The win moved MSU to 4-5 in dual meets, while Clarion fell to 3-10.

Head coach Roger Chandler expressed pride in his seniors for staying committed to MSU and delivering strong performances.

“You got guys like Tristan, Lujan, Marty Larkin. They didn't have to return,” Chandler said. “They were technically both graduated. They came back because they wanted to help the program build, I give them a lot of credit.”

The win was a much-needed rebound for MSU, which had lost five of its last six duals. Michigan State won all but two bouts in the 125 and 141-pound weight classes.

Lujan got the scoring started for the green and white with a 7-0 victory, highlighted by a key takedown late in the third period to secure his first victory since Dec. 30, 2024. Redshirt freshman Clayton Jones (149) earned his fourth win of the season, defeating Clarion’s Judah Aybar by decision, 14-7.

Jones recorded four takedowns and improved to 2-1 in dual meets this season. Branden Stauffenberg (157) added to MSU’s momentum with a 19-4 technical fall over Chandler Ho, marking the Spartans’ second tech fall of the day.

The Spartans wrestled more smoothly and with more aggression than in weeks past. Chandler said he is proud of how the team has progressed despite the learning curve that comes with being a young team.

“I’ve been talking about creating our opportunities and dictating the motion of where we want to wrestle,” said Chandler. “I want to give our younger guys the belief that this is where they should be wrestling.”

The Spartans’ Remy Cotton earned a controlling win in the 197-pound weight class. Two early takedowns in the first period, followed by combative offensive play in the second period propelled him to a 19-4 win by technical fall. Cotton, who came in ranked No. 18 in the weight class continues to boast the team’s best record in dual meets, now at 5-1. 

Chandler praised Cotton for his ability to remain aggressive for nearly the entire bout. 

“The biggest thing you'll see is when we stay offensive in wrestling, good things typically happen,” said Chandler. “Remy early on in the match, kept staying up on his offense and broke the guy down as he was everywhere on the mat.”

The Spartans now face a month of challenging Big Ten duals before heading to Northwestern for the Big Ten Championships. MSU will be on the road for three straight duals at Northwestern, Wisconsin and Rutgers in preparation for a home dual against No. 19 Michigan on Feb. 16 at Jenison Fieldhouse. 

Chandler hopes to keep their momentum from their dual against Clarion and continue to grow. 

“We always say you're building for championship season, and we're getting very close to it,” said Chandler. “We're in a good spot right now. We're continuing to grow, and that's what we want to see out of our guys.”

MSU returns to action on Friday, Feb. 7, against Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois. The dual is set for 8 p.m. and will stream on BTN+.