Upper Iowa University and Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to Host 2012 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
Success of 2008 Wrestling Championships Translates to Repeat Appearance Four Years Later
FAYETTE, Iowa - The NCAA Championships Committee has awarded the 2012 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships to Upper Iowa University and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, or the CRACVB. The announcement comes just months after the Peacock wrestling team tied for 3rd place with Nebraska-Kearney at the 2009 Championships thanks to a National Champion, a National Runner Up, and two third place finishers.
"We could not be more pleased or proud to have been awarded the 2012 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships," said David Miller, Upper Iowa's Director of Athletics. "This honor serves as a great compliment to the efforts of our staff, volunteers, and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and a testament to the success of the 2008 Championships. We plan to build on that championship to make this an even better event for all involved."
Upper Iowa and the CRACVB teamed up to host the 2008 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships at the U.S. Cellular Center with great success. UIU was awarded the Duane Kramer Sports Tourism Award by the CRACVB for hosting an event that attracted a significant number of visitors to the Cedar Rapids area.
"It was a pleasure partnering with Upper Iowa Athletics to submit a proposal to host the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships," said Mary Lee Malmberg, the Director of Sports Tourism for the CRACVB. "We are thrilled they will be returning to Cedar Rapids and the U.S. Cellular Center in March of 2012! Eastern Iowa wrestling fans will enjoy the opportunity to view the excellent competition offered by this event in their "back yard". This will be the second time Upper Iowa has hosted the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids. In 2008 wrestlers, coaches and families traveling to the competition spent $461,500 in Cedar Rapids' businesses and stayed a total of 1,191 nights in local hotels."
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is where the experience starts for visitors, residents and organizations. The CRACVB is responsible for attracting new destination events to the community, providing service and support to existing and repeat events, providing comprehensive information to area visitors and helping drive decisions of future visitor product development. Locally the organization encourages community pride and educates the community on the value of visitors, tourism and travel. Tourism resulted in domestic travel spending of $590.39 million in Linn County in 2008, representing 9.22% of the State total and employing nearly 6,000 people in Linn County. For more information about the CRACVB, visit their website at <https://mail.uiu.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=0b1d94bc92fa4efda53b1e334ce3a2d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.experiencecr.org>www.experiencecr.org.
The 2012 Wrestling Championships will once again take place in the U.S. Cellular Center, and while many hotels will serve the event, the Crowne Plaza will house the student-athletes and coaches, while the Marriott will host the staffs from Upper Iowa, the referees and the NCAA Officials.
The U.S. Cellular Center is an ideal venue for the NCAA DII Wrestling Championships. Its experienced and professional staff will help create a memorable competition for the student-athletes.
The 2012 NCAA Division II Championships will take place on Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10. The Championships will feature the top four wrestlers in each of ten weight classes from the four regions across the country. Sixteen student-athletes in each weight class will make up the 160 total wrestlers at the event.
Trevor Duke Joins Upper Iowa Wrestling Program
Burlington, Iowa native commits to Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa head wrestling coach Heath Grimm announced today that Trevor Duke, a senior at Burlington High School in southeastern Iowa, has committed to continuing his academic and wrestling careers as an Upper Iowa Peacock.
Duke is projected to wrestle at 149 pounds for the Peacocks. The future Peacock placed at the Iowa State Tournament twice including a fourth place finish as a senior. He is a four-time Mississippi Athletic All-Conference Team selection and has twice been named the All-Hawk Eye Top Prep Athlete. Duke also kept his focus in academics earning a spot on the honor roll.
"We are excited about Trevor's commitment to continue his wrestling career with us," said Coach Grimm. "Trevor had a solid high school career that saw him reach the state semi finals in both his sophomore and senior seasons. I am confident that with his passion for wrestling and a strong work ethic he will fit well into our wrestling family."
Peacock Assistant Coach Ryan Phillips graduated from Burlington and was the wrestling program's first Iowa State Champion. Phillips won the NCAA Division II title at 197 pounds as a senior (2007) in an Upper Iowa singlet.
