MARSHALL, Mo. – The Northwestern College Red Raiders competed in one of the NAIA's toughest regular-season tournaments this weekend at the Missouri Valley Invitational, facing deep brackets filled with nationally ranked and nationally recognized opponents. The event served as a true measuring stick as the Raiders were tested across multiple weight classes.
At 133 pounds,
Ethan Skoglund put together a strong start to the tournament, earning two victories and scoring four team points. Skoglund opened with a decision win over Blake Woolsey of Providence (Mont.) before securing a fall against Tyler Clarke of St. Ambrose University. His run was halted in the championship bracket by Braden Carson of Eastern Oregon University and would exit the tournament via medical forfeit.
Northwestern had two competitors at 149 pounds.
Johnny Burnette advanced with a bye before pinning David Kerr of St. Thomas University. Burnette later faced Marlone Kirksy of Indiana Tech and Georgino Moraga of St. Ambrose University, dropping both matches after strong efforts.
Donovan Johnston also competed at 149, opening against Jacob Sinn of Missouri Baptist University before battling Albert Ambriz of Arizona Christian University in consolation action.
At 157 pounds,
Cade Braun rebounded well after an opening-round loss by fall to Noah Richardson of Missouri Baptist. Braun responded with a major decision victory over Trent Evans of William Penn before being forced out of the tournament due to medical forfeit.
At 197 pounds,
Joel Arias earned a decision victory over Kevin Lund of Baker University before facing falling to #3 Elijah Hynes of Missouri Valley and Gaige Allen of Grand View. Teammate
Reid Hulshof picked up a fall over Justyce Hostetler of Hastings College in consolation action, with losses coming against #24 Jett McCauley of Keiser University and #20 Cameron Cornman of Central Methodist.
Heavyweight
Jaxson Hildebrand fell to #21 Daguy Massillon of Keiser University before picking up wins against Gavin Howes of Avila University and Ian Nelson of William Woods University. Hildebrand would fall to Gage Cook of St. Thomas University to close out his tournament.
UP NEXT: The Raiders head down to Sioux City next Saturday Jan. 31
st to compete in the Sioux City Open. Action starts at 9am!
