St. Cloud State, without an individual champion, repeats as NCAA Div. II national team champions
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by JD Rader, USA Wrestling
St. Cloud State celebrates its 2019 NCAA Div. II national team title. Photo courtesy of Thomas Nelson, St. Cloud State
Despite not having a national champion, St. Cloud State is the 2019 NCAA Div. II national champions, winning their fourth title in five years. With only one wrestler in Saturday night’s finals, the Huskies got it done on the backside to bring home the title. St. Cloud State had seven All-Americans (at 125 lbs., 133 lbs. 149 lbs., 157 lbs., 165 lbs., 174 lbs., and 197 lbs.)
Rounding out the top five teams were Wheeling Jesuit in second, McKendree in third, Notre Dame in fourth, and Nebraska-Kearney in fifth.
In a meeting between familiar foes, Carlos Jacquez of Lindenwood and Josh Portillo of Nebraska-Kearney got things kicked off at 125. Jacquez used a pair of third period takedowns to defeat Portillo 5-3. In addition to becoming a national champion, the Lindenwood junior capped of an undefeated season going 30-0.
In the second match of the night, Tyler Warner of Wheeling Jesuit defeated Wesley Dawkins of Nebraska-Kearney, 4-1 at 133. An All-American a year ago at 141 lbs., Warner was able to work through Dawkins’ under hooks to secure a takedown as time expired in the first period and rode Dawkins all but four seconds in the final period.
“He’s a tough wrestler,” Warner said. “Watching film, I knew he liked to go upper body and big throws, so I couldn’t just dive in. I had to stay disciplined.”
At 141 lbs., Jose Rodriguez of Notre Dame accumulated 4:11 of riding time and five takedowns in route to a dominating 16-5 major decision victory over Isaiah Royal of Newberry. Rodriguez, an Ohio State University transfer, scored bonus points in four out of his five matches this weekend.
A DII NCAA champion a year ago at 141 lbs., Chris Eddins of Pitt-Johnstown became a two-time NCAA champion, winning it at 149 lbs. this year. Eddins didn’t let weight change or high expectations get to him this year as he finished 23-0.
“These guys are a lot bigger and stronger,” Eddins said. “I just go out there and wrestle every match the same. Just go hard for seven minutes.”
With a 9-4 victory over Colin Ayers of Augustana, Matt Malcom of Nebraska-Kearney was the lone Loper to win in the finals. Malcom, a fourth-place finisher last year, entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed at 157 lbs. and picked up two technical falls in his four NCAA tournament matches. Three of his teammates finished second.
Shane Ruhnke of Millersville topped off a dominating national tournament in odd fashion when he picked up six stall calls, disqualifying opponent Rodney Shepard of UNC Pembroke. Ruhnke was awarded three stall calls in the first period, two in the second, and a final in the third period. Ruhnke was leading 9-2 at the time of disqualification. The Millersville senior improved upon his sixth-place finish last year by pinning his first three opponents before winning by DQ in the 165 lbs. finals.
With a second-place team trophy on the line, Connor Craig of Wheeling Jesuit defeated Drew Foster of McKendree 6-2 in a match between the second and third teams at 174 lbs. The win sealed second place for Wheeling Jesuit. Craig, a first time NCAA qualifier used last year as motivation.
“Since last year, I’ve been working every day for this,” Craig said. “I didn’t make it last year, now I’m at the top. I can’t put into words how happy I am right now.”
McKendree bounced back at 184 lbs. when Michael Pixley defeated Tony Vezzetti of Notre Dame, 4-1. Pixley, an NAIA National Champion while at Grandview University, added DII National Champion to his resume by picking up two pins in the first two rounds and a disqualification victory in the semifinals before winning in the finals.
Nicholas Mason of Tiffin took out the returning national champion and sent St. Cloud State home with zero champions when he defeated Vince Dietz 5-2 in the 197 lbs. final. Mason went from failing to qualify last year to winning a national title this year. After giving up a takedown in the first period, Mason went on to score the final five points of the match.
“I looked at the clock and told myself I want to be national champ and I dug a little deeper,” Mason said. “It feels awesome. All’s you got to do is keep pushing and never give up.”