Trevor is the son of DeLaine and Jay Duke and will pursue a degree in business at Upper Iowa.
North Fayette Prep Commits to Upper Iowa
Shane Havenstrite to continue academic and wrestling careers at UIU.
Upper Iowa head wrestling coach Heath Grimm announced today that Shane Havenstrite, a product of North Fayette High School, has committed to continuing his academic and wrestling careers as an Upper Iowa Peacock.
Havenstrite will graduate from North Fayette with 121 wins which ranks second all-time on the wins list. He is a three-time state qualifier, sectional champion and conference champion. The grappler took 8th at this year's Iowa State Wrestling Tournament in the 145 pound weight class. Havenstrite posted a 36-5 record as a senior for the Hawks.
The West Union, Iowa native also works hard in the classroom as he made the North Fayette honor roll three of his four years. He also served on the student council.
Coach Grimm said, "I am excited to have Shane join the Peacock wrestling program. I believe his best wrestling is in front of him; he is hungry to get better and begin working towards his potential. Although Shane didn't win a State Championship this year, I felt he was definitely capable of doing so. Matter of fact, I watched Shane make quick work of a highly-ranked kid from Forest City this year, who went on to win the State Title.
Shane is the son of Melissa Thompson and Shane Havenstrite and will pursue a degree in biology at Upper Iowa.
Two Upper Iowa Wrestlers Earn Academic Honors
Mitch Schultz and Wade Gobin Named to NWCA Division II All-Academic Teams
A pair of Upper Iowa University wrestlers have earned Academic All-American honors presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).
In order for a student-athlete to be nominated for the Division II Academic All-American Team, he needs to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. He must also be in at least his second full year at his school, be a varsity member on his team or a key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation (academic advisor and coach) submitted on his behalf.
Redshirt Freshman Mitch Schultz (Postville, Iowa) earned his first Academic All-American award after being named to the First Team. Schultz finished his first year in a UIU singlet with an impressive 23-5 record while climbing as high as #2 in the nation at 184 pounds. He is one of just five redshirt freshmen on the First Team and is the only Academic All-American to hold a 4.00 GPA. Schultz is a business administration major and was twice named NSIC Wrestler of the Week this season.
Redshirt Freshman Wade Gobin (Cannon Falls, Minn.) earned his first Academic All-American award as he was named to the Second Team. Gobin went 9-6 over his first season of action as an Upper Iowa wrestler and holds a 3.51 GPA.
The Peacocks capped off an impressive season at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with a third place finish to go along with a 13-1 dual meet record and the school's third Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship in four seasons.
Upper Iowa's Head Wrestling Coach Grimm Named NCAA Division II Coach of the Year
Peacock Leader Earns Accolades for UIU Wrestling Success
Iowa's Head Wrestling Coach, was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year following the 2010 NCAA Division II Championships in Omaha, Nebraska. This award marks the sixth Coach of the Year honor bestowed to the Grimm.
This season Grimm led the Peacock wrestling program to a 13-1 dual meet record, the Northern Sun Conference Championship with a perfect 7-0 record, and a third place finish at the 2010 NCAA Championships.
In Grimm's ten seasons at the helm, the UIU wrestling program has an overall dual meet record of 95-32-2 including an NSIC record of 24-2 in four seasons. Peacock wrestlers have qualified for the NCAA Championships 42 times and have earned All American honors 25 times. Most recently, Grimm's squad qualified six for the national championship and saw four earn All American honors. Four Peacocks have won National Titles including two since Upper Iowa's move up to NCAA Division II.
The wrestling program's best finish came at the 2002 NCAA Division III Championships when the Peacocks finished as the National Runner Up. Upper Iowa has finished inside the top 20 at the National Championships eight times in Grimm's ten years and they have placed in the top 8 of the NWCA National Duals five times.
Grimm also emphasizes his wrestlers effort in the classroom. In his decade of coaching at Upper Iowa, Peacock wrestlers have been named NWCA Academic All Americans 23 times.
