Two Missouri Valley Viking men’s wrestlers are still in contention for national titles following day one of the 2025 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships on Thursday, March 6 in Park City, Ks.

Eighth-ranked Haden Hernandez defeated wrestlers from Oklahoma Wesleyan and Doane of Nebraska to advance to Friday morning’s quarterfinals in the 133-pound class. Seventh-ranked Francis Morrissey defeated wrestlers from Oklahoma City and Cumberlands of Kentucky to book a quarterfinal bout in the 174-pound class.

Three other Viking grapplers are in the wrestlebacks, with a chance to secure an All-American finish tonight. Brayden Shelton upset second-ranked Aaron Gandara of Southern Oregon in the opening round of the 157-pound class, pinning him in just over two minutes. However, Shelton fell to 15th-seed Logan Hancey of Embry-Riddle in a 9-5 decision, then bounced back with a 5-2 sudden victory decision over 16th-seed Aushaud Evans of Reinhardt of Georgia. Brendan Parks remains in the running for a podium in the 165-pound class, narrowly winning his first-round matchup before dropping the second-round contest. He bounced back in the second consolation round with a 9-0 major decision. Elijah Hynes continues to wrestly in the 197-pound bracket with wins over wrestlers from Cumberland of Tennessee and Wayland Baptist of Texas, with a second-round loss to Montana State-Northern.

The quarterfinals and third consolation round are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, with semifinals and consolation fourth and fifth round contests beginning around 6 p.m. Wrestlers who advance to Saturday’s placement matches will receive All-American accolades.