SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Central Missouri Mules Wrestling split their opening dual series Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Drury Duals against St. Cloud State and Drury University. The Mules fell to No. 4-ranked St. Cloud 37-11 but rebounded in a dominate 47-4 win over Drury. 

In their first match against No. 4 St. Cloud, the Mules went 3-7 with victories at 125-pounds, 133-pounds, and heavy weight. First, at 125-pounds, Jakason Burks won his match over St. Cloud's Archer Heelan in a major decision, 10-2. At 133-pounds, Tommy Frezza also earned a victory with a major decision over returning national qualifier Caleb Meekins (11-1). Finally, heavy weight Trent Strong defeated St. Cloud's Elijah Novak in a 4-1 decision to tack on three more points for the Mules. 

In their second match against Drury, the Mules went 9-1, winning eight of their nine victories by bonus points. Jakason Burks earned five points against Drury's Deagan Fugitt at 125-pounds in a 19-3 technical fall in the second period (4:48). At 133-pounds, Tommy Frezza stuck Drury's Caden Howard in the second period (3:00) to put the Mules up 11. Next, Derek Torza pinned 141-pound Brandon Borlinghaus in the first period (1:45) to tack on six more points. Keeping the momentum going, 149-pound Ayden Dolt defeated Drury's Trevor Christian in a 14-11 decision. Next, Anthony Erickson earned a five point technical fall (18-2) in the second period (5:09) against Eric Holt at 165-pounds. Following, at 174-pounds and 184-pounds, Nolan Saale and Damon Ashworth (respectively) each pinned their opponents for a quick 12 points. Saale pinned Colby Allen in the third period (6:21) and Ashworth pinned Jeremiah Halter in the first period (1:22). At 197-pounds, Brayden Dilllow earned the Mules four points in a major decision (13-2) over Drury's Owian Ulven. Finally, heavy weight Hunter Tennison earned the Mules final six points recording the quickest fall of the day, pinning Thomas Massengale in under a minute (0:55). 

The Mules are still on the road, headed to St. Charles, Mo. for the Lindenwood Open Saturday, Nov. 18.