MARSHALL, Mo. – Eastern Oregon had a strong finish on the second day of the Missouri Valley College Invitational, one of the premier college wrestling tournaments leading up to the NAIA National Tournament. The team secured an overall 19th place finish, with Kyle Knudtson earning third place in the 197-pound category.

In a challenging semifinal match at the Missouri Valley Invite, Knudtson faced the formidable Kyle Homet from Life University, ranked 5th in the class. While Homet claimed victory over Knudtson with a score of 19-7, Knudtson bounced back in the consolation semifinal, delivering a commanding performance against the 13th-ranked Brett Bober from Baker University. Knudtson emerged victorious with a fall in 1:24. In the highly anticipated 3rd Place Match, Knudtson continued his winning streak, achieving another fall victory over Luke Jenness, ranked #12 from Northwestern (Iowa) in 2:41, securing the third-place finish.

Despite an impressive Day One that saw several Mounties advance to the second day of competition, Eastern Oregon faced tough battles but was unable to secure any additional podium finishes throughout the tournament. In the Consolation Round 6, Jay Smith from Eastern Oregon University faced #17 Hunter James from Menlo (Calif.), with James securing a major decision victory with a score of 9-0. Braden Carson yielded in Consolation Round 6 against Cooper Mahaffey from Oklahoma City in the 133-pound division, while AJ Rockwell faced the 5th-ranked Bryce Nickel from Cumberlands (Ky.) in Consolation Round 6 and was defeated by decision with a score of 9-3.

Looking ahead, Eastern Oregon will return to CCC play against Corban University in Salem, Oregon, on January 28th at 3 pm. This matchup is a rematch of their earlier dual that the Mounties claimed 20-19 earlier this season.