INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- No. 24 University of Central Missouri Mules wrestling team places two at the Midwest Classic Sunday, Dec. 15. They were led by No. 5 ranked Jakason Burks and No. 13 John Ridle.

Burks, a senior from Omaha, Neb., knocked off 3 of the nations top 5 wrestlers in consecutive matches and won the championship without surrendering a single offensive point in the open division at 125 pounds. With one win by fall (4:04), one by decision (7-2) , one by technical fall (4:42 17-1), one by a sudden victory of 4-1, and won the championship by a decision of 10-4.

Burks earned the 2024 Midwest Classic Outstanding Wrestler award for his performance this weekend.

Ridle, a junior from West Dundee, Ill., went 7-2 and finished fourth making him a two-time Midwest Classic place winner with two by fall (0:52, 6:24), two by major decision (11-1,12-4), and one by sudden victory (6-3).

The Mules will be back in action in Golden, Colorado for the Golden Colorado Duals January 4.