Andrew Dunn of Kutztown defeated Jarrod Hinrichs of Nebraska-Kearney, 2-1 to close out the night at 285 lbs. With most of the match spent in the over-under position, two stall points in the first period proved to be the difference for Dunn, a transfer from Virginia Tech.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Dunn said. “I definitely have more offense, but a win’s a win and I’m a national champion.”
Shane Ruhnke of Millersville was awarded outstanding wrestler of the tournament for his performance at 165 lbs.
NCAA DIV. II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Cleveland, Ohio
125 pounds
1st Place Match - Carlos Jacquez (Lindenwood (Mo)) won by decision over Josh Portillo (Neb.-Kearney) (Dec 5-3)
3rd Place Match - Cole Laya (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Brett Velasquez (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 6-4)
5th Place Match - Marcus Povlick (McKendree) won by fall over Tyler Kreith (Maryville (MO)) (Fall 3:48)
7th Place Match - Cole Jones (MSU Moorhead) won by major decision over Brendan Howard (Pitt.-Johnstown) (MD 13-5)
133 pounds
1st Place Match - Tyler Warner (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Wesley Dawkins (Neb.-Kearney) (Dec 4-1)
3rd Place Match - Hunter Bray (Notre Dame (OH)) won by decision over Jordan Gurrola (San Fran. St.) (Dec 5-3)
5th Place Match - Tate Barnhardt (Mary) won by fall over Garrett Vos (St. Cloud St.) (Fall 4:17)
7th Place Match - Justin Folley (Upper Iowa) won by decision over Alexis Soriano (Mercyhurst) (Dec 8-3)
141 pounds
1st Place Match - Jose Rodriguez (Notre Dame (OH)) won by major decision over Isaiah Royal (Newberry) (MD 16-5)
3rd Place Match - Eduardo Penha (Colorado Mesa) won in sudden victory - 1 over Brandon Ball (Fort Hays St.) (SV-1 4-2)
5th Place Match - Joey Alessandro (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Danny Swan (Lindenwood (Mo)) (Dec 4-0)
7th Place Match - Joseph Calderone (LIU Post) won by decision over Jared Donahue (Wheeling Jesuit) (Dec 3-0)
149 pounds
1st Place Match - Chris Eddins Jr (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Trey Grine (Tiffin) (Dec 7-2)
3rd Place Match - Gavin Londoff (Lindenwood (Mo)) won by decision over James Pleski (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 3-2)
5th Place Match - Isaiah Kemper (McKendree) won by injury default over Kameron Frame (Newman) (Inj. 0:00)
7th Place Match - Kyle Rathman (Minnesota St.) won by decision over Josh Wimer (Findlay) (Dec 6-3)
157 pounds
1st Place Match - Matt Malcom (Neb.-Kearney) won by decision over Colin Ayers (Augustana (SD)) (Dec 9-4)
3rd Place Match - Jake Barzowski (St. Cloud St.) won by decision over Nate Smalling (McKendree) (Dec 6-4)
5th Place Match - Tyler Mies (Newman) won by decision over James Wimer (Findlay) (Dec 5-3)
7th Place Match - Austin Palmer (Newberry) won by fall over Kevin Almond (Emmanuel (GA)) (Fall 2:19)
165 pounds
1st Place Match - Shane Ruhnke (Millersville) won by disqualification over Rodney Shepard (UNC Pembroke) (DQ)
3rd Place Match - Devin Austin (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Tyler Harrington (Maryville (MO)) (Dec 5-2)
5th Place Match - Koery Windham (Adams St.) won by decision over Devin Fitzpatrick (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 6-5)
7th Place Match - Matthew Rodriquez-Kirkland (Limestone) won by fall over Anthony Dailey (Notre Dame (OH)) (Fall 5:33)
174 pounds
1st Place Match - Connor Craig (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Nick Foster (McKendree) (Dec 6-2)
3rd Place Match - Michael Raccioppi (East Stroudsburg) won by fall over Kolton Eischens (St. Cloud St.) (Fall 3:39)
5th Place Match - TC Warner (Kutztown) won by decision over Brandon Supernaw (Western Colo.) (Dec 6-2)
7th Place Match - Phillip Springsteen (Mary) won by decision over Damon Greenwald (Seton Hill) (Dec 8-1)
184 pounds
1st Place Match - Michael Pixley (McKendree) won by decision over Tony Vezzetti (Notre Dame (OH)) (Dec 4-1)
3rd Place Match - Heath Gray (Central Okla.) won by decision over Brock Biddle (Pitt.-Johnstown) (Dec 8-2)
5th Place Match - Aidan Pasiuk (Wheeling Jesuit) won by medical forfeit over Jeff Reimel (Kutztown) (M. For.)
