Cowboys Outduel Embry-Riddle in Fort Defiance
FORT DEFIANCE, AZ – New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) wrestling secured a 23-20 victory over nationally-ranked Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Sunday afternoon at the Bee Hóldzil Fighting Scouts events Center, improving their season record to 2-0. The win marks an early-season statement for the Cowboys as they navigate a challenging schedule.
The dual meet saw a back-and-forth battle between the two programs, with key victories propelling NMHU to the narrow win. This result is significant for the Cowboys as they begin RMAC conference play, demonstrating their ability to compete against strong opponents and build momentum for a potential conference championship run. NMHU will continue their season this Friday with a road contest against Colorado Mines.
Individual match results included a 5-1 decision loss for Noah Gurule at 125 pounds,and a 5-0 decision loss for James Romero-Montoya at 133 pounds. NMHU responded with a 13-5 major decision win by Terrell Kinlicheenie at 141 pounds, followed by a technical fall victory for Sebastian Freeman at 149 pounds, concluding in just 0:00 with a score of 21-5.
Embry-Riddle regained the lead with a 4-2 decision at 157 pounds, but NMHU countered with a technical fall win for Ivan smith Jr. at 165 pounds (17-2, 0:00) and a fall victory for Cash bachicha at 174 pounds (4:23). A technical fall loss at 184 pounds narrowed the gap, before Devin Kinlicheenie secured a 4-1 decision at 197 pounds.The meet concluded with a fall loss for Phillip Chobot at 285 pounds.
NMHU will next face Colorado Mines in Golden, Colorado, on Friday at 6:00 p.m.
