Mustangs rout Chargers in rivalry dual

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside men's wrestling continued to have success this weekend, crossing paths with the Briar Cliff Chargers, who were receiving votes in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coaches' poll. Ready for a close dual, as Morningside-Briar Cliff competitions normally are, the Mustangs flattened the Chargers 42-4.

The Mustangs made a statement early, as Evan Shell won a close 3-2 decision over his opponent. Taylor Vasquez followed with a 5-3 decision. Shell and Vasquez, at 125 and 133 pounds, were the only Morningsiders to face ranked opponents on the night.

John Diener inched closer to the career falls record, as he pinned his 149-pound opponent in 5:44. 

Noah Styskal followed at 157 pounds, receiving a 16-1 tech fall. 

Zander Ernst and Hayden Wempen each won major decisions, with Ernst picking up a 10-2 victory at 165 pounds, while Wempen won the 184-pound match, 9-1.

Between the pair of major decisions, Alex Vandyke received a forfeit. Caleb Conner, wrestling at 197, received a medical forfeit. 

In the final match of the night, Hunter DeJong won via a 15-0 tech fall.

The Mustangs are split next week, with some of the team competing in the Missouri Valley Invitational on January 20 and 21 in Marshall, Mo., while Morningside also sends a delegation to the Minnesota West Open on January 21 in Worthington, Minn.