7th Place Match - Justin Pichedwatana (San Fran. St.) won by decision over Anthony Collins (Limestone) (Dec 6-1)
197 pounds
1st Place Match - Nicholas Mason (Tiffin) won by decision over Vince Dietz (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 5-2)
3rd Place Match - Nick Baumler (Upper Iowa) won by decision over Clayton Wahlstrom (Augustana (SD)) (Dec 5-2)
5th Place Match - Colton Dull (Millersville) won by fall over Ethan Sherertz (Maryville (MO)) (Fall 4:38)
7th Place Match - Ryan Vasbinder (McKendree) won by decision over Khalil Gipson (Adams St.) (Dec 10-5)
285 pounds
1st Place Match - Andrew Dunn (Kutztown) 26-2 won by decision over Jarrod Hinrichs (Neb.-Kearney) 35-8 (Dec 2-1)
3rd Place Match - Kameron Teacher (Notre Dame (OH)) won by major decision over Terrance Fanning (Wheeling Jesuit) (MD 14-6)
5th Place Match - Ciaran Ball (Simon Fraser) won by decision over Tristen Weirich (Ashland) (Dec 4-1)
7th Place Match - Patton Gossett (Newberry) won by decision over Greg Wilson (Central Okla.) (Dec 8-3)
Team Standings
1 St. Cloud St. 95.5
2 Wheeling Jesuit 87.5
3 McKendree 83.0
4 Notre Dame (OH) 77.5
5 Neb.-Kearney 71.0
6 Pitt.-Johnstown 68.5
7 Lindenwood (Mo) 48.0
8 Tiffin 45.0
9 Newberry 42.0
10 Kutztown 41.0
11 Millersville 40.0
12 Maryville (MO) 38.0
13 Augustana (SD) 26.5
14 East Stroudsburg 23.5
15 Upper Iowa 22.5
16 Central Okla. 22.0
17 San Fran. St. 21.5
18 Limestone 20.0
19 Mary 19.0
20 Newman 18.0
Despite not having a national champion, St. Cloud State is the 2019 NCAA Div. II national champions, winning their fourth title in five years. With only one wrestler in Saturday night’s finals, the Huskies got it done on the backside to bring home the title. St. Cloud State had seven All-Americans (at 125 lbs., 133 lbs. 149 lbs., 157 lbs., 165 lbs., 174 lbs., and 197 lbs.)
Rounding out the top five teams were Wheeling Jesuit in second, McKendree in third, Notre Dame in fourth, and Nebraska-Kearney in fifth.
In a meeting between familiar foes, Carlos Jacquez of Lindenwood and Josh Portillo of Nebraska-Kearney got things kicked off at 125. Jacquez used a pair of third period takedowns to defeat Portillo 5-3. In addition to becoming a national champion, the Lindenwood junior capped of an undefeated season going 30-0.
In the second match of the night, Tyler Warner of Wheeling Jesuit defeated Wesley Dawkins of Nebraska-Kearney, 4-1 at 133. An All-American a year ago at 141 lbs., Warner was able to work through Dawkins’ under hooks to secure a takedown as time expired in the first period and rode Dawkins all but four seconds in the final period.
“He’s a tough wrestler,” Warner said. “Watching film, I knew he liked to go upper body and big throws, so I couldn’t just dive in. I had to stay disciplined.”
At 141 lbs., Jose Rodriguez of Notre Dame accumulated 4:11 of riding time and five takedowns in route to a dominating 16-5 major decision victory over Isaiah Royal of Newberry. Rodriguez, an Ohio State University transfer, scored bonus points in four out of his five matches this weekend.
A DII NCAA champion a year ago at 141 lbs., Chris Eddins of Pitt-Johnstown became a two-time NCAA champion, winning it at 149 lbs. this year. Eddins didn’t let weight change or high expectations get to him this year as he finished 23-0.
“These guys are a lot bigger and stronger,” Eddins said. “I just go out there and wrestle every match the same. Just go hard for seven minutes.”
