By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Wrestling team battled hard against No. 12 Minnesota State on Thursday night inside the Stewart Center, but the Mavericks' nationally ranked depth proved to be the difference as USF fell 32–5 in the NSIC dual.
The Cougars picked up a pair of impressive wins on the night, including a signature victory at 157 pounds. Junior Cooper Sanders delivered the highlight of the dual by knocking off No. 5 Caleb Meunier, a returning All-American, in a commanding 8-1 decision. Sanders controlled the pace from start to finish, securing one of the biggest wins of his young career and bringing the home crowd to its feet.
USF also earned a strong result at 141, where Jordon Oehme defeated No. 18 Colton Hush in a decisive 10-3, giving the Cougars momentum early in the dual.
Minnesota State, however, showcased why it entered the night as one of the nation's top Division II programs, claiming the remaining eight bouts — including two technical falls and a pin — to secure the road victory.
Coach's Corner
"Thought we showed a lot of fight tonight. Wrestling a top-15 team in the country is always going to be difficult. Our guys put themselves in position to win some big matches, and we lacked the experience needed to pull through. Also really happy for Cooper Sanders — he beat a returning All-American, and it was cool to see all the effort he puts in help get a big win tonight." - Head Coach Matt Meuleners
Match-by-Match Results
#12 Minnesota State 32, Sioux Falls 5
| Weight |
Result |
USF |
MSU |
| 125 |
Jacob Fitzpatrick (MSU) dec. Vincent Mayberry, 8–3 |
0 |
3 |
| 133 |
#18 Chase Beckett (MSU) dec. Cyler Ruhoff, 11–4 |
0 |
3 |
| 141 |
Jordon Oehme (USF) dec. #18 Colton Hush, 10–3 |
3 |
0 |
| 149 |
#13 Walker Bents (MSU) tech fall Beau Beavers, 27–9 (6:28) |
0 |
5 |
| 157 |
Cooper Sanders (USF) dec. #5 Caleb Meunier, 8–1 |
3 |
0 |
| 165 |
Paolo Salminen (MSU) major dec. Luke Swanson, 12–2 |
0 |
4 |
| 174 |
#3 Drake Hayward (MSU) fall Ashtin Johnson, 4:27 |
0 |
6 |
| 184 |
Jaquan East (MSU) tech fall Mishael Mauck, 18–2 (6:00) |
0 |
5 |
| 197 |
Grant Cook (MSU) dec. Hank Meyer, 10–6 |
0 |
3 |
| 285 |
Joshua Gaye (MSU) dec. Stetson Davis, 7–6 |
0 |
3 |
Up Next
The Cougars return to the Stewart Center on Saturday, December 13 for the USF Triangular, hosting a two-dual slate as part of Staff & Faculty Appreciation Night.
USF opens the day at 2:00 p.m. against Concordia–Moorhead, followed by a second matchup at 5:00 p.m. versus Briar Cliff.
Come out and support Cougar Wrestling in a full afternoon of action inside the Stewart Center!
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