continued at 141, where Robbie Fisher kept his aggressive streak alive with a fall over Alfredo Hernandez in 2:21, giving the Prairie Wolves a 12–6 advantage. The Johnnies briefly tied it again at 149 after Dominic Smith pinned Nate Rowden in 1:55.
From there, Nebraska Wesleyan's middleweights took over. Cy Peterson rolled to a 13–4 major decision at 157, followed by freshman Trev Halsey's pin at 165 in 4:53 to extend the lead to 22–12. Veteran Emilio Chavez continued the surge with a dominant 16–3 major decision at 174, and teammate Casey Kinnell sealed the team win with a second-period fall at 184 in 3:45.
Saint John's closed with two late pins at 197 and heavyweight, but NWU's early dominance secured the 32–24 victory.
RESULTS
125: Thomas Holmquist (SJU) pinned Julian Long (3:52) – SJU 6–0
133: Isaiah Graves (NWU) pinned Luke Jolly (0:54) – 6–6
141: Robbie Fisher (NWU) pinned Alfredo Hernandez (2:21) – NWU 12–6
149: Dominic Smith (SJU) pinned Nate Rowden (1:55) – 12–12
157: Cy Peterson (NWU) major dec. Kris Castro (13–4) – NWU 16–12
165: Trev Halsey (NWU) pinned Josiah Solliday (4:53) – NWU 22–12
174: Emilio Chavez (NWU) major dec. Laiken Copeman (16–3) – NWU 26–12
184: Casey Kinnell (NWU) pinned Andy Johnson (3:45) – NWU 32–12
197: Carson Gellerman (SJU) pinned Habeeb Raji (1:29) – NWU 32–18
285: Aidan Wayne (SJU) pinned Donny Mann (4:43) – Final: NWU 32–24
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan (1–1) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 8, for a quick turnaround at the Haws/Elton 4 Team Rumble in Collegeville, Minn., with first whistle set for 5 p.m.
