ST. LOUIS – It was Ryan Herman day for Maryville Wrestling as they battled the No. 21-ranked Central Missouri Mules, dropping the dual 22-16.
 
The day began with the senior day festivities, as the Saints rallied behind Herman. It was the final home dual for the Saints' captain who capped off his historic career that included a regional title, a GLVC Championship and the 2024 Maryville Male Athlete of the Year award.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mules kicked off the dual with a tech fall at 125, with Evan Binder returning the favor at 133 with a 12-1 major. JP Homfeld kept the pressure on UCM, earning a 5-3 decision to give the Saint the lead.
 
That was the last lead the Saints had as the Mules rattled off three straight, including two extra-point wins. Cole Ritter, who's ranked No. 11 at 174, calmed down the Mules with a 8-5 win.
 
A quick pin at 184 put the Mules up by 12, with Jeremiah Larson and Herman needing pins to tie up the dual. Larson was aggressive early, but the Mules' Brayden Dillow was deadest on not giving up a big shot. Dillow was able to tie it up late to force an extra period with Larson coming away with the win after a crafty center-mat takedown.
 
No. 2-ranked Herman bounced back in a big way, beating No. 14 Torin Forsyth in a controlled 1-0 decision.
 
#21 CENTRAL MISSOURI 22, #24 MARYVILLE 16
125: Jakason Burks (UCM) over Sam Shafer (MU) (TF 17-2 5:19)
133: Evan Binder (MU) over Brock Smith (UCM) (MD 12-1)
141: JP Homfeld (MU) over Kaden Stanley (UCM) (Dec 5-3)
149: Garrett Lyons (UCM) over Dylan Gvillo (MU) (Dec 4-2)
157: John Ridle (UCM) over Javier Gutierrez (MU) (MD 14-3)
165: Dax Gentes (UCM) over Nick Baer (MU) (MD 13-1)
174: Cole Ritter (MU) over Conner Johnston (UCM) (Dec 8-5)
184: Damon Ashworth (UCM) over Dalton Litzsinger (MU) (Fall 0:46)
197: Jeramiah Larson (MU) over Brayden Dillow (UCM) (SV-1 7-4)
285: Ryan Herman (MU) over Torin Forsyth (UCM) (Dec 1-0)
 
UP NEXT
The Saints return to the mat next on the road for their matchup with the McKendree Bearcats on Jan. 30 in Lebanon, Ill. at 7 p.m. It's set to be the Bearcats annual "Wrestling at the Hett," night.