KEARNEY, Neb. – Ronald Wardleigh defeated the No. 3 ranked wrestler at 125 pounds and helped Western State Colorado University defeat University of Mary 34-9 at the University of Nebraska Kearney Midwest Duals on Saturday.
 
Western (4-3, 0-0 RMAC) went 1-2 at the Midwest Duals, falling to No. 8 University of Central Oklahoma 25-18 and No. 18 Fort Hays State University 24-15. The Mountaineers were scheduled to wrestle No. 23 Newman University following their win over Mary, but Newman was unable to make the trip due to an ice storm.
 
In his first match of the day, Wardleigh faced No. 3 ranked Josh Lindsey of UCO. Wardleigh grinded out the match, earning a 3-1 win. The senior followed that match by pinning his next two opponents. Wardleigh earned a fall over FHSU's Conrad Cole in 4:12 and another against Mary's Josh Jensen in 3:53.
 
Against UCO, Western earned five total wins. Wardleigh earned a decision at 125 pounds, Justin Cenoweth earned a fall at 149 pounds, Shawn Beiriger earned 5-1 decision at 157 pounds, Konnor Schmidt earned another decision at 184 pounds and at 285 pounds, Michael Henry ended the dual with a 5-2 decision win.
 
Despite winning half the matches against UCO, the Bronchos earned a few more bonus points to win 25-18.
 
In the second dual of the day, Western again earned victories from Wardleigh, Cenoweth and Schmidt. 165-pounder, Brandon Supernaw also picked up a win for the Mountaineers with a 5-4 decision. However, FHSU was able to escape with a 24-15 decision.
 
The Mountaineers ended the day on a high note, winning 8-of-10 matches against Mary. Along with Wardleigh's pin, Ian Steen also earned a fall at 149 pounds. Western got decisions from Seth Rich at 141 pounds, Supernaw at 165 pounds, Schmidt at 184 pounds and Henry at 285 pounds. Travis Bradford added a 10-1 major decision at 157 pounds and Mick Dougharity won by forfeit at 197 pounds.
 
Western will begin the conference dual season next weekend. The Mountaineers will travel to Chadron, Nebraska to face Chadron State College at 7 p.m. on Friday. Western will then travel to Golden, Colorado for a 7 p.m. dual against Colorado School of Mines on Saturday.