With a 9-4 victory over Colin Ayers of Augustana, Matt Malcom of Nebraska-Kearney was the lone Loper to win in the finals. Malcom, a fourth-place finisher last year, entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed at 157 lbs. and picked up two technical falls in his four NCAA tournament matches. Three of his teammates finished second.
Shane Ruhnke of Millersville topped off a dominating national tournament in odd fashion when he picked up six stall calls, disqualifying opponent Rodney Shepard of UNC Pembroke. Ruhnke was awarded three stall calls in the first period, two in the second, and a final in the third period. Ruhnke was leading 9-2 at the time of disqualification. The Millersville senior improved upon his sixth-place finish last year by pinning his first three opponents before winning by DQ in the 165 lbs. finals.
With a second-place team trophy on the line, Connor Craig of Wheeling Jesuit defeated Drew Foster of McKendree 6-2 in a match between the second and third teams at 174 lbs. The win sealed second place for Wheeling Jesuit. Craig, a first time NCAA qualifier used last year as motivation.
“Since last year, I’ve been working every day for this,” Craig said. “I didn’t make it last year, now I’m at the top. I can’t put into words how happy I am right now.”
McKendree bounced back at 184 lbs. when Michael Pixley defeated Tony Vezzetti of Notre Dame, 4-1. Pixley, an NAIA National Champion while at Grandview University, added DII National Champion to his resume by picking up two pins in the first two rounds and a disqualification victory in the semifinals before winning in the finals.
Nicholas Mason of Tiffin took out the returning national champion and sent St. Cloud State home with zero champions when he defeated Vince Dietz 5-2 in the 197 lbs. final. Mason went from failing to qualify last year to winning a national title this year. After giving up a takedown in the first period, Mason went on to score the final five points of the match.
“I looked at the clock and told myself I want to be national champ and I dug a little deeper,” Mason said. “It feels awesome. All’s you got to do is keep pushing and never give up.”
Andrew Dunn of Kutztown defeated Jarrod Hinrichs of Nebraska-Kearney, 2-1 to close out the night at 285 lbs. With most of the match spent in the over-under position, two stall points in the first period proved to be the difference for Dunn, a transfer from Virginia Tech.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Dunn said. “I definitely have more offense, but a win’s a win and I’m a national champion.”
Shane Ruhnke of Millersville was awarded outstanding wrestler of the tournament for his performance at 165 lbs.
NCAA DIV. II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
At Cleveland, Ohio
125 pounds
1st Place Match - Carlos Jacquez (Lindenwood (Mo)) won by decision over Josh Portillo (Neb.-Kearney) (Dec 5-3)
3rd Place Match - Cole Laya (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Brett Velasquez (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 6-4)
5th Place Match - Marcus Povlick (McKendree) won by fall over Tyler Kreith (Maryville (MO)) (Fall 3:48)
7th Place Match - Cole Jones (MSU Moorhead) won by major decision over Brendan Howard (Pitt.-Johnstown) (MD 13-5)
133 pounds
1st Place Match - Tyler Warner (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Wesley Dawkins (Neb.-Kearney) (Dec 4-1)
3rd Place Match - Hunter Bray (Notre Dame (OH)) won by decision over Jordan Gurrola (San Fran. St.) (Dec 5-3)
5th Place Match - Tate Barnhardt (Mary) won by fall over Garrett Vos (St. Cloud St.) (Fall 4:17)
7th Place Match - Justin Folley (Upper Iowa) won by decision over Alexis Soriano (Mercyhurst) (Dec 8-3)
141 pounds
1st Place Match - Jose Rodriguez (Notre Dame (OH)) won by major decision over Isaiah Royal (Newberry) (MD 16-5)
3rd Place Match - Eduardo Penha (Colorado Mesa) won in sudden victory - 1 over Brandon Ball (Fort Hays St.) (SV-1 4-2)
