MEN’S WRESTLING PICKS UP TWO DUAL WINS AT THE MISSOURI VALLEY DUALS

MARSHALL, Mo. – Competing for the first time in 2026, Avila men's wrestling nabbed two hard-fought wins in the Missouri Valley Duals on Friday, defeating St. Ambrose, 29-23 and Dakota Wesleyan, 25-24. Both teams Avila defeated are receiving votes in the latest NAIA poll.

In the opener versus St. Ambrose, Avila had victories from Raul Romero (TF, 19-4, 125 pounds), Dru Thomas (Dec, 7-6, 149 pounds), Kristjan Marshall (Dec, 8-6, 157 pounds), Rodney Trotter Jr. (fall, 4:12, 197 pounds) and Gavin Howes (fall, 4:54, 285 pounds) as well as an open victory in the 133-pound class.

The Eagles struggled against No. 16 Marian and No. 22 Lindsey Wilson, with victories coming from Trotter (Dec, 16-9) and Howes (fall, 4:09) against Marian and Tyler Johnson (Dec, 8-1, 141 pounds) and Jase Motlagh (Dec, 10-6, 174 pounds). Rodney Trotter Jr. picked up his third victory of the day with a fall coming in just 1:59 against Lindsey Wilson.

Avila wrapped up the day with a one-point win over Dakota Wesleyan. Romero (major, 14-5), Thomas (TF, 15-0) and Corey Holmes (fall, 2:58).

Putting a bow on one of the best performances of the year, Trotter competed in the 285-pound class against Dakota Wesleyan, winning via major decision, 13-3.

A full list of results from the Valley Duals can be found at TrackWrestling.com.

The Eagles are back in action on Thursday, Jan. 15, traveling to York for a dual with the Panthers at 7 PM.