Team Brackets Final Dual Results
The UW-Parkside wrestling team, ranked No. 6 in the nation, won three of its five dual meets and Craig Becker was named the Most Valuable Wrestler at the National Duals held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, over the weekend.
Becker, who wrestles in the 149-pound weight class, won five matches at the event. He came into the National Duals with a No. 2 seed and defeated top-ranked Mitch Smith of West Liberty, 3-1, along the way. Becker has a 19-2 record on the season.
"It was an honor he deserved but I was surprised," admitted UW-Parkside head coach Jim Koch. "Usually, the Most Valuable Wrestler goes to someone on one of the top two teams. He gave up only two takedowns all tournament."
Becker lost to Smith earlier this season. The two have flip-flopped at the top of the 149-pound national rankings. Becker will likely return to No. 1 when the next rankings are released.
A total of 16 teams competed in the NCAA Division II event. The annual wrestling extravaganza is hosted by the University of Northern Iowa in the UNI Dome. Divisions I and III have a separate tournament.
As a team, the Rangers dropped their first dual against Upper Iowa, 27-7, placing them in the consolation bracket. Parkside then rattled off wins against Nebraska-Kearney, 26-7; West Liberty, 23-9; and St. Cloud State, 21-14. This set up a dual for fifth place against Upper Iowa. The Peacocks emerged victorious again with a 27-15 triumph over the Rangers.
Nebraska-Omaha, ranked No. 1 in the country, defeated Newberry, ranked No. 2 in the nation, 25-6, in the championship dual. Minnesota State Mankato handled Gannon, 36-10, for third place.
"Nebraska-Omaha is in a league by themselves, but, we would have competed well with the other top teams," said Koch. "Upper Iowa is probably just a bad match up for us."
Evidence is in the Rangers' convincing win over Nebraska-Kearney, which was ranked No. 3 in the land.
Cody Zimmerman (125), Mike Migawa (141) and Luke Haag (184) each posted a 4-1 record for Parkside. All three lost their first bout to an Upper Iowa wrestler, but then topped those same opponents in the second Peacock clash.
Dillon Bera (157), Matt Gille (165), Luke Rynish (174) and Jon Treml (197) logged 2-3 records in the tournament.
"All 10 of our guys made valuable contributions," cited Koch.
The Rangers will travel to UW-Oshkosh Wednesday, Jan. 13, for a 7:00 p.m. dual with the Titans. The team will host UW-Stevens Point in the DeSimone Gymnasium Wednesday, Jan. 20, also at 7:00 p.m.