Aho begins his 13th season as head coach

Photo courtesy Mary Freas
Luke Tweeton (Frazee-Vergas Class of 2020) is ranked No. 6 at heavyweight in the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s preseason edition of the NCAA DII Coaches Rankings for the 2025-26 season. Tweeton was victorious in the season’s first tournament, the Jimmie Open, advancing to the finals and taking the title in a 7-1 decision over Stetson Davis of the University of Sioux Falls.

By Chris Cody

UMary Athletics Communications

Head Coach Adam Aho

The University of Mary wrestling team took gold in five weight classes in their season opener at the Jimmie Open. Luke Tweeton, Michael Murillo, Anthony Nunes, Jacob Strausbaugh (wrestling unattached), and Kale Baumann (wrestling unattached) each won in their respective weight classes.

No. 6 Luke Tweeton was victorious at heavyweight. Tweeton opened with a 19-3 tech fall over Jesse Garcia (University of Sioux Falls). He followed up by defeating Carmine Morton (Minot State) by an 8-0 major decision and Nathan Schauer (Northern State) by a 4-2 decision. The Frazee native cruised to a 7-1 win over Stetson Davis (USF) in the finals.

No. 14 Michael Murillo dominated at 197 pounds. Murillo kicked things off with a pinfall victory at the 1:06 mark over Wyatt Powell (Minnesota State Moorhead). He defeated Shafer Ehmke (MSU) by a 17-2 tech fall in the semifinals. The Bakersfield, CA, native took first after winning by an 8-0 major decision over Adam Cherne (North Dakota State University).

Anthony Nunes began his day with a 15-0 tech fall over Albert Lawrenz (MSU) at 149 pounds. Nunes continued to impress with a 7-2 decision victory over Sir Brandon Watts (USF) and with a 10-2 major decision over teammate Kaden DeCoteau. The Tracy, CA, native was outstanding in the first-place match, defeating Sonny Lora (USF) by an 18-1 tech fall.

Kale Baumann (unattached) started his day by pinning Brandan Winn-Kelley (unattached) at the 2:23 mark in the 157-pound weight class. Baumann took down his next match by defeating Carter Ban (NSU) by an 8-0 major decision. He beat his teammate, Maverick Mueller, 8-3 in the semifinals. The Great Falls, MT, native took down another teammate, Trae Thilmony, by an 8-2 decision to win the weight class. The Marauders took the top four spots at 157 pounds.

Jacob Strausbaugh (unattached) took down the 133-pound weight class in spectacular fashion. Strausbaugh won his first two matches by tech falls over John Kenney (Unattached) and Brandon Lee (NSU). He won via pinfall against Cyler Ruhoff (USF) at the 3:55 mark in the semifinals. The true freshman took gold by defeating Bray Skinner (USF) by injury default.

U Mary is led by former state champion (2004) and Head Coach Adam Aho, Frazee-Vergas Class of 2004. Aho (Frazee-Vergas Class of 2004) is in his 13th season at the helm of the University of Mary Wrestling program.

Claiming top three finishes for UMary at the Jimmie Open:

Trae Thilmony finished with a 3-1 record to finish runner-up at 157 pounds.

Wyatt Elam grabbed second place at 174 pounds, finishing with a 3-1 record.

Lane Ewing placed third at 165 pounds after going 5-1 on the day.

Gabe Wagner took third at 157 pounds, going 5-1 at the open.

Mason Gutenberger went 5-1 to place third at 125 pounds.

Danyk Jacobsen went 4-1 to take third at 149 pounds.

Sam Bruss took bronze at 184 pounds after recording a 4-1 record.

Weights 285

Luke Tweeton’s place is 1st and has scored 17.5 team points.

Champ. Round 1 – Luke Tweeton (University of Mary) won by tech fall over Jesse Garcia (University of Sioux Falls) (TF 19-3)

Quarterfinal – Luke Tweeton (University of Mary) won by major decision over Carmine Morton (Minot State) (Maj 8-0)

Semifinal – Luke Tweeton (University of Mary) won by decision over Nathan Schauer (Northern State) (Dec 4-2)

1st Place Match – Luke Tweeton (University of Mary) won by decision over Stetson Davis (University of Sioux Falls) (Dec 7-1)