Wrestling Wins on Senior Night

LAMONI, Iowa – Honoring their first senior since the program was reinstated in 2013, Graceland University Wrestling walked away with a big 40-9 non-conference victory over Hannibal La-Grange University.

Kruz Adamson (125), Calab Ashe (141), Trey Heckadon (165) and Will Samuels (285) each picked up a win by forfeit tonight.

After the Jackets took a 6-0 lead following the 125lb weight class, Cartland Allen continued his momentum from the weekend, pinning Calen McElfresh (Fall 2:15). GU went ahead 12-0.

Graceland took the next class by forfeit, before Brandon Seward won at 149lbs. Seward defeated Josh Nidever by major decision (17-6) to put his team ahead 22-0.

Hannibal's Matt Mattingley put the Trojans on the board by taking 157lbs over Coulter Allen (Dec. 9-3). After Graceland took 165 by forfeit, GU led 28-3.

Graceland's lone senior wrestled at 174 lbs for the first time this season, defeating Joshua Culp by decision (4-0).

Zachary Kraus then won by decision (13-6) at 184, before HLGU's Drew McCallum won by fall (1:34) over Ryan Paige.

The night completed with Will Samuels taking a win by forfeit (285lbs). The Jackets walked away victorious, 40-9.

Before the contest, Dakota Britt was recognized on senior night. Dakota is the first four year senior and letter winner since wrestling was reinstated in 2013. Over the years, he has competed at 157 pounds and 165 pounds, leading the team in escapes as a Sophomore and was selected as a team captain this year. Outside of wrestling, Dakota is a 2x Honors List recipient, Presidents List recipient, Freeman Student-Athlete Award recipient and has had an impact in the Graceland community as Closson Senate Rep, SAAC Board Member and Choices manager. Dakota's future plans consist of attending Law School next fall to purse a degree in Family Law. Graceland University Athletics and the wrestling program would like to thank Dakota his commitment.

Head Coach Zack Mullins said, "It's a pretty cool night to send our first four year senior out on an individual and team win. I'm proud of this team, very proud of Dakota and look forward to seeing these guys hard work pay off at the end of the season."

The wrestling program will continue their season on Feb. 4 at the Sioux City Open.

For updates on wrestling and all our team, follow @GUjackets on Twitter and like us at Facebook.com/GUjackets.

- Yellowjackets -