Since the Peacocks moved to NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the team has claimed the conference championships; 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2009-10. The team has won 13 duals in a season three different times and in each of the last two seasons.
Grimm was a 4 year starter at Luther College (1991-94). During his career, he qualified for the NCAA Championships three times, earning All American honors twice. Grimm was inducted into the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
The Osage, Iowa native earned his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Luther College in 1994. He and his wife, Angela, have two daughters Emma and Leah.
Grimm's Coach of the Year Awards
2009-2010 Division II National Coach of the Year
2007-2008 NSIC Coach of the Year
2006-2007 NSIC Coach of the Year
2002-2003 NWCA Bob Bubb Division III National Coach of the Year
2001-2002 Division III National Coach of the Year
2000-2001 Division III Rookie Coach of the Year
Eggers Wins National Championship at 165; Upper Iowa Peacocks Tie for Third as a Team
Tyler Mumbulo Earns National Runner Up Honors
The Peacock wrestling team wrapped up their 2010 NCAA Championships with two matches in the Championship Finals tonight in Omaha, Nebraska. Travis Eggers attained his season-long goal of becoming a National Champion when he defeated Josh Shields, the defending National Champion, at 165 pounds. Eggers becomes the 10th Upper Iowa wrestler to win a National Championship; three Peacocks have won a pair of titles. He is the second NCAA Division II Champion; joining Ryan Phillips, the current Peacock assistant coach, who won the title at 197 pounds in 2007.
Tyler Mumbulo lost his match by major decision to Seth Wright of New Mexico Highlands to finish as the National Runner Up at 125 pounds. Mumbulo finished in eighth place three years ago and in sixth place two years ago before having to take a medical hardship last year after season ending knee surgery.
As a team, the Peacocks tied for third place at the championships with Nebraska-Kearney. The third place finish marks the first NCAA Team Trophy that an Upper Iowa athletics program has claimed since their jump up to NCAA Division II. The last time the UIU wrestling program lofted an NCAA Team Trophy was following the 2002 NCAA Division III Championships when the Peacocks earned National Runner Up honors.
Related Links
Final Brackets and Team Standings can be found on NCAA.com at the following link. Updated Brackets/Standings
An Upper Iowa Photo Gallery can be viewed at the following link. UIU Photo Gallery<http://uiuwrestlingd2championships.shutterfly.com/>
Finals Recaps
Travis Eggers vs. Josh Shields of Mercyhurst Championship Final at 165 Pounds
Eggers nearly ended his Championship Finals match nineteen seconds in when he was able to lock up with Josh Shields and use a hip toss to throw him to the mat. Eggers was only inches from a pin, but picked up three near fall points to pick up an early 5-0 advantage. Shields finally escaped as the second period closed and added a second escape in the second period, but Eggers racked up nearly two minutes of ride time midway through the period. A double leg shot gave the UIU senior a five-point lead, but Shields was able to set the score at 7-3 heading into the final period. Neither wrestler added a point during the period, but Eggers tacked one final point on thanks to 2:25 in ride time to win by decision 8-3.
Tyler Mumbulo vs. Seth Wright of New Mexico Highlands Championship Final at 125 Pounds
Mumbulo wasted no time in registering a quick takedown, but Wright reversed the UIU senior and scored two near fall points to claim a 4-2 lead. Wright added an additional three-point near fall as the first period closed to take a 7-2 lead into the second period. The wrestlers started in the neutral position in the second period and the New Mexico Highlands grappler scored a takedown and continued to add to his ride time advantage. A Mumbulo escape cut the margin to six, 9-3, midway through the period. Wright continued to control the match adding another takedown in the waning seconds to bring an 11-3 lead into the final period. Wright added a reversal and two more back points to push his lead beyond reach. In the end, Mumbulo lost the match by major decision 17-4 to finish as the National Runner Up at 125 pounds.