5th Place Match - Joey Alessandro (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Danny Swan (Lindenwood (Mo)) (Dec 4-0)
7th Place Match - Joseph Calderone (LIU Post) won by decision over Jared Donahue (Wheeling Jesuit) (Dec 3-0)
149 pounds
1st Place Match - Chris Eddins Jr (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Trey Grine (Tiffin) (Dec 7-2)
3rd Place Match - Gavin Londoff (Lindenwood (Mo)) won by decision over James Pleski (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 3-2)
5th Place Match - Isaiah Kemper (McKendree) won by injury default over Kameron Frame (Newman) (Inj. 0:00)
7th Place Match - Kyle Rathman (Minnesota St.) won by decision over Josh Wimer (Findlay) (Dec 6-3)
157 pounds
1st Place Match - Matt Malcom (Neb.-Kearney) won by decision over Colin Ayers (Augustana (SD)) (Dec 9-4)
3rd Place Match - Jake Barzowski (St. Cloud St.) won by decision over Nate Smalling (McKendree) (Dec 6-4)
5th Place Match - Tyler Mies (Newman) won by decision over James Wimer (Findlay) (Dec 5-3)
7th Place Match - Austin Palmer (Newberry) won by fall over Kevin Almond (Emmanuel (GA)) (Fall 2:19)
165 pounds
1st Place Match - Shane Ruhnke (Millersville) won by disqualification over Rodney Shepard (UNC Pembroke) (DQ)
3rd Place Match - Devin Austin (Pitt.-Johnstown) won by decision over Tyler Harrington (Maryville (MO)) (Dec 5-2)
5th Place Match - Koery Windham (Adams St.) won by decision over Devin Fitzpatrick (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 6-5)
7th Place Match - Matthew Rodriquez-Kirkland (Limestone) won by fall over Anthony Dailey (Notre Dame (OH)) (Fall 5:33)
174 pounds
1st Place Match - Connor Craig (Wheeling Jesuit) won by decision over Nick Foster (McKendree) (Dec 6-2)
3rd Place Match - Michael Raccioppi (East Stroudsburg) won by fall over Kolton Eischens (St. Cloud St.) (Fall 3:39)
5th Place Match - TC Warner (Kutztown) won by decision over Brandon Supernaw (Western Colo.) (Dec 6-2)
7th Place Match - Phillip Springsteen (Mary) won by decision over Damon Greenwald (Seton Hill) (Dec 8-1)
184 pounds
1st Place Match - Michael Pixley (McKendree) won by decision over Tony Vezzetti (Notre Dame (OH)) (Dec 4-1)
3rd Place Match - Heath Gray (Central Okla.) won by decision over Brock Biddle (Pitt.-Johnstown) (Dec 8-2)
5th Place Match - Aidan Pasiuk (Wheeling Jesuit) won by medical forfeit over Jeff Reimel (Kutztown) (M. For.)
7th Place Match - Justin Pichedwatana (San Fran. St.) won by decision over Anthony Collins (Limestone) (Dec 6-1)
197 pounds
1st Place Match - Nicholas Mason (Tiffin) won by decision over Vince Dietz (St. Cloud St.) (Dec 5-2)
3rd Place Match - Nick Baumler (Upper Iowa) won by decision over Clayton Wahlstrom (Augustana (SD)) (Dec 5-2)
5th Place Match - Colton Dull (Millersville) won by fall over Ethan Sherertz (Maryville (MO)) (Fall 4:38)
7th Place Match - Ryan Vasbinder (McKendree) won by decision over Khalil Gipson (Adams St.) (Dec 10-5)
285 pounds
1st Place Match - Andrew Dunn (Kutztown) 26-2 won by decision over Jarrod Hinrichs (Neb.-Kearney) 35-8 (Dec 2-1)
3rd Place Match - Kameron Teacher (Notre Dame (OH)) won by major decision over Terrance Fanning (Wheeling Jesuit) (MD 14-6)
5th Place Match - Ciaran Ball (Simon Fraser) won by decision over Tristen Weirich (Ashland) (Dec 4-1)
7th Place Match - Patton Gossett (Newberry) won by decision over Greg Wilson (Central Okla.) (Dec 8-3)
Team Standings
1 St. Cloud St. 95.5
2 Wheeling Jesuit 87.5
3 McKendree 83.0
4 Notre Dame (OH) 77.5
5 Neb.-Kearney 71.0
6 Pitt.-Johnstown 68.5
7 Lindenwood (Mo) 48.0
8 Tiffin 45.0
9 Newberry 42.0
10 Kutztown 41.0
11 Millersville 40.0
12 Maryville (MO) 38.0
13 Augustana (SD) 26.5
14 East Stroudsburg 23.5
15 Upper Iowa 22.5
16 Central Okla. 22.0
17 San Fran. St. 21.5
18 Limestone 20.0
19 Mary 19.0
20 Newman 18.0
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