2024 NAIA MEN’S WRESTLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Mitchell, S.D. –
The Dakota Wesleyan men's wrestling team saw a lot of success throughout the season and it continues into the post season as five Tigers have qualified for the national championship in Park City, Kansas. Kaleb Bigelow won a pair of individual titles, the first one at the DWU Open and then won the GPAC Championship in the 165lb class to qualify for nationals. The Tigers as a team finished 5-3 in conference duals. The five Tigers that are heading to nationals have a combined record of 62-24.
The Athletes –
Kaleb Bigelow (15-2) had a great junior season for the Tigers. After dominating the start of the season with an individual title win at the DWU Open, Bigelow wouldn't lose a match until the last home dual of the season. As they went into the GPAC Championship, Bigelow would win three straight and claim the title. Bigelow will face off against Turner Black from Cumberlands. The duo have only lost a pair of duals each this season.
Aric Williams (10-3) had a strong season even after having to sit the first half. Williams dominated the GPAC tournament went 4-1 and claimed third place. Williams only dropped one face off in the regular season duals he competed in. As he moved into the consolation bracket in the conference championships, he would meet his own teammate, Zach Zitek, for the third-place battle and would show his experience and dominate his teammate. Williams will face off against No. 14 Taylor Vasquez of Morningside. Vasquez was the GPAC champion in the 141 and defeated Zitek in the semis.
Zach Zitek (14-11) was a crucial member of the Tigers squad, moving up in the NAIA national polls in the 141lb class. Going into the conference tournament, Zitek was ranked 21st in the nation. After he was defeated by teammate, Aric Williams, in the third-place match Zach would receive an at large bid to qualify for the national championship. Zitek is matched up against the No. 4 wrestler in the nation, Nicholas Yancey of Campbellsville. Yancey comes in with a record of 24-3.
Trevion Sample (10-1) came out in the second half of the season and put on a show for the Tigers. In his senior night dual against Morningside, Trevion upset the No. 5 wrestler in the nation and was voted 6th in the nation in the national polls. In the GPAC tourney, Sample ran into that same wrestler in the semi finals and was defeated by one point. Trevion would win his next two and claim the third-place spot to move on to nationals. Sample will receive a bye in the first round as the No. 8 wrestler and will face either Gabe Craig of Campbellsville or Ethan DeRoche of Providence (MT) in the second round.
Tyson Johnson (13-7) took the long way around to qualify for the national championship. Johnson had been the starter for the Tigers in the 157lb. Going into the tournament, Tyson was 9-6 overall and went on a big run. He advanced to the semifinals, moved to the consolation bracket, and won the third-place bout. With the chance to challenge the second-place wrestler, Johnson went on to defeat him handedly and claim true second to qualify for the national tournament. At the national championship, Tyson is set to face the No. 3 wrestler from Corban University, David Rudio. Rubio has only lost two matches this season.
Coach's Comments –
In a sit down with head coach Martin Mueller, we talked about the mentality the guys have heading into this tournament, some for the first time, and others going back for a second time. "I think the two (Bigelow & Williams) that have been here will be ready to go, I think everyone will be. It's a brand-new season and everyone is 0-0. There is an advantage to having experience at this tournament, but I also think there is an advantage for the new guys. No one knows much about you, so there are pros and cons." When asked about the pressure on the Tigers, Mueller said this "I think these guys are going to let it fly, we are the underdogs in four of the five match ups we have, so there is no pressure. Win or lose, I know they will put it all out there." With two seniors going to the NAIA National Championship, Martin commented "It will be their final time competing, decades of training come down to these three days. Its going to be a blast, and I'm excited for all of them."
The Meet –
The 2024 NAIA Men's Wrestling Championship is being held in Park City, Kansas in the Hartman Arena. The tournament will begin on February 29th with doors opening at 10:00 a.m. The tournament will last until Saturday March 2nd with championship bouts beginning at 7:00 p.m. All Sessions tickets will be $63 for adults and $48 for students. Individual sessions will be posted the day of.