Final Team Standings (Top Ten)
1
Nebraska-Omaha
131
2
Augustana
72
3
Upper Iowa
67
Nebraska-Kearney
67
5
Wisconsin-Parkside
55.5
6
Minnesota State
52.5
7
St. Cloud State
44.5
8
Gannon
43
Newberry
43
10
Western State
41
Upper Iowa's Heath Grimm Named NCAA Division II Coach of the Year
Following the Championships, Peacock Head Coach Heath Grimm was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year as voted upon by his peers. The honor marks the second time Grimm has been named Coach of the Year, the first came after the National Runner Up finish of 2002.
Upper Iowa Wrestles Well in Session One; Win Five of Six Matches
Peacocks Sit in Third Place after Session
The #10 Upper Iowa wrestling program completed the opening session of the 2010 NCAA Division II Championships with a 5-1 record. The 160 National Qualifiers all wrestle once in session one before returning this evening (6 p.m.) for session two. Each wrestler's goal on the first day of the Division II Championships is to win two matches. The equation is simple. Two wins and you are a NCAA All-American; two losses and your run at the championships is over.
Tyler Mumbulo (#4 NCAA) opened his fourth and final run at the NCAA Division II Championships with a 6-1 victory over Kyle O'Brien of Western State College. Mumbulo, a two-time NCAA All-American, scored a takedown in the first period and second period, both on single leg shots, before adding two near fall points in the second period. O'Brien scored his point when Mumbulo was called for his second stall violation.
Mumbulo will now wait until Session Two tonight to face Terrell McKinney of Nebraska-Omaha. McKinney is redshirt freshman making his first appearance at the championships.
Kyle Pedretti returned to the championships for the second time in his young career at Upper Iowa. Pedretti took the mat against Sheridan Moran of Newberry College. Pedretti and Moran each took aggressive shots in the first period, but could not get a score as the match moved to the second period 0-0. The Peacock sophomore opened the second period in the down position, but earned an escape to take a 1-0 lead. The match moved to the final period still locked at 1-0. Pedretti was penalized for an illegal grip in the top position which tied the match 1-1. Pedretti was able to ride Moran out for the entire third period to claim the final point of the match on a ride time advantage (1:17) and claim the victory 2-1.
Pedretti will face Cody Garcia of Nebraska-Omaha in his match in session two tonight. Garcia is a two-time National Champion at 125 pounds and three-time NCAA All-American and came into the championships ranked #2 in the nation.
Derek Stolarzyk took the mat for session one against Louie DeSantis of Colorado State-Pueblo, the NCAA Super Region Four Champion, at 149 pounds. Stolarzyk scored the first points of the match with a takedown held a 2-1 lead after DeSantis registered an escape. Stolarzyk racked up over two minutes of ride time between the first and second periods before DeSantis escaped again in the second to tie the match 2-2 heading into the third period. An optional start allowed the Peacock grappler to record an escape of his own and take a 3-2 lead with a ride time point in his pocket. Stolarzyk did suffer a stall penalty in the final seconds but the 2:44 in ride time gave the Peacock senior the 4-3 victory.
Stolarzyk will face Esai Dominguez of Nebraska-Omaha tonight. Dominguez won his match by fall in the opening session. The Maverick wrestler was an NCAA All-American a year ago and is currently ranked #3 in the nation.
Justin Decker got on the mat against Michael Williams of UNC Pembroke, the NCAA Super Region 1 Champion. Williams scored a takedown in the first period and added an escape point in the second after opening the period in the down position. Williams earned another takedown in the third period before Decker registered his first point with an escape. Williams added a ride time point to claim the 6-1 victory and send Decker to the consolation bracket for session two.
Decker will face Michael Lybarger of Findlay, who lost his opening match by major decision 11-0.
Travis Eggers (#2 NCAA) made quick work of his opening session opponent. Eggers scored a takedown 14 seconds into his match with Thomas Graszi of Ashland. Eggers, who is making his fourth and final appearance at the championships, did not let Graszi get away as he added a two-point near fall and a three-point near fall before turning his opponent over for a pin. The defending National Runner-up at 165 pounds claimed the win by fall at 2:31.
