Mules Wrestling Dominates Regional Championships, Sends Six to Nationals
EDMOND, Okla. – The University of Central Missouri (UCM) Mules Wrestling team delivered a stellar performance at the NCAA-II Super Region IV Championships on Sunday, March 1st, securing second place overall and qualifying an impressive six wrestlers for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
Regional Champions Emerge
James Wright (141) and Torin Forsyth (285) led the charge, claiming regional championships in their respective weight classes. Wright defeated Josh Taylor of Central Oklahoma 4-2, while Forsyth secured a 4-1 victory over Cale Gray of Indianapolis to earn the heavyweight crown.
A Wave of Qualifiers
Joining Wright and Forsyth at the national tournament will be Drew Stanfield (133), Gage Bernall (165), Anthony Erickson (174), and Damon Ashworth (184). This marks the most qualifiers for UCM Wrestling since 2009, signaling a resurgence for the program.
Team Performance and Standout Moments
Central Oklahoma took the team title with 156 points, followed closely by the Mules with 132. McKendree rounded out the top three with 112 points. Several Mules had particularly noteworthy performances beyond the qualifiers.
Karim Allal (125) fought through the consolation bracket to finish fourth, contributing 11.5 team points. Ayden Dolt (157) secured fifth place with a pair of first-period falls, earning 12.5 points. Trey Dillow (149) also finished fifth, adding 10 points to the team total. Trey Brewer (197) finished sixth with nine team points.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Championships
The six qualified wrestlers will now compete at the NCAA-II Championships on March 13-14 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. Ashworth, who fell in the finals to Darion Johnson of McKendree, will be looking to redeem himself on the national stage.
The Rise of Mules Wrestling: A Program on the Ascent
The Mules’ strong showing at the regional championships underscores a clear upward trajectory for the program. The team’s ability to send six wrestlers to nationals demonstrates a depth of talent and a commitment to excellence.
Strategic Coaching and Player Development
The success of the Mules can be attributed to a combination of strategic coaching and dedicated player development. Focusing on both individual technique and team cohesion has clearly paid dividends.
FAQ
Q: Where will the NCAA-II Wrestling Championships be held?
A: The championships will be held at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Q: How many wrestlers did UCM qualify for the national tournament?
A: UCM qualified six wrestlers for the NCAA-II Championships.
Q: Who won the regional championships for UCM?
A: James Wright (141) and Torin Forsyth (285) won regional championships.
Q: When will the NCAA-II Championships capture place?
A: March 13-14.
Did you know? This is the most wrestlers UCM has sent to the NCAA Championships since 2009!
Stay tuned for updates on the Mules’ performance at the NCAA-II Championships. Follow UCM Athletics for live results and coverage.
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