GUNNISON, Colo. – In the first big home dual of the season, Western State Colorado University wrestling didn't disappoint the fans. The Mountaineers upset No. 13 Colorado State University – Pueblo 22-15 Thursday night in Paul Wright Gym.
 
Western (6-4, 2-1 RMAC) thrilled the raucous home crowd by starting the dual with a 13-3 lead after the first four matches. Ronald Wardleigh earned a 6-0 decision at 125 pounds, Seth Rich earned a 11-2 major at 141 pounds and Ian Steen earned a fall at 149 pounds.
 
Despite getting behind early, CSU-Pueblo (7-5, 2-2 RMAC) kept fighting the Mountaineers and pulled within four points, 13-9, by the 174-pound bout.
 
With the dual still up for grabs, Western's 174-pound Brandon Supernaw and the Thunderwolves' No. 9 ranked Kyle Bateman went the full seven minutes. At the end, it was a 4-4 tie and the match went into overtime. Supernaw fought-off Bateman's attacks, found a leg and scored a takedown, winning by sudden victory, 6-4.
 
CSU-Pueblo would get three points back at the 184 pound match. Heading into the final two bouts, Western held to a 16-12 lead.
 
The Mountaineers' 197-pounder, Mick Dougharity, made sure Western would come away victors. Dougharity pinned CSU-Pueblo's Cody Johnson at the 4:39 mark to clinch the victory for the Mountaineers.
 
The Thunderwolves won the 285-pound match by a close 2-1 decision to make the final score 22-15.
 
The Mountaineers will be back on the mat tomorrow night in Paul Wright Gym. Western hosts No. 2 University of Nebraska Kearney at 7 p.m. Friday night is Fear the Beard Night as the first 100 students will receive free beards and prizes will be awarded for the best real and fake beards.