Heartbreaking Defeats: NDSU Wrestling's Tough Losses to Elite Opponents Leave Fans Craving More
Imagine the thrill and agony of watching your favorite college wrestling team battle against powerhouse squads, only to come tantalizingly close to upsets before falling short. That's exactly the rollercoaster ride North Dakota State (NDSU) endured at the Journeyman Collegiate National Duals in Nashville, Tennessee, where they faced off against No. 23 Stanford and No. 1 Penn State on December 20, 2025, at Montgomery Bell Academy. In a sport where every takedown and pin counts, these duals showcased NDSU's grit but highlighted the dominance of their rivals. If you're new to wrestling, a 'dual' is essentially a head-to-head competition between two teams across multiple weight classes, with points awarded based on individual match outcomes – think of it as a series of one-on-one showdowns that add up to a team score. For beginners, understanding terms like a 'takedown' (when a wrestler takes their opponent to the mat from a standing position) or a 'pin' (forcing the opponent's shoulders to the ground for victory) can make the action more exciting. Let's dive into the details of these nail-biting encounters, and see why they might spark some debate among fans.
Starting with the match against Stanford, NDSU put up a valiant fight, ultimately losing 25-15 in a contest that featured some jaw-dropping moments and near-misses. The Bison, as NDSU's wrestlers are affectionately called, kicked things off with an unbelievable upset at 125 pounds. Ranked 31st, Ezekiel Witt took down the highly touted No. 12 Nico Provo from Stanford in a decisive 7-2 victory. Witt's strategy was masterful: he secured the first takedown early in the opening period and then added another in the third, building a 4-2 lead to seal the deal. This kind of performance is what makes wrestling unpredictable – a lower-ranked wrestler using technique and timing to outmaneuver a favorite.
But here's where it gets controversial: NDSU nearly pulled off another shocker at 133 pounds, where No. 29 Tristan Daugherty battled fiercely against Stanford's No. 6 Tyler Knox. Daugherty came agonizingly close to a late takedown in the third period, but after a video review – those instant replays can change everything in high-stakes matches – Knox held on for a 1-0 decision. Stanford used this momentum to win four straight bouts, surging to a 13-3 lead. Some might argue that close calls like this deserve a rematch in a different format, like tournaments where scoring can be more forgiving. What do you think – should video reviews play a bigger role in such tight situations?
NDSU fought back at 165 pounds with Boeden Greenley, who earned a quick first-period pin over EJ Parco, bringing the score to 13-9. However, Stanford countered immediately with a pin at 174 pounds, keeping the pressure on. At 184 pounds, No. 17 Aidan Brenot delivered another highlight, defeating Abraham Wojcikiewicz in sudden victory (an extra period after regulation ties) with a takedown just 12 seconds in, scoring 8-5. This shows how crucial those bonus points can be in team scoring. Stanford clinched the dual with a pin at 197 pounds, but Shilo Jones capped NDSU's day on a high note at heavyweight, winning 2-0 thanks to an early escape and a rideout (controlling the opponent on the mat without giving up points). And this is the part most people miss: Even in defeat, these individual wins build experience and confidence for future tournaments.
The second dual against undefeated No. 1 Penn State was an even steeper challenge, resulting in a lopsided 46-0 loss. Nittany Lions, as Penn State's team is known, dominated across the board, showcasing why they're atop the rankings. Witt started strong with a first takedown against No. 2 Luke Lilledahl but succumbed to riding time in a 6-5 decision – a reminder that wrestling isn't just about points but also about mat control. Michael Olson had a heart-pounding match at 141 pounds against Nate Desmond, losing 4-1 on a late takedown in the final 15 seconds. These close battles illustrate that even against elites, NDSU's athletes are competitive and could shine in individual events. Controversy brews here too: With such a wide gap in talent, is it fair to expect underdogs like NDSU to compete directly with giants like Penn State, or should duals focus more on balanced pairings? It raises questions about how rankings influence matchups and whether raw power sometimes overshadows skill in these encounters.
Looking ahead, NDSU will regroup after the new year, splitting their squad between the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the Soldier Salute in Coralville, Iowa, on January 3-4. This dual split allows them to maximize opportunities, as wrestlers can compete in multiple events without overtaxing the full team. For fans, it's a chance to see how these athletes grow from these lessons.
