WPU Back in Action at Grand View Open

Des Moines– The William Penn men’s wrestling team got back on the mat Saturday as it competed in the Grand View Open.

The massive tournament featured 45 teams in the Freshman/Sophomore Division and 36 in the Open Division.

Eight Statesmen had their hands raised throughout the day.

Open Division

Two Statesmen recorded multiple wins, including Ashton Hayhurst (Jr., Evansville, IN., Sociology), who posted a decision victory and a 14-5 major decision at 157 pounds. LaDainian Gordon (Jr., Centennial, OH., Nursing) also notched two shortened victories in the 184-pound bracket, a 16–0 technical fall and a pin that lasted just 1:47.

174-pounder Kendal Pugh (So., Letts, Iowa, Business Management) and 149-pounder Brody Brisker (Fr., Wilton, Iowa, Sport Management) each picked up a victory, with Pugh earning a technical fall and Brisker securing a pin.

Freshman/Sophomore Division

Gentry Walston (So., New Sharon, Iowa, Human Resource Management) earned two victories in the 125-pound bracket, picking up an 18–3 technical fall and a pin in 6:27.

The young duo of 165-pounders Isaac Messamaker (Fr., Centerville, Iowa, Business Management), and Travis Coleman (Fr., Murrieta, Calif., Secondary Education) along with 141-pounder Jacob Perry (So., Salisbury, N.C., Industrial Technology), came away with one win apiece. Messamaker won by fall, Perry put up 18 points in a technical fall, and Coleman posted a 27-16 major decision.

Next Up: The Statesmen travel to Fayette, MO to take on Central Methodist in a Heart of America Athletic Conference dual meet Thursday at 7 p.m.