Young Mules wrestlers battle in 25-18 loss to No. 1 Missouri Valley

      The Central Missouri State University Mules went to Marshall, Mo. last night with five freshmen in their lineup. They were facing No. 1 team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Missouri Valley College Vikings. The Vikings had eight returning All-Americans starting.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster for the Cardinal & Black. But with one match to go, the Mules only trailed by on point, 19-18. And though they ultimately fell 25-18 in the match after Omar Padilla was pinned in the final match of the night, at 125 pounds, the Mules showed that, while they may lack experience, they have plenty of grit.

“I was really pleased with our freshmen tonight,” CMSU head coach Robin Ersland said. “They really wrestled well. Missouri Valley had eight All-Americans in their lineup, but we weren’t intimidated. Our young guys really fought.”

After three matches, CMSU was actually on top. Kyle Waag scored four points in the first minute-and-a-half of his 133 pound match, and held on for a 4-0 win. Wade Killgore was pinned in 2:54 at 141, but freshman Vince Bertucci came back and won by fall in 5:11 at 149 to put the Mules on top 9-6.

The Mules lost three in a row at 157, 165, and 174 to fall behind 15-9 before senior Kevin Grece won by forfeit at 184 to tie the match at 15-15. Missouri Valley got the win at 197 by major decision for a 19-15 lead, and then came the biggest upset of the night.

At heavyweight, freshman Ryan Bowen drew All-American Gilbert Jones, and after two overtimes, with the score still tied at 3-3, Bowen was the winner by virtue of riding time.

“That was really something,” Ersland said. “Ryan did a great job on an All-American and was able to hold on for the win to give us a chance in the match.”

Missouri Valley 25, Central Missouri State 18

133 Kyle Waag (CMSU) 4-0 over Chad Meyer (MVC) – MVC 0, CMSU 3

141 Josh Pulsifer (MVC) winner by fall over Wade Killgore (CMSU) in 2:54 – MVC 6, CMSU 3

149 Vince Bertucci (CMSU) winner by fall over Kyle Nelson (MVC) in 5:11 – MVC 6, CMSU 9

157 Shane Cristelli (MVC) 5-2 over Jesse Zeugin (CMSU) – MVC 9, CMSU 9

165 Donaco Watts (MVC) 11-4 over Justin Cooper (CMSU) – MVC 12, CMSU 9

174 Josh Johnston (MVC) 11-8 over Jeremy Hudson (CMSU) – MVC 15, CMSU 9

184 Kevin Grece (CMSU) winner by forfeit – MVC 15, CMSU 15

197 Shane Hall (MVC) winner by major decision (8-0) over Dan Moore (CMSU) – MVC 19, CMSU 15

Hwt Ryan Bowen (CMSU) over Gilbert Jones (MVC), 3-3 in 2OT, won by riding time – MVC 19, CMSU 18

125 Nate Engle (MVC) winner by fall over Omar Padilla (CMSU) in 4:15 – MVC 25, CMSU 18

The Mules return to action Monday, November 22, when they host Missouri Baptist University at 7:30 p.m. The match will have added impact, as it is All-America Night. Last year’s All-Americans, Brett Barbarick and Willie McCowan will be awarded their All-America rings, and all previous Mules All-Americans will be honored.