Eggers, a two-time NCAA All-American, will match up with Taylor May of Nebraska-Kearney in tonight's session.
The Peacocks' final match of session one came at 174 pounds as Mitch Norton (#2 NCAA) toed the line against Shawn Kuhlman of Fort Hays State. Norton, a returning NCAA All-American from a year ago, scored the first points of the match on a takedown, but Kuhlman quickly tied the match with a reversal. The defending two-time NCAA Super Region 3 Champion escaped to pull ahead 3-2 heading into the second period. Norton chose to open the period in the down position and scored a reversal, but Kuhlman scored his second reversal to stay within one, 5-4. Norton earned his second escape to take a 6-4 lead into the final period. The senior gave Upper Iowa their fifth win of the session and second by fall (5:50) in the third period when he caught Kuhlman in a cradle.
Norton will match up with Christopher Barrick of Shippensburg in tonight's second session. Barrick is currently ranked #8 in the nation.
After the completion of session one, Upper Iowa sits in third place thanks to their five wins and bonus points from the pair of wins by fall. Tonight's session two will begin at approximately 6 p.m. after the Grand March which is set for 5:30 p.m.
Team Standings
1. Nebraska-Omaha 20
2. St. Cloud State 12
3. Upper Iowa 9
4. Adams State 8.5
5. Wisconsin-Parkside 7
T6. Augustana 6
T6. Minnesota State 6
T6. Pitt-Johnstown 6
T9. Fort Hays State 5
T9. Gannon 5
T9. Midwestern State 5
#3 Upper Iowa Claim Close 19-18 Decision Over #6 Upper Iowa
Upper Iowa 19 - Upper Iowa 18
Eight days ago, the Peacock wrestling team welcomed the #4 team in the country to Dorman Gym and defeated them 24-18; today Upper Iowa played host to the #6 Augustana College Vikings in a match up the two undefeated teams (5-0) in Northern Sun Conference duals. Augustana won six of the ten matches, but all came by decision while Upper Iowa's four match victories included three bonus point wins. The Peacocks moved to 6-0 in the Northern Sun with a 19-18 victory over the Vikings.
The dual opened at 125 pounds. Al Meger scored the first takedown for Augie, but a reversal by Tyler Mumbulo (#5 NCAA) evened the match at 2-2. An escape in the third period gave UIU a 3-2 edge, but Meger took a 4-3 lead with another takedown. Mumbulo evened the match a second time with another escape and then ended the match at the 6:25 mark as he pinned Meger after a throw saw both wrestlers go to the mat. The win was Mumbulo's 100th in his career in a UIU singlet and it gave the home team a 6-0 lead.
Laramie Shaffer was able to defend Kyle Pedretti's (#8 NCAA) offensive shots throughout the match at 133 pounds using just a takedown and an escape to take a 3-0 lead into the final minute of the match. Pedretti scored an escape and a takedown in one final flurry, but he couldn't keep control as Shaffer escaped to retake the lead 4-3 and maintain his ride time advantage (1:19) for a win by decision, 5-3. With the win, Augustana cut the defecit to 6-3.
At 141 pounds, the Vikings' Jay Sherer (#7 NCAA) and the Peacocks' J.R. Baker (#8 NCAA) exchanged a takedown and an escape to take a 3-3 tie late into the second period. Sherer edged out to a 4-3 lead with an escape, but Baker opened the third period with an escape of his own to tie the match at 4-4. Sherer used a double leg shot to score a takedown, but Baker escaped to close the gap back to one, 6-5, with less than a minute to wrestle. Sherer held onto his lead over the final minute and tied the dual 6-6 thanks to his win by decision, 6-5.
