Mike Wilson

The No. 13 CMU wrestling team split its two RMAC matches over the weekend against No. 15 Adams State and CSU-Pueblo.

The meet kicked off Friday with an 18-24 loss against the Grizzlies. ASU won the first five bouts of the match until 165-pounder Jesse Hoffschneider, ranked No. 4 in the nation, picked up a 9-6 decision over ASU’s Mark Mabry. CMU’s All-American Chester Granard won a 3-0 decision to cut in to the Grizzlies’ lead.

The Mavs’ two heavy-weights, Paco Retana at 197 and Jordan Passhel at 285 each pinned their opponents, but ASU’s early lead was too large for the Mavs to make a comeback.

Saturday night proved much more successful for the Mavericks, overcoming a slow start to beat the Thunderwolves 21-18. With four duals won by decision and two by pins, from Retana and Hoffschneider, the Mavericks closed out the weekend on a high note.

Trevor Donarski, in his final home dual of his career, beat the No. 8 ranked Ray Hall. Donarski scored a take down and a two-point near fall to pick up a 6-3 win, improving his record to 17-8 on the season.

As with most grueling collegiate seasons, coach Chuck Pipher said it will be important to have lots of guys ready to wrestle.

“We are going to have to try and stay healthy, but it’s tough when you’re shorthanded like we were this weekend,” Pipher said. “The key is to be healthy and stay healthy.”

The Mavericks travel to Gunnison for a match at Western State on Thursday. The Mountaineers are 9-2 (6-1 RMAC).

miawilso@mavs.coloradomesa.edu