LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University wrapped up its home season Thursday night, honoring its three seniors before falling 28–18 to No. 17 Corban University inside Quinn Coliseum.
Prior to the match, the Mountaineers recognized seniors
Braden Carson (133),
Stone Robledo (197), and
Eric Karas (285) for their contributions on and off the mat.
Carson has enjoyed a standout career, earning two Cascade Collegiate Conference appearances, qualifying twice for nationals, and receiving NWCA Scholar All-American honors three times while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. He currently ranks ninth in program history with 50 career wins and counting. Robledo, who joined the program in 2023, placed fourth at the Spokane Open and sixth at the Clackamas Open while earning both CCC and NWCA Scholar All-American recognition. Karas joined Eastern in 2024 and quickly made an impact, placing fifth at the 2025 CCC Championships and qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament. He has also excelled academically, earning NWCA Scholar All-American honors.
The dual began with forfeit victories for Eastern Oregon at 125 and 133 pounds, giving the Mountaineers an early advantage.
Daniel Guerrero added to the lead with a hard-fought win over Mason Thynes. After a scoreless first period, Guerrero escaped to start the second before scoring a takedown. Thynes stayed within reach with two escapes, but Guerrero sealed the match with a late takedown to earn a 7–2 decision. Guerrero's victory proved to be Eastern's lone contested win of the night, as Corban claimed the next six bouts before forfeiting at 285 pounds.
Despite the outcome, several Mountaineers turned in strong performances.
Carlos Valdez narrowly fell 7–6 to No. 19-ranked Jr. Downing after leading 5–4 entering the third period.
John Rudebaugh dropped a 6–3 decision to Jesse Rubio, scoring all three of his points via escapes and stalling calls before Rubio pulled ahead late.
Eastern Oregon will look to rebound on Sunday, January 18, when they travel to Olympia, Washington to compete in the Evergreen Open.
