University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Saturday, March 7
Tulsa, Okla.
All Day
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Big 12
Rushton Finishes Fifth as Bears Conclude Big 12 Championships
3/7/2026 1:59:00 PM | Wrestling
TULSA, Okla. – Northern Colorado wrestling closed out day two of the Big 12 Championships with Mahonri Rushton representing the Bears at 184 pounds. Rushton finished the day 1–1, ultimately securing a fifth-place finish in the weight class.
Rushton opened the day against West Virginia's Ian Bush. Bush built early momentum, jumping out to an 11–0 advantage after recording a three-point take down and adding two four-point near falls in the opening period. Despite Rushton's effort to battle back, Bush maintained control throughout the match and claimed the victory by technical fall, 17–1.
Rushton was scheduled to compete in another bout later in the session against Iowa State's Issac Dean. However, the match did not take place as Dean medically forfeited, awarding Rushton the victory and clinching a fifth-place finish at 184 pounds.
With the result, Rushton capped a strong showing for the Bears at the conference tournament and added a postseason placement to his season and career resume.
UP NEXT: The NCAA Championships are set for March 19–21 in Cleveland, Ohio, inside Rocket Arena. With the conference tournament now complete, preparation begins for those who qualified, as the Bears shift their focus toward the national stage.
TAKEDOWN CLUB: The Takedown Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Wrestling. Your support helps invest in the latest training and performance technology and supports championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes as they prepare to compete on the biggest stage at the Big 12 Wrestling Championships.
Give to the Takedown Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the wrestling team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNCBearsWrestle) and Instagram (@UNCBearsWrestle).
Rushton opened the day against West Virginia's Ian Bush. Bush built early momentum, jumping out to an 11–0 advantage after recording a three-point take down and adding two four-point near falls in the opening period. Despite Rushton's effort to battle back, Bush maintained control throughout the match and claimed the victory by technical fall, 17–1.
Rushton was scheduled to compete in another bout later in the session against Iowa State's Issac Dean. However, the match did not take place as Dean medically forfeited, awarding Rushton the victory and clinching a fifth-place finish at 184 pounds.
With the result, Rushton capped a strong showing for the Bears at the conference tournament and added a postseason placement to his season and career resume.
UP NEXT: The NCAA Championships are set for March 19–21 in Cleveland, Ohio, inside Rocket Arena. With the conference tournament now complete, preparation begins for those who qualified, as the Bears shift their focus toward the national stage.
TAKEDOWN CLUB: The Takedown Club plays a vital role in the success of UNC Wrestling. Your support helps invest in the latest training and performance technology and supports championship-level travel opportunities. These investments directly support our student-athletes as they prepare to compete on the biggest stage at the Big 12 Wrestling Championships.
Give to the Takedown Club today!
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the wrestling team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNCBearsWrestle) and Instagram (@UNCBearsWrestle).
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