Vikings pin Penn, 50-4

The sixth-ranked Missouri Valley College men's wrestling team had little trouble disposing of visiting William Penn (Iowa) during Wednesday's dual match, 50-4.

The Vikings won seven of eight bouts, all with bonus points -- including six pins. And that's not counting freshman Paulie Hansen's first-round stoppage of his 133-pound opponent in the lone exhibition match.

Senior all-American Billy Exline, who began his college career at Penn, got it started with a 10-1 major decision at 125 pounds. That was followed by the first pin of the night, recorded by senior Jon Gerhold (133 pounds).

The lone victory for the Statesmen (1-2) was an upset, as unranked senior Dustin Howa beat No. 3 junior Eric Graham (141), 13-5. Graham's brother, seventh-ranked junior Brian Graham (149), came back in the next contest -- building a 10-0 lead before ending the match by fall with 23 seconds remaining.

Juniors Brad Perkins (157) and Joe Cornejo (165) -- No. 2 at 157 -- both disposed of their opponents before the second period was over, Perkins in a mere 2:07. Valley's lead grew to 32-4 on a 16-6 major decision by sophomore Alex McKinney, the former Marshall all-stater having won six of his last eight bouts and rising to No. 3 in the rankings.

William Penn had openings in two of the three heaviest weight classes, the Vikings winning at 197 with a pin by junior Ryan Sutton -- a transfer from Meramec Community College.

Other than a knee injury to red-shirt freshman Jesse Alter of Kirksville -- who before Christmas had risen to No. 5 in the 184-pound rankings -- and the assorted bumps and bruises which accumulate by this stage of the season, head coach Mike Machholz said the Vikings (7-5) were relatively healthy heading into the MVC Open on Feb. 7.