After posting a 12-5 record at 157 pounds this season, UIU's Derek Stolarzyk made his debut at 149 this season against Nate Herda (#5 NCAA). Stolarzyk scored first with a takedown at the edge of the mat, but Herda escaped and then scored a takedown to take a 3-2 lead into the second period. The Viking grappler was the first to score in the second period with an escape and a takedown to push his lead to 6-2. Stolarzyk got an escape to cut the margin to three and then opened the final period with an escape to pull within two, 6-4. Herda scored the knockout blow with a takedown in the final 30 seconds and earned a win by decision, 8-5. After the Vikings' third straight win by decision, the visitors moved ahead 9-6.
Justin Decker toed the line against Augie's Marcus Edginton (#1 NCAA) at 157 pounds. Edginton scored the first point of the match in the second period on an escape after opening in the down position; the point was the only score of the period. An escape by Decker with 13 seconds to wrestle tied the match at 1-1, but Edgington held the ride time point (1:35) and Decker could not score a takedown as time expired. Edgington earned the 2-1 victory hading Upper Iowa their fourth straight loss by decision to put the Peacocks down six, 12-6.
Travis Eggers (#2 NCAA) came to the mat looking to break the string of losses for the home team at 165 pounds. Eggers picked up three takedowns and 1:14 in ride time in the first period adding an escape and a takedown in the second period to push his lead to 9-3. Gavin Nelson opened the final period with his fourth escape of the match, but Eggers scored a takedown and added two near fall points. A final takedown and ride time point (2:07) gave Eggers a 16-4 major decision victory. With the four points, Upper Iowa climbed back into the dual trailing 12-10 with four matches to wrestle.
Carl Serck took a 2-0 lead late in the first period with a takedown of UIU's Mitch Norton (#3 NCAA). Serck added a second takedown in the second period, but Norton was able to get on the scoreboard with an escape to cut the gap to 4-1. Norton opened the third period down earning an escape to pull within two, 4-2, just twenty seconds into the period. Serck was penalized with a two stall calls to give Norton a point, but it was the final point of the match as Serck upset Norton by decision, 4-3. The Vikings' fifth match win gave them a 15-10 lead with three matches to go.
Redshirt freshman Mitch Schultz (#2 NCAA) stepped into the circle to face Nick Henning in the 184 pound match. Schultz took a 2-1 lead after one period thanks to an early takedown. Schultz controlled the second period on top moving his ride time advantage to 2:35 while clinging to the same 2-1 lead. An optional start to the third period gave Schultz a 3-1 lead. The Postville, Iowa native earned the 4-1 decision for Upper Iowa adding a ride time point to cut the Augie lead to 15-13.
Nick Shandri came to the mat for the 197 pound match against Augie's Ty Copsey (#3 NCAA). Copsey scored a takedown and added two near fall points before Shandri escaped trailing 4-1. An escape and a stall point gave Copsey a 6-1 lead, but a penalty on Copsey pulled the margin back to 6-2. The momentum of the dual swung completely when Shandri was unable to continue wrestling due to the late takedown injuring his ribs. Instead of trailing heading into the final match, the Peacocks received six points from the injury default to move ahead 19-15 in the dual.
Augie's Lance Peters picked up the final win of the day with a 4-2 decision over Arron Cramer. Peters scored the first points of the match with an escape in the third and added a takedown to move ahead 3-0. Cramer scored a reversal to get back within one, 3-2, but a second escape by Peters set the final score and gave Augie their sixth win by decision of the match. The three points made the final score of the dual 19-18 giving the Peacocks the upper hand in the Northern Sun Conference race.
Upper Iowa (12-1, 6-0 NSIC) has one NSIC dual left on their schedule against #9 St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minnesota. With a win, the Peacocks will claim their third NSIC Championship in the last four years. UIU and SCSU will clash on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m.
#11 Upper Iowa Peacocks Dominate Marauders in NSIC Opener
#11 Upper Iowa 38 - U-Mary 6
#11 Upper Iowa opened the Northern Sun Conference season with their longest road trip in the NSIC. The Peacocks traveled to Bismarck, North Dakota to face the Marauders of the University of Mary. UIU took nine of the ten matches to dominate the dual, 38-6. With the win, the Peacocks are now 7-1 on the season and 1-0 in the NSIC.
