CHADRON, Neb. – Western State Colorado University opened the 2017 conference dual season on Friday against Chadron State College. A thrilling dual ended with the Eagles edging the Mountaineers by one point, 18-17.
 
Western (4-4, 0-1 RMAC) got out to a 4-0 start thanks to No. 3 Ronald Wardleigh at 125 pounds. Wardleigh defeated No. 12 Brandon Kile 9-0, earning a major decision.
 
However, that lead would be short lived as Chadron (5-1, 4-0 RMAC) won the next two matches by decision and the third by a fall to take a 12-4 lead heading into the 157-pound match.
 
The Mountaineers began their comeback with a 5-2 decision by Shawn Beiriger at 157 pounds and a 15-6 major decision by Travis Bradford at 165 pounds.
 
After a win by decision at 174 pounds by CSC, the Mountaineers trailed 15-11 with three bouts remaining.
 
Western's Konnor Schmidt came from behind to win by decision at 184 pounds to put the Mountaineers down by only one point, 15-14.
 
At 197 pounds, the Mountaineers regained the lead, 17-15, after Ben Price defeated Matthew Kindler with a 3-0 decision.
 
With the dual on the line, the Eagles won the final match of the night at 285 pounds, winning the contest 18-15.
 
Western will be back on the mat Saturday night in Golden, Colorado at 7 p.m. against Colorado School of Mines.