WORTHINGTON, Minn.–  A small band of Raiders traveled to Worthington, Minnesota today to compete at the Worthington Open hosted by Minnesota West Community College. A few Raiders turned in solid performances highlighted by 2 podium finishes, strong individual efforts, and notable returns to competition.

At 197 lbs, sophomore Reid Hulshof made an impressive career debut, finishing 4th with a 2–2 record in his first competition since his senior year of high school. Hulshof, recording two falls on the day—including a quick :50 fall over Mustafa Hadi (NIACC) and a 5:23 fall over Jiraiya Fonseca (Ellsworth CC). His tournament run ended with losses to wrestlers from St. Cloud State and Morningside, both coming by fall.

At 184 lbs, sophomore Carter Peterson also earned a 4th-place finish, picking up an 8–5 decision over Charles Witas (Briar Cliff). Peterson faced tough opposition in his losses, dropping technical falls to two SDSU wrestlers.

Sophomore Jaxson Hildebrand competed at 285 lbs in his season debut, finishing 1–2. Hildebrand recorded a 2:52 fall over Powis Mensah (Minnesota West CC) and gained valuable experience against nationally competitive heavyweights from Iowa Central and Augustana.

Senior Brody Hoversten wrestled at 157 lbs, seeing his first action since November, finishing 1–2 on the day. Hoversten secured a 9–6 decision over Gunnar Johnson (Rochester CTC) before suffering a loss to an opponent from Augustana before having to withdraw from the tournament via medical forfeit.

The Worthington Open provided some meaningful mat time for the Raiders, with several wrestlers stepping into competition for the first time this season and continuing to build momentum moving forward.

UP NEXT: The Red Raiders return to action Jan. 23rd & 24th in Marshall, Missouri, at the Missouri Valley Invitational, a premier tournament where Northwestern will be tested against some of the NAIA's best, including numerous nationally ranked opponents.