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MCC Wrestlers Shine at 35th Art Kraft Memorial

Guerrero Takes Gold

Gold medalist Jack Guerrero of Muskegon Community College stands on the right wearing an MCC wrestling singlet and a gold medal, smiling alongside his coach on the left, who is shirtless after the match. They are standing on a gym floor at a wrestling tournament. A bold yellow “GOLD” graphic appears at the bottom of the image with the MCC Jayhawk logo, highlighting Guerrero’s first-place finish.
Recap
January 6, 2026

RIVER GROVE, IL — The Muskegon Community College (MCC) Jayhawks wrestling team delivered a standout performance at the 35th Art Kraft Memorial, hosted by Triton College. Competing against a deep field of regional talent, the Jayhawks were led by a dominant championship run from NjCAA #1 ranked Jack Guerrero and several podium finishes across the roster. 

Guerrero Claims the Top Spot 

At 125 lbs, Jack Guerrero proved why he is one of the nations elite competitors. Guerrero marched through the bracket with surgical precision, opening with a 3-0 decision over Ashton Grace (Indian Hill) and a 12-1 major decision over Bellarmine's Joseph Hubbard. In the championship match, Guerrero controlled the pace to secure a 5-1 decision over NjCAA #2 ranked Charlie Dykes of Indian Hill Community College. 

Silver and Bronze Performances 

The Jayhawks found additional success in the lower and middle weight classes: 

  • Colin Kuhn (133 lbs): Kuhn blazed a trail to the finals with two pins and a major decision. He earned 2nd place after a tough battle in the championship round against Indian Hill's Olli Webb. 

  • Ian Cook (141 lbs): Cook showcased his finishing ability with a first-minute pin in the opening round and a 10-1 major decision in the semifinals to secure a 2nd place finish. 

  • Anthony Cage (133 lbs): Cage bounced back from a semifinal loss to dominate the bronze medal match, earning a 17-7 major decision over Harper College to take 3rd place. 

  • Harrison Meekhof (165 lbs): Displaying incredible grit, Meekhof navigated a crowded 165 lb bracket to finish 3rd place, capping his day with a victory over Southwestern Michigan. 

Depth and Determination 

The Jayhawks' depth was on full display as multiple wrestlers fought back through the consolation brackets to secure podium spots: 

  • Anton Barynas (285 lbs): Barynas started his day with a lightning-fast 18-second pin, eventually battling his way to a 4th place finish in the heavyweight division. 

  • Kyron Zoet (149 lbs): After an early setback, Zoet went on a tear in the consolation rounds, including a fall over Harper College at 6:37 to claim 5th place. 

  • Payton Paguada (133 lbs): After an early loss, Paguada won four straight matches—including two pins and a tech fall—to finish 5th place. 

  • Alex Hicks (184 lbs): Hicks contributed two pins and a major decision on his way to a 6th place finish. 

  • Jimmy Thommen (125 lbs): Thommen earned 8th place, highlighted by a second-round fall and a gritty 13-9 decision victory in the consolation bracket. 

Coach's Perspective 

"This tournament is a grind. It's a good mid-season test against some national powerhouses, and seeing our guys battle back through the consolation brackets says a lot about their character," said MCC coach Cody Carpenter. "Jack [Guerrero] was incredibly composed in the finals, and having three guys on the podium at 133 lbs alone shows the competitive room we have right now." Carpenter continued. "Also, not that we ever want to lose matches early in tournaments, it was awesome to see Zoet and Paguada grind their way back through the brackets to place as high as they did.  That's what these big tournaments are all about-dealing with adversity and moving forward. I'm proud of all our guys."