SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Four Minnesota State student-athletes competed at the 2026 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships on Friday, resulting in a successful day one at the Sanford Premier Center.
 
Sophomore Colton Hush (141 pounds) won by fall over Luke Kanath (Belmont Abbey) at 4:45 for the Mavericks. Hush was then topped by Khyvon Grace (West Liberty) by 3-0 decision. Hush downed Jake Niffenegger (Gannon) by 8-4 decision, then continued with a win over Kieran Thompson (Adams State) 3-2 by decision. Hush will see James Wright (Central Missouri) when he continues on Saturday.
 
Senior Kydyn Lima (San Francisco State) won by major decision over senior Drake Hayward (Minnesota State) 20-10 in championship prelims. Hayward recorded takedowns in period one and period two. In consolation prelims, Hayward collected a win by 5-2 decision over senior Dalton Gimbor (Kutztown). Hayward scored a takedown at 1:08 of period three for the Mavericks.
 
In the following round, Hayward posted an 8-0 major decision over Clinton Morrisette (King, Ten.), then bested Emilio Arellano (Tiffin) by 9-5 decision, cementing his All-America status for the second time. Hayward can finish as high as third on Saturday with results.
 
Senior Kole Marko (165 pounds) lost to senior Trenton Munoz (Nebraska-Kearney) by 6-1 decision in his opening round. Munoz scored a takedown 42 seconds into period one. Marko rebounded for a win by fall at 2:29 in the consolation prelim round over sophomore Leo Hess (Glenville State). He then lost a 4-3 decision to Cason Lindsey (Fort Hays State) to end the day.
 
At 133 pounds, junior Chase Beckett fell to freshman Jason Henschel (Central Oklahoma) via major decision 16-3. Henschel collected three takedowns and a nearfall in the second period to pull away. The following match, Beckett came up just short in a tight 6-5 decision to Logan Robinson (UNC Pembroke). Robinson earned a reversal at 1:26 of round three.
 
Session III begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14
Session IV begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14