Mount Vernon boys’ wrestling has a deep roster. And the Mustangs have needed it.

Freshman breakout star Avery Paustian hurt his ankle last week, and might not return to action this season.

Junior Nolan Mercer and senior Caleb Keegan were both involved in a car accident and are still recovering.

“Thankfully we’ve got some extra guys at a lot of weights,” Mount Vernon coach Vance Light. “Some will be filling in the rest of the year … so we’ll see how they do.”

On Thursday, Jan. 15, Mount Vernon had enough guys to take down Center Point-Urbana (57-24) and Vinton-Shellsburg (45-30) in Center Point.

CJ Martin (144) and Caysen Curran (175/190) picked up a pair of wins.

The 12th-ranked Mustangs closed the week by placing fourth at the 11-team Panther Invitational in Creston. No. 9 Algona and No. 3 EBF tied for the team title.

Three Mount Vernon wrestlers won gold – Mikey Ryan at 157, Caysen Curran at 175 and Jaxon Anderson at 215.

Curran is giving 175 a try after cutting down from 190.

“He wasn’t a big 190-pounder to begin with, but this is the first time he’s had to cut weight,” Light said.

Curran had three pins and one major decision Saturday, sticking Cael Rotert of Algona in the finals in 3:45.

Ryan improved to 32-0 on the season, getting a tough 6-3 win over Zane Mullenix of EBF in the championship at 157.

Ryan started the year at 150, but may stick at 157, instead.

“He can just stay healthy and not worry about his weight,” Light said.

And the Mustangs continue to move wrestlers to different weights to get the most bang for their buck.

Will Goodlove (165) and Andrew Dix (285) both finished runner-up at Creston.