Grape, Stumpf guide Morningside in pre-winter break finale

STORM LAKE, IOWA – Seven wrestlers earned top-five marks for Morningside University Saturday, Dec. 11. 

The underclassman combo of freshman 133-pounder Logan Stumpf (Kaukauna, Wis.) and sophomore 197-pounder Kasten Grape (Columbus, Neb.) stood atop their respective weight class award podiums. Stumpf knocked off Zachary Foote of Iowa State University's club squad 9-3 after turning in a decision and technical fall to reach the final. Grape registered a major decision and decision against two National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II foes from Minnesota State-Mankato to be crowned champions.

Sophomore 125-pounder Benjamin Schmitz (Mt. Carmel, Iowa) and junior 149-pounder John Diener were just a win from joining their teammates as victors. Diener went 3-1 on the day with a pin and major decision included, and Schmitz finished 2-1 behind two decisions. The remaining first five finishers for head coach Jake Stevenson's team were junior 141-pounder Noah Styskal (David City, Neb.) (3^rd); sophomore 165-pounder Ethan Hatcher (Wildwood, Fla.) (4^th); and freshman Samuel Moore (Zumbrota, Minn.) (5^th).

The Mustangs break from competition and training over winter break. They return to the mat Thursday, Jan. 6, for a Great Plains Athletic Conference dual at the University of Jamestown.