KEARNEY, Neb. (November 22, 2025) - Colorado State University Pueblo Wrestling turned in a competitive day on the mats at the Younes Hospitality Open on Saturday, highlighted by an outstanding championship run from sophomore Eddie Bowman,(So., Trinidad, Colo.) who claimed the Elite 141-pound title after a dominant, five-match performance.
Bowman was in control from the opening whistle and delivered one of the most impressive tournament efforts of the entire event. He began his day with a 16-8 major decision over Terrell Kinlicheenie (New Mexico Highlands) before grinding out a 17-10 decision against Northern State's Krayle Stormer in the second round.
In the quarterfinals, Bowman edged Colorado Mesa's Apollo Cruz, 8-7, to move into the semifinal round. There, he stayed aggressive and decisive, earning a 14-7 victory over Northern Iowa's Connor Thorpe. Bowman capped his undefeated run in dramatic fashion, taking down Northern Iowa's Max Brady in sudden victory (14-11) to secure the championship.
Bowman finished the day with 17 team points, the most of any Pack wrestler at the event.
Beyond Bowman's title, the ThunderWolves saw several strong individual performances throughout both the Elite and Intermediate brackets.
The Intermediate division featured a standout podium finish at 184 from Mario Tafoya (Jr., Albuquerque, NM) who placed third following a strong run through the consolation bracket. Tafoya collected three bonus-point victories, including two falls, and wrapped up his day with a 4-1 decision over Cal Wells (Iowa Western). He finished with 16.5 team points, second to only Bowman.
In the Elite division, Donn Greer (Sr., Soledad, Calif.) picked up a first-round bye and earned an 11-4 decision in his second match, while Henry Sturn (Jr., Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.) advanced to the quarterfinals at 285 after earning a 5-1 decision over Northern Iowa's Cameron Guether.
At 165 pounds, Deacon Pickett (Fr., Las Vegas, Nev.) bounced back from an opening-round fall to win two consecutive consolation matches including a tech fall, to post three total team points.
At 125 pounds, the Pack saw depth across the bracket with multiple entries. Aiden Morris (Fr., Kimberly, Ala.) earned two wins, including a first-period fall—to score five points, while Julian Espinoza (Fr., Pueblo, Colo.) delivered back-to-back tech falls to start his day and also totaled five points.
At 133 pounds, AJ Gunn (Sr., Evergreen, Colo.) opened with a dominant 16-0 tech fall before battling through two tight decision losses.
Other Pack wrestlers collected wins across several weight classes, contributing valuable experience early in the season as the lineup continues to develop.
The ThunderWolves now turn their attention toward the upcoming dual slate as they look to build momentum from their strong showing in Kearney. CSU Pueblo will wrestle at Cal Poly Humboldt on Dec. 5 and will face San Francisco State on Dec. 7.
-PACK-
