KEARNEY, Neb. -- No. 22-ranked Central Missouri Mules wrestling placed three wrestlers at the Younes Hospitality Open at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds Saturday, Nov. 19. Conner Johnston led the Mules for the second week in a row, winning the 157-pound amateur division, while Tommy Frezza finished runner-up at 125-pounds, and JD Culp tied for sixth in the 157-pound elite division.

Johnston went 6-0 to win the tournament. He started the day with a tech fall and pinned his way to the finals. His fastest pin came 16 seconds into the second match. He defeated Kaden Renner by tech fall (15-0) to win the bracket. Johnston also received the outstanding wrestler award in the amateur division for his performance. 

Frezza worked his way through the championship bracket going 4-1 and defeating two All-Americans by decision en route to the finals. He lost in the finals to Jett Strickenberger of Northwest Kansas.

Culp received a first round bye and won the second round by decision (3-2). Culp fell to Bryce Dauphin of Wyoming in overtime, losing in top-bottom ride outs. Upon entering the consolation bracket, Culp went 4-0 before reaching his match limit, which defaulted him to sixth place. 

The Mules return to action Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Drury Open in Springfield, Mo.