Wrestling | 3/14/2025 8:45:00 PM

INDIANAPOLIS – University of Central Missouri Mules wrestling's Jakason Burks (125 pounds), John Ridle (157 pounds) and Damon Ashworth (184 pounds) secured All-American honors on the opening day of action at the 2025 NCAA-II Wrestling Championships Friday, March 14, inside Corteva Coliseum.

The top-eight wrestlers in each weight class receive All-America accolades. The three All-Americans will mark the most for Central Missouri since the 2008-09 season.

Burks (29-4), a native of Omaha, Neb., who is ranked No. 1 in the latest NWCA Individual Rankings, defeated Connor Knopick of St. Cloud State by a 12-2 major decision in his first match. Seeded as No. 1 overall, Burks then went on to face the No. 8-seeded Trevon Gray of Pitt-Johnstown and won by a 9-0 major decision advancing him to the semifinals and guaranteeing the senior All-American recognition.

Ridle (26-7), of West Dundee, Ill., who is ranked No. 8 in the latest NWCA Individual Rankings, started his tournament with a setback to UMary's Kaden Renner by fall (5:42), sending him into the consolation bracket.

In consolation, Ridle picked up a victory over American International's Thomas Nichols by a decision of 9-6 and another victory over the No. 7 seed Trent Mahoney from King College via a 14-8 decision, securing his second-career All-American honor, as he can finish no worse than eighth place. He will face No. 4 seed Casey Barnett from Tiffin in wrestlebacks.

Ashworth (25-8), a native of Excelsior Springs, Mo., who is ranked No. 10 in the latest NWCA Individual Rankings, opened tournament competition with a loss to the No. 8 seed Kyle Homet of Glenville State by a 14-4 major decision, dropping him into the wrestleback bracket.

In consolation, Ashworth picked up a victory over Calan Staub of Mount Olive by fall (1:09) before earning a victory over the No. 7 seed Brayden Mirjavadi by a 4-1 decision, securing his second straight All-American performance, as he can place no lower than eighth. He will face Jacari Deal of Nebraska-Kearney in wrestlebacks.

James Wright also competed at the tournament at 133 pounds for UCM. Wright dropped his first round and consolation matches, bringing a close to his 2024-25 season. This was the first national tournament appearance for Wright.

Semifinals, seventh, fifth and third-place matches will take place Saturday, March 15, beginning at 9 a.m. CT followed by championship matches at 6 p.m. CT.