UIU's nationally ranked lightweights gave the Peacocks a 6-0 lead with two wins by decision. Leading 3-2 after two periods, Tyler Mumbulo (125/#7 NCAA) scored a takedown and added a riding time point to hold on for a 6-5 decision over Matt Garcia. Kyle Pedretti (133/#6 NCAA) trailed 4-2 after two periods, but the redshirt sophomore rallied with a takedown and two-point near fall and did not look back as he posted an 8-4 decision.
Upper Iowa separated themselves for U-Mary in the next three matches. J.R. Baker and Derek Stolarzyk won by forfeit at 141 and 157. In between the two forfeits, Blake Hilmer made his debut for UIU at 149 and won by injury default in the second period. The eighteen points gave the Peacocks a 24-0 lead.
Travis Eggers (165/#2 NCAA) shutout Taylor Nagel 6-0 before Mitch Norton (174/#3 NCAA) earned the most decisive win for UIU. Norton won by technical fall (23-8, 6:09) over Shane Primeau; the redshirt senior scored ten takedowns in the match to win big.
Mitch Schultz delivered the Peacocks' eighth straight win on the night with a 5-3 decision over Brady Anderson to give Upper Iowa a 35-0 lead.
After the Marauders' Dusty Vliem gave the home team their only win of the night by pin at 197, Arron Cramer closed the dual with UIU's final win. The redshirt sophomore defeated Kriss McCleary by decision 7-2.
Upper Iowa will travel south tonight as they head to Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Peacocks will line up against the Wolves of Northern State University at 2 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
Upper Iowa Competes in Flash Open
Peacocks Tune Up for National Duals
The Peacock wrestling program took to the mats for their first action of 2010 at the Flash Open in Dubuque, Iowa. Upper Iowa entered the open tournament as a final warm up prior to their third straight appearance in the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals hosted by the University of Northern Iowa.
Many of the weight brackets had limited participants and wrestlers competed in a round robin format. The Peacock wrestlers battled well and picked up some great experience on the mat prior to their run at the National Duals this coming weekend.
Tyler Mumbulo (125) won both of his matches as the senior prepares for his final run toward the NCAA Championships. Mumbulo won his first match by fall (1:28) and the second by decision, 6-0.
Kyle Pedretti (133) won his first match by major decision, 11-0, his second by injury default, and his final match by technical fall (19-3) to finish his day with a 3-0 mark. The technical fall victory came over Chris Heading of Northern Illinois (unattached).
J.R. Baker (141) picked up a win by fall (5:48) in his first match over Zach Taylor of Northern Illinois, but lost a 5-3 decision in his second match. Baker bounced back with another pinfall victory (4:22) over Chris Reed of Loras to close out his day at 2-1.
The 149 pound bracket was one of the very few that was not round robin competition. Brett Hakeman took 4th place in the bracket. Hakeman defeated John Schwiewe of Northern Illinois, 5-2, in his first match before falling to Aaron Senzee of Northern Iowa by major decision, 9-0. Hakeman defeated Chris Gansen of Loras by major decision 15-3 to rebound before withdrawing prior to a 3rd place rematch with Schweiwe.
Derek Stolarzyk won all three matches en route to earning the title in the 157-pound bracket. Stolarzyk won his first match by fall (4:06) before defeating Ryan Warcynski of Dubuque by decision, 3-1. In the finals, the UIU grappler pinned Chris Gonzalez of Northern Illinois in the first period (1:47).
Caanan Towns (165) dominated his weight class winning all four matches. Towns won his first two matches by fall (2:59/4:29) before picking up a win by injury default in his third round match. He earned a major decision victory over Dan Burk of Northern Illinois, 11-2. Only two wrestlers competed at 174 pounds.
Wade Gobin matched up with Vince Fairbairn in three matches. All three matches came down to decisions with Gobin winning one match by a 10-4 score.
