COSTA MESA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt men's wrestling travels to the Freed Center at Vanguard University this Sunday, Feb. 1, for the second edition of the MPSF Wrestling Championships. The Lumberjacks enter the tournament riding momentum from a pair of impressive home matches with a win over Simon Fraser and a battle with Vanguard that came down to the final seconds of the heavyweight match.

Humboldt comes into the championships at a pivotal point in the season, with the squad showing growth and depth in its recent duals. The team is focused on translating home-floor success into performance on the road, as the MPSF Championships offer both team points and individual qualification opportunities.

LAST TIME OUT

The Lumberjacks opened last weekend with a dominant 37-12 win over Simon Fraser. Humboldt showcased scoring across the lineup, highlighted by Josh Neiwert's first-period pin at 133 pounds, Darrell Nanpuya's 21-4 technical fall at 141 pounds, and Jayson Victoria's 16-0 tech fall at 149. Additional points came from forfeit victories at 125, 157, and 285 pounds. Darrell Nanpuya and Jayson Victoria each recorded 5 points early for Humboldt on their way to the dominant win.

Later, Humboldt came close against Vanguard in a closely contested matchup on Senior Night, leaning on major and technical falls to offset narrow defeats. Dakota Sanders opened the dual with an 11-3 major decision at 125 pounds, while Nanpuya added an 18-2 technical fall at 141. Sage Adie closed the upper weights with an impressive pin at 197 pounds. Middle and upper weights traded points throughout, underscoring Humboldt's depth and resilience in tight competition. The match ultimately came down to a tight 6-3 decision in the heavyweight match, where Vanguard had the edge to win 21-18.

MPSF CHAMPIONSHIPS

The MPSF Championships will feature the conference's top wrestlers across all weight classes in an eight-man bracket, with quarterfinals beginning at 9:00 a.m. PT and the championship finals set for 12:45 p.m. PT at Vanguard's Freed Center in Costa Mesa. Matches will be contested on Mat 1 and Mat 2, with live coverage available through Game On Live Studio (GOLS).

Humboldt will look for standout performances from Josh Neiwert, Darrell Nanpuya, Jayson Victoria, and key contributors in the middle and upper weights. Carson Hatch (HWT) will also be rejoining the team for championship season as the 2025 MPSF Conference Champion and All-West Region honoree makes his return to the mat. The team aims to translate individual success into valuable team points while navigating a competitive field featuring familiar foes such as Vanguard, Menlo College, and San Francisco State.

Last season at the inaugural MPSF Championships, the Jacks had two individual champions (Jayson Victoria - 149, and Carson Hatch - HWT) and placed third of four teams. Menlo College was the team champion in 2025. 

LINEUP (allowed one per weight class and two extras)

- 125: Garen Keshishian (5-8)
- 133: Isaiah Miller (0-2)
- 133: Josh Neiwert (13-3)
- 141: Darrell Nanpuya (16-9)
- 149: Jayson Victoria (14-8)
- 157: Joe Anthony Perez (13-10)
- 165: Sam Weinberg (7-7)
- 174: Nathan Vasquez (12-9)
- 184: Sage Adie (9-6)
- 184: Eric Ruiz-Cornelio (7-8)
- 197: Micaiah Montalbin (6-8)
- 285/HWT: Carson Hatch (0-0)

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Sunday at MPSF Championships: Live Results - Watch on GOLS - MPSF Championship Central

UP NEXT

Depending on Humboldt's performance at the MPSF Championships, Humboldt will have a chance to turn its focus to the final stretch of the season for NCAA postseason.

For more information on Cal Poly Humboldt men's wrestling, visit humboldtathletics.com, download our mobile app on Apple iOS or Google Android, and follow the Lumberjacks on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook.

Instagram: @humboldt.athletics

Twitter/X: @HumboldtJacks