BISMARCK, N.D. - With the Christmas right around the corner, the University of Mary Wrestling team would like to invite fans out to the McDowell Activity Center on Thursday, December 17, for their 2nd Annual Santa Claus Dual when the Marauders take on Minnesota State University at 7:00 PM.

Santa Claus will be on the upper section of the MAC by the concession stand starting at 6:00 PM to take pictures with fans through the intermission after the 157-pound matchup. Hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes will be provided and fans are invited to join head coach Adam Aho and the rest of the University of Mary Wrestling team at Reza's Pitch following the dual.

THIS WEEK: The University of Mary Wrestling team will close out the 2015 calendar year with their annual Santa Claus Dual on Thursday, December 17, when they host Minnesota State University for the second NSIC dual of the season.

HISTORY: U-Mary dropped their lone match to the Mavericks last year on January 22 despite Hunter Menendez taking the 8-4 decision over Trevor Schultz, Dane Fischer narrowly defeating Mitchell Hartwig by 11-10 decision, Riley Nagel outlasting Sawyer Hoffman with a 5-2 decision, and Travis Smith outgunning Malcolm Allen in a 4-2 decision. Unfortunately, the Marauders had a forfeit at 125 pounds and got pinned at 165 pounds.

LAST WEEK: The Marauders took on Minot State University for the Battle of the Barrel and U-Mary had a commanding 16-9 lead heading into the final two bouts after several strong showings from both new and returning faces. Tate Barnhardt took a 10-5 decision over Colton Nichols after he built up a commanding lead with several early takedowns, Rudy Guillen took a 16-8 major decision over Tanner Crissler after missing the previous week, Paul MIchaelson pulled off the narrow 9-8 decision over Carlos Toledano, Riley Nagel convincingly took a 6-1 decision over Mason Courtright, and Dylan MItzel brought home a 5-4 decision over Briley Crissler. Unfortunately, the Beavers took a pin at the 197-pound bout between Tiger Paasch and Jonathan Pelach to cut the lead down to 16-15, and stole the match out of U-Mary's hands with a sudden victory from MItchell Eull over Travis Smith to put the team score 18-16 final. Despite the disappointing result, the Marauders weren't done in the week as they took on Upper Iowa University for the start of the conference schedule and the majority of U-Mary grapplers had their hands full with one of the top teams in the nation. Guillen kept up his incredible pace with a 9-2 decision over Jordan Roths to get U-Mary on the board, but the only other victory came from Smith who pinned Maurice WIlburn at 4:28 to end the dual on a high note in the 35-9 loss.

BARNCAT TOUGH: Rudy Guillen was named Barncat Tough Wrestler of the Week once again as he was the lone Marauder to take both of his bouts on the week. Rudy came back after missing the previous week and had a strong showing against Tanner Crissler from Minot State with a 10-5 decision highlighted by a fast first period where Guillen took Crissler down, scored a nearfall-two, got reversed, but scored a reversal of his own for an 8-3 lead. Rudy's matchup against Jordan Roths from Upper Iowa started off with two takedowns from the Marauder through two periods and eventually settled for a 9-2 decision to get U-Mary on the board.

NEXT YEAR: The Marauders have a long break before their next dual as they will take on Minot State in a conference dual on January 7, starting at 7:00 PM CDT, in the McDowell Activity Center.

For more information, check out the full PDF release.

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