Thirty schools participated but only one team could come out on top and, for the second year in a row, the UW-Parkside wrestling team captured the championship at the 68th annual Wheaton Open.
The Rangers amassed a team score of 175.5 points, which is the third highest score in event history. A long ways back in second place over the weekend was Heidelberg College with 108.5. UW-LaCrosse was third at an even 92.
Two other NCAA Division II schools competed including Indianapolis, 6th at 79. 5, and Truman State 15th, 44.
During the first day of the tournament, the Rangers logged a collective record of 26-2 catapulting eight of their 10 wrestlers to the semifinals. Seven UWP wrestlers advanced to the finals, but only Craig Becker emerged as an individual champion. Becker won the 149-pound weight class and scored a 7-3 overtime victory in the championship tilt.
Becker, ranked No. 1 in the country at 149 pounds, is now 31-2 on the season. His career record is121-28.
For complete results, go to: http://athletics.wheaton.edu/sports/2007/5/24/wrpete.aspx?path=wrest
This is the second large invitational the Rangers have won this season. The team captured the championship of the Midwest Classic Jan. 2-3.