Match Recap: No. 23 Stanford 25, North Dakota State 15
December 20, 2025 | Montgomery Bell Academy | Nashville, Tennessee
- 125 lbs: No. 31 Ezekiel Witt (NDSU) defeated No. 12 Nico Provo (Stanford) by decision, 7-2; NDSU led 3-0
- 133 lbs: No. 6 Tyler Knox (Stanford) defeated No. 29 Tristan Daugherty (NDSU) by decision, 1-0; Tied 3-3
- 141 lbs: No. 15 Jack Consiglio (Stanford) defeated Michael Olson (NDSU) by decision, 8-3; Stanford led 6-3
- 149 lbs: No. 14 Aden Valencia (Stanford) defeated No. 24 Max Petersen (NDSU) by decision, 8-2; Stanford led 9-3
- 157 lbs: No. 5 Daniel Cardenas (Stanford) defeated No. 21 Gavin Drexler (NDSU) by major decision, 11-2; Stanford led 13-3
- 165 lbs: Boeden Greenley (NDSU) pinned EJ Parco (Stanford) in 1:48; Stanford led 13-9
- 174 lbs: Lorenzo Norman (Stanford) pinned Tyler Secoy (NDSU) in 2:33; Stanford led 19-9
- 184 lbs: No. 17 Aidan Brenot (NDSU) defeated Abraham Wojcikiewicz (Stanford) by sudden victory, 8-5; Stanford led 19-12
- 197 lbs: No. 19 Angelo Posada (Stanford) pinned Devin Wasley (NDSU) in 4:36; Stanford led 25-12
- 285 lbs: Shilo Jones (NDSU) defeated Luke Duthie (Stanford) by decision, 2-0; Final: Stanford 25-15
Match Recap: No. 1 Penn State 46, North Dakota State 0
December 20, 2025 | Montgomery Bell Academy | Nashville, Tennessee
- 125 lbs: No. 2 Luke Lilledahl (Penn State) defeated No. 31 Ezekiel Witt (NDSU) by decision, 6-5; Penn State led 3-0
- 133 lbs: No. 10 Marcus Blaze (Penn State) defeated No. 29 Tristan Daugherty (NDSU) by major decision, 11-3; Penn State led 7-0
- 141 lbs: Nate Desmond (Penn State) defeated Michael Olson (NDSU) by decision, 4-1; Penn State led 10-0
- 149 lbs: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness (Penn State) defeated No. 24 Max Petersen (NDSU) by technical fall, 19-2; Penn State led 15-0
- 157 lbs: No. 8 PJ Duke (Penn State) defeated No. 21 Gavin Drexler (NDSU) by major decision, 16-5; Penn State led 19-0
- 165 lbs: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink (Penn State) defeated Boeden Greenley (NDSU) by technical fall, 18-1; Penn State led 24-0
- 174 lbs: No. 1 Levi Haines (Penn State) pinned Tyler Secoy (NDSU) in 1:38; Penn State led 30-0
- 184 lbs: No. 4 Rocco Welsh (Penn State) defeated Andrew McMonagle (NDSU) by technical fall, 19-4; Penn State led 35-0
- 197 lbs: Josh Barr (Penn State) defeated Devin Wasley (NDSU) by technical fall, 19-3; Penn State led 40-0
- 285 lbs: No. 13 Cole Mirasola (Penn State) pinned Drew Blackburn-Forst (NDSU) in 0:33; Final: Penn State 46-0
NDSU Wrestlers Featured in These Duals
- Drew Blackburn-Forst: 6'3", Junior
- Aidan Brenot: 6'1", Sophomore
- Tristan Daugherty: 5'5", Senior
- Gavin Drexler: 5'5", Junior
- Boeden Greenley: 5'9", Sophomore
- Shilo Jones: 6'3", Redshirt Freshman
- Andrew McMonagle: 5'9", Redshirt Freshman
- Michael Olson: 5'9", Redshirt Freshman
- Max Petersen: 5'8", Junior
- Tyler Secoy: 6'0", Redshirt Freshman
- Ezekiel Witt: 5'10", Sophomore (additional note for clarity)
- Devin Wasley: 6'4", Redshirt Freshman (additional note for clarity)
These matches remind us that wrestling is as much about heart as it is about skill. Do you believe NDSU has what it takes to turn these near-misses into wins in upcoming events? Or is there a controversial take that rankings don't tell the full story – maybe emphasizing training over talent disparities? Share your opinions in the comments below – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own insights!
