Devyn Mosteller

It was a night of surprises as the Northwest College wrestling team took on Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs on Dec. 18.

In the first match, Devyn Mosteller had to step in to replace Dawson Barfuss at 125 pounds, facing Dalton Stutzman of Layton, Utah. The two had met before with Mosteller losing in a close, but high scoring match, 13-11.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Mosteller said.

Stutzman jumped out to a 8-1 lead in the first period, but Mosteller refused to give up.

“Before the match, Coach [Jim Zeigler] and I talked it out and he told me the way I was going to win this match was from the up position,” Mosteller said. “I just had to tough it out and do what I could to survive the first period.”

In the second period, Stutzman seemed gassed. His attacks weakened and Mosteller knew it was go time. Mosteller got control and kept the pressure.

“He was really gutsy,” said Zeigler.

Mosteller came roaring back, tying up the score at the end of the second period. In the third period, he kept working Stutzman’s arm, finally pinning him near the end of the match. “It was awesome,” Zeigler said.

It was a great start for the Trappers against the No. 1 team in the country. After the pin, Mosteller went back to the bench, celebrating the surprise win with his teammates and Zeigler. But his biggest surprise was waiting at the end of the bench.

Gavin Ferguson — Mosteller’s best friend since they were ninth graders in Casper — was waiting there in his Marine Corp dress blues, having just returned from duty. It had been a long time since the two had seen each other.

“I was shocked. I couldn’t believe he was back,” Mosteller said, adding, “I gave him the biggest hug I could.”

Zeigler, who has worked with the Department of Defense Schools as an overseas wrestling coach, said it was a very emotional moment. “Wyoming is more appreciative of their service members than most places. I love that about this place,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the 133-pound match, Van Bray lost a tough match against Kyle Evans, 13-5. Zeigler was impressed with the way Bray came back after a “slow” start.

“I think there’s clear evidence we can beat that guy,” Zeigler said.

Then Brayden Lowery came in and put a major decision on Zac Musselman in the 149-pound match, winning 12-3.

“He wasn’t feeling well, but still able to get a very good win,” Zeigler said.

In the last match of the night, Majid Muratov met Tucker Tomlinson, the No. 1 wrestler in the country at 197 pounds. Tomlinson had a 1-0 lead going into the third, but Muratov made a takedown right at the end of the period to win the match 2-1.

Though losing 35-13, Zeigler said it felt like a moral victory in the in-state rivalry. The Trappers are still missing several starters, forfeiting three weight classes to the Mustangs. Yet, NWC took three of seven matches from the top team in the NJCAA.

Tyson Carter will return in January and “that’s going to make a big difference for us,” Zeigler said.

“I think there’s still a promising future for this team as we move forward,” the coach added. “We’re not accustomed to losing to Western, but they are the number one team and they put on a good program.”

Western head coach Art Castillo — a Green River native beginning his 11th year for the Mustangs — attended Northwest College, wrestled for Zeigler and was a national qualifier.

“There’s some pride in that as well,” Zeigler said.