Saint John’s Wrestling Eyes NCAA Championships: A Regional Preview
The Saint John’s University wrestling team is gearing up for the NCAA Regional competition this Friday and Saturday, February 27-28, hosted by Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The stakes are high, as the top three finishers in each of the ten weight classes will secure a coveted spot at the 2026 NCAA Division III Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 13-14.
Key Johnnies to Watch
Several Johnnies are poised to develop a strong push for nationals. Junior Connor Krueger (133 pounds) enters the regional with an impressive 18-1 record, recently crowned champion at the Concordia Cobber Last Shot Invitational. Junior Aidan Wayne (197 pounds) also claimed a title at the same invitational, boasting a 30-4 record this season. Freshman Dallas Sibbet (141 pounds) is also a competitor to watch, despite a recent loss at Concordia.
Regional Landscape and Competition
The NCAA Region VII field is competitive, featuring 16 teams including Augsburg, Augustana (Ill.) and Wisconsin-La Crosse. Saint John’s will be sending ten wrestlers to compete, including sophomores Thomas Holmquist (125) and Dominic Smith (149). The competition will begin with championship quarterfinals and consolation quarterfinals on Friday, followed by the final rounds on Saturday to determine the national qualifiers.
Recent Performance and Regional Rankings
Krueger is currently ranked No. 1 in the region at 133 pounds, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Region 7 rankings. Wayne is ranked No. 4 at 197, and Smith holds the No. 8 spot at 149. Holmquist is ranked No. 4 at 125. These rankings highlight the potential for Saint John’s to send multiple wrestlers to the national stage.
Looking Back at Last Year’s Regional
Last year’s regional saw Holmquist and Krueger narrowly miss qualifying for the NCAA Division III Championships with fourth-place finishes. Wayne secured a seventh-place finish at heavyweight. This experience will undoubtedly fuel their determination this year.
The Road to Cedar Rapids
The NCAA Regional represents a crucial step for these athletes. The top three finishers in each weight class will advance, and Saint John’s is hoping to send a strong contingent to the national championships. Live results will be available through Flowrestling.
FAQ
Q: Where is the NCAA Regional being held?
A: McPhee Gymnasium at Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Q: When do the NCAA Championships take place?
A: March 13-14, 2026.
Q: How many wrestlers from each weight class qualify for the NCAA Championships?
A: The top three finishers in each weight class.
Q: Can I watch the NCAA Regional online?
A: Yes, live results are available on Flowrestling.
Q: Which Johnnies are ranked in the NWCA Region 7 rankings?
A: Connor Krueger, Thomas Holmquist, Aidan Wayne, and Dominic Smith.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Connor Krueger and Aidan Wayne – their recent performances and regional rankings make them strong contenders for a national qualifying spot.
Stay tuned for updates from the NCAA Regional and follow the Johnnies’ journey to the NCAA Championships!
Did you realize? The Saint John’s wrestling program has a rich history of success, with numerous All-Americans and national champions.
Aim for to learn more about the Saint John’s wrestling team? Visit the official athletics website.
