Mustang momentum builds, Steffen places first at DWU Open

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team competed in their second open of the season today in Mitchell, S.D. at the Dakota Wesleyan Open. The Mustangs saw five place winners at the open, earning 26 wins and over 40 takedowns.

Caden Steffen began his 2023-24 season off strong at 197 lbs, Steffen pinned Shane Hansen (Minot State) with 35 seconds remaining in the second round. From there, Steffen earned a 7-4 decision win over Augustana’s Zach Peterson and a 16-0 tech fall against Northern State’s Ryan Hirschkorn, to earn a spot in the championship match at 197. Steffen matched up against Tereus Henry, who is currently the ranked third at 197 lbs in Division 2, Steffen dominated the match, picking up a decisive 10-4 decision victory.

Lucas Hodges and Adam Sylvester both competed at 184 lbs for the Mustangs. Hodges began the open with a fall victory 1:35 into his first match over Minot State’s Marcus Allen. Hodges would follow that up with a sudden victory in his second match, a 10-8 decision in his third match and another sudden victory in his fourth match to earn a spot in the championship match at 184. Hodges lost by tech fall to Alex Munoz, placing second at 184.

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Mustangs start strong with impressive showing at Yellowjacket Open

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team opened its open season on Saturday with four different place winners at the RCTC Yellowjacket Open.

Kody Marschner (unattached) led the way for the Mustangs, beginning the open with back-to-back wins by fall. Marschner then rattled off three consecutive decision victories to claim first place at 285 lbs in the frosh/soph division.

Caden Young (unattached) competed in the open division and after a loss in his first match, came back to pick up a 9-7 decision win to place second at 165.

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Mustangs Begin Open Season AT RCTC Open

MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team will begin its 2023-24 season this Saturday in Rochester, Minn. at the Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjacket Open.

SMSU third-year head coach Chayse Jackson expects nine athletes to compete at the open which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Following Saturday, the Mustangs will travel Mitchell, S.D. for the Dakota Wesleyan Open on Nov 11 and Kearney, Neb. for the Younes Hospitality Open on Nov 18, with both opens set to begin at 9 a.m.

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