STORM LAKE, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2026) - The Buena Vista men's wrestling team took the mat for the final time at home this season when it hosted Saint John's University (MN) on Thursday night, but the Beavers came up just short, 26-23, in a dual that was decided in the final match of the night.
Senior Tyler Japp made the most of his final appearance in front of the home crowd by rolling to a 21-6 technical fall late in the second period. He came out and scored the first six points of the match and led 6-4 going to the second period. That's when he began to settle in as he got an escape and his second takedown of the night to lead 10-5 going to the final period. He closed things out with another takedown and a pair of four-point nearfalls as the match ended with 15 seconds left. The win pushes Japp's overall season record to 8-6.
The Johnnies got the lead right back with falls in each of the next two weight classes to go up 12-5. BVU, however, came right back with three straight victories to regain the advantage at 17-12. Freshman Ben Bouaphakeo hung on for a 7-5 decision at 149 followed by another electric performance from La'Travion Agu who nothched a 17-10 victory. Senior Hayden Stout received a forfeit at 165 pounds to put BVU back in front, 18-17.
