In a thrilling close to the 2025-26 regular season, the Missouri wrestling team put up a valiant effort against fourth-ranked Iowa State at Hilton Coliseum. The Tigers, finishing the year with a 12-8 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Big 12 play, fell just short with a 20-14 loss.
Under head coach Brian Smith, Mizzou turned their season around post-Christmas, going 6-2 after a balanced 6-6 start. Heading into Sunday’s matchup, they were riding a four-match winning streak, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The dual against Iowa State, who boasted a 12-2 overall record and an 8-1 conference slate, started off rocky for the Tigers. They dropped the first five matches and faced a daunting 17-0 deficit at the halfway point. But true to their fighting spirit, Missouri clawed back, winning four of the final five matches to make it a contest.
Teague Travis, at 157 pounds, was the sole Tiger to fall in the second half, narrowly losing 5-3 to Vinny Zerban. This match could have swung the dual in Missouri’s favor, potentially leading to a 17-17 tie and a tiebreaker scenario. However, the early deficit proved too significant to overcome.
The dual kicked off at 197 pounds with Rocky Elam, a former Mizzou standout now with Iowa State, defeating Evan Bates 7-3. Bates had a brief lead in the third period, but Elam's experience shone through as he turned the tables with a late takedown.
At 125 pounds, Mack Mauger faced a tough challenge against Stevo Poulin, who took an early 7-0 lead. Despite a spirited comeback attempt in the third period, Mauger fell short, losing 9-4.
Gage Walker, wrestling at 133 pounds, struggled against Garrett Grice, succumbing to a 7-3 defeat. Meanwhile, at 141 pounds, Easton Hilton narrowly lost to Anthony Echemendia, with a first-period takedown proving decisive in a 3-2 match.
Despite the team loss, individual performances in the latter half provided bright spots for the Tigers. Seth Mendoza, a promising true freshman, delivered an impressive 8-2 victory over Jacob Frost at 149 pounds. Mendoza’s aggressive style and skillful takedowns marked him as a future star.
Max Mayfield, returning to the lineup at 165 pounds, showcased his resilience. After conceding an early takedown, he rallied to defeat Connor Euton 8-6, using strategic takedowns to secure the win.
At 174 pounds, Cam Steed executed a smart match against MJ Gaitan, clinching a 4-3 victory with a third-period takedown. The dual concluded with Aeoden Sinclair’s dominant performance at 184 pounds, where he overwhelmed Jacob Helgeson for a 21-5 technical fall.
Iowa State, ranked No. 4 nationally, was without two key wrestlers, which added intrigue to the contest. Despite being favored in most matches, the Cyclones faced a determined Missouri team that pushed them to the brink.
As the Tigers gear up for the Big 12 Championships in Tulsa, their recent performances offer encouragement. With the national tournament on the horizon, Missouri’s late-season form suggests they could make waves in Cleveland.