Graceland Men’s Wrestling Posts Strong Showing at Luther Hill Invitational

DECORAH, Iowa — Nov. 1, 2025 — The Graceland University men's wrestling team turned in a strong collective effort at the Luther Hill Invitational, hosted by Simpson College, as the Yellowjackets recorded multiple podium finishes and showcased depth across nearly every weight class. In a field stacked with NAIA and NCAA competition, Graceland advanced several wrestlers deep into their respective brackets and left the event with key early-season momentum.

The invitational marked Graceland's second event of the 2025–26 campaign. No dual records were affected, and no conference results were recorded at this tournament-style event. The Yellowjackets currently hold an overall dual record of 0-0, with no Heart of America Athletic Conference matches yet contested.

125 lbs — Breakout Performance
Graceland's lightest division produced one of the team's best performances of the day, with a wrestler compiling four wins, including three by fall or technical fall. After tech falling Justin Soria (17-1, 3:07) and pinning Ben Cervantes (3:24) and Luis Avalos-Ceballos (2:32), he fell in a semifinal bout by technical fall (18-3) to Brandon Baustert. He rebounded with a fall over Ashton Grace (3:23) before narrowly dropping a 13-11 decision to Jayden Lee to close a five-win day.

133 lbs — High Volume Win Output
Another standout in the lower weights earned four straight victories after an opening-round loss by decision (18-13) to Nytravious Walker. He posted back-to-back technical fall victories over Luke Potter (17-2) and Gabe Brazzel (17-1), followed by a 15-4 major decision over Dominic Benjamin and a 12-5 decision against Eli Gonzalez. The run ended with a fall against Jack Decker (0:49) and a final round non-contest against Case Jurgens.

141 lbs — Mixed Results in Deep Bracket
At 141, Joe Frazier recorded one victory — a 13-5 major decision — but exited the tournament with four losses. Caden Lopez picked up two wins, including a 22-3 technical fall and a 5-2 decision, before bowing out after three defeats. Payton Harger earned a fall over Justin Burnett (2:02) before suffering two losses. Corbin Porter went 0-2.

157 lbs — Veteran Success and Grit
Invi Bella put together a strong showing at 157 with four victories, including a fall, major decision, decision, and medical forfeit, before dropping two matches. Khalil Hampton was eliminated after two losses. Hoakea Salter secured a clutch 8-5 sudden victory win, but was edged out in his remaining matches.

165 lbs — Fast Starts and Forfeits
Colin Sharp opened with a pin over James Smith (1:19) but lost his next bout before receiving two medical forfeits to finish 3-1. Stephen Dickerson dropped both of his matches, one by major decision and another by standard decision.

174 lbs — Nyberg Reaches Podium
Jeraimiah Nyberg earned a second-place finish, recording two early wins — a sudden victory and a win by injury default — before falling by major decision in the finals.

184 lbs — Wohrley Also Takes Second
Chris Wohrley tallied two dominant wins — a 15-0 technical fall and an 11-2 major decision — before falling in the final round by major decision (11-1). Kayden Johnston went 0-2, dropping matches by technical fall and fall.

197 lbs — Top-Four Finish and Depth
KJ Fry recorded a fall victory (3:27) and lost in sudden victory before accepting two medical forfeits. Jayden Angle earned two wins — a 6-1 decision and a 4:02 pin — on his way to a fourth-place finish after two losses in placement rounds.

285 lbs — Heavyweight Depth on Display
Kazz Hyson and Oran Varela both made deep runs in a competitive heavyweight bracket. Hyson secured three victories (major decision, decision), while Varela earned three wins (decision, major decision) before finishing sixth overall. Carlos Ruiz picked up a 5-4 decision before being eliminated. Chase Snyder suffered two early-round falls.

Head coach Evan Hansen reflected positively on the team's collective showing:

"We saw some really solid wrestling today. From technical falls to comeback wins, a lot of guys showed toughness and composure in long brackets. This meet gave us a good look at our early form and showed where we need to improve. I'm proud of the effort across all weights. We're building a foundation."

The Luther Hill Invitational served as a comprehensive test for Graceland's full roster, giving younger athletes exposure while allowing returning wrestlers to begin building postseason resumes.

There were four podium finishes for the Yellowjackets:

• 125 lbs — Top 6 Finish

• 174 lbs — 2nd place (Jeraimiah Nyberg)

• 184 lbs — 2nd place (Chris Wohrley)

• 197 lbs — 4th place (Jayden Angle)

• 285 lbs — 4th place (Kazz Hyson), 6th place (Oran Varela)

Graceland did not report team scores from the event. No overall team placement was calculated.

The Yellowjackets now turn their attention to their first dual meet of the regular season.