Kearney, Neb. – The fifth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team beat three former Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rivals Saturday at the 4th Annual Midwest Duals inside the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.
 
UNK (10-2) beat 20th-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo, 30-12, New Mexico Highlands, 31-12 and 16th-ranked ranked Western State Colorado, 22-12.
 
In the morning, the Lopers dropped just two matches against the CSUP ThunderWolves. Top-ranked Daniel DeShazer (133 lbs.), junior newcomer Calvin Ochs (174 lbs.) and redshirt freshman Zach Stodden (184 lbs.) had major decisions with Illinois sophomore Keith Surber having a fall in 1:17 at 141 lbs.
 
The Lopers then used several reserves to roll past the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys. Redshirt freshman Bubba Jaramillo (Maui, Hawai'i) won 3-2 at 157 lbs. with Chadron junior Chance Bila edging Jon Bechtloff, 6-5. Finally, Alaskan redshirt freshman Isaac Deaton recorded a fall at 2:18 to win his 165 pound match.
 
Against the always tough Western State Mountaineers, DeShazer (Wichita, Kans.) gave UNK a 7-0 lead with a 17-5 major. Western won four of the next six matches but top-ranked Romero Cotton (Hutchinson, Kans.) had another first period pin to give the Lopers some breathing room.
 
Finally, California redshirt freshman Luke Petersen capped things with a 9-3 decision at heavyweight.
 
The Lopers are at Fort Hays State (Thursday) and Central Missouri (Saturday) next weekend.