Kearney, Neb. – The 8th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team began the New Year by going 2-2 at the Grand Canyon Duals Saturday in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Lopers beat unranked Kutztown (Pa.), 24-12, and then upset 5th-ranked Newberry (S.C.), 20-17, before falling to 2nd-ranked St. Cloud State, 26-9, and to 11th-ranked Grand Canyon, 27-20.

Junior T.J. Hepburn (East Hampton, Conn.), ranked third nationally at 157 lbs., went 4-0 at 149 lbs. on the day, beating 6th-ranked Dale Debacco, 10-4, of Newberry.

Also going 4-0 was junior Dalton Jensen (Missouri Valley, Ia.). The former Iowa State Cyclone, now 11-1 on the year, will likely move into the national rankings as one of his wins came over 3rd-ranked Gabe Suarez of St. Cloud, 7-3.

Besides Hepburn and Jensen, junior Joey Wilson (Half Moon May, Calif.) and senior Ben Hohensee (Monett, Mo.) each went 3-1.

Wilson, ranked fourth nationally, was edged by 2nd-ranked Tad Merritt of St. Cloud, 6-4, while Hohensee also was nipped by an SCSU Husky, falling 6-1 to 2nd-ranked Jacob Kahnke.

Junior Ross Brunkhardt (Merino, Colo.), normally at 174 lbs., was one of three Lopers to move up a class as he went 2-2 at 184 lbs.

Also having to step up were sophomore Drew Comito (from 165 lbs. to 174 lbs.) and sophomore Mike Swanson (from 184 to 197 lbs.).

A former Loper linebacker, Swanson (Dannebrog) tied the Newberry dual at 17 all with a 14-8 win over Karl Reed. Hohensee then secured the dual victory with a 7-4 decision over Jake Elkins.

Earlier against NU, Comito (Spokane, Wash.) recorded win by decision to give the Lopers a 14-11 lead.

Also this weekend, the rest of the Lopers were in Fremont at the Warrior/Viking Open. True freshmen Tyler Anderson (Clay Center, Kans.) placed fourth at 141 lbs. as did freshman Matt Lenagh (Millard North) at 184 lbs.

UNK will be at the Hastings College Open next Saturday.