Mitch Schultz returned to the mat for the Peacocks at 184 pounds and went 4-0 on the day. Schultz won his four matches by a combined 33-2 score. Schultz's first win came by technical fall, 16-0. The Postville, Iowa native then earned a major decision, 15-2, over Shane Rosenberry of Northern Illinois and a close decision, 2-0, over Josh Kirkland of Loras. Schultz picked up his final win by injury default.
Nick Shandri (197) bounced back after a first match loss to win his final two matches and post the top record in his weight class. After being pinned in his first match, Shandri won a match by decision, 9-6, and then defeated Trevor Parlberg of Northern Illinois by decision, 3-1.
Arron Cramer (285) also had to battle back after being pinned in his first match. Cramer picked up three wins in the consolation bracket to take third place. He defeated Nic Hagen of Dubuque by decision, 5-1, before pinning Jordan Walsh of Northern Illinois in just 41 seconds. Cramer earned a second quick pin in the third place match (:44) over Blayne Beale of Northern Iowa.
The UIU wrestling team will now prepare for their third straight run at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals this coming Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 9 and 10. Two years ago, the Peacocks finished 8th and last year improved with a 7th place finish. The National Duals are hosted by Northern Iowa in the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Upper Iowa Peacocks Retain #12 Ranking
Travis Eggers remains #2 in the nation at 165 pounds
Dec. 16 Wrestling Poll
The Upper Iowa University Wrestling team remains ranked twelfth in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association's Top 20 poll released this week. UIU received 78 points to earn the #12 ranking. The Peacocks also placed three individuals in the rankings.
Monona-native Kyle Pedretti remains the sixth ranked wrestler in the nation at 133 pounds after improving his record last Thursday to 9-1 with a major decision victory over Waldorf's Jon Mendoza.
Redshirt senior Travis Eggers retained his #2 ranking at 165 pounds after improving his record to 4-1 after pinning Waldorf's Brandon Porter last Thursday.
Mitch Norton is currently the #3 ranked wrestler in the nation at 174 pounds after improving his record to 2-0 last Thursday night against Waldorf with a pin over Rashad Moss.
Nebraska-Omaha retains the top spot this week by collecting 160 points while Newberry (S.C.) remains in second with 152 points. The Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney jumped from eighth to third while Pittsburgh-Johnstown and Central Oklahoma round out the top five.
The NSIC is well represented in the poll as well. Augustana holds the number six ranking while St. Cloud State jumped one spot to number nine. Minnesota State fell from ninth to eleventh, just one spot in front of UIU.
Upper Iowa's next competition comes on Dec. 20 when the team travels to Reno, Nev. to compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions.
#12 Upper Iowa 48 - Waldorf 6
The #12 Upper Iowa wrestling team opened their home schedule on Thursday night in Dorman Gym with their second dual of the season. The Peacocks welcomed the Warriors of Waldorf College for the non-conference dual. Upper Iowa won nine of the ten matches; eight of which came with bonus points. The home team won four by fall, two by forfeit, one by technical fall, and one by major decision to dominate the dual by a final score of 48-6.
The dual began at 125 pounds and UIU's Scott Bergmann held a 3-1 lead late into the third period. His opponent, Joe Ohnemus, scored a takedown in the final seconds of the third period, but a 1:30 advantage in ride time allowed Bergmann to earn the 4-3 win; which marks the first win of the season for Bergmann (1-3).
At 133 pounds, Kyle Pedretti (#6 NCAA) dominated his match with Jon Mendoza winning by major decision 15-3. Pedretti scored five takedowns and one three-point near fall to ensure the bonus point win. With the win, the Monona, Iowa native improved to 9-1 on the season.
J.R. Baker picked up the win at 141 pounds by technical fall as the horn sounded the end of the second period (5:00). After two takedowns, Baker locked Ty Mundt up and executed a move to gain three near fall points five times to run away with the victory and give UIU a 12-0 lead in the dual.
After Brett Hakeman picked up a win by forfeit and UIU moved out to an 18-0 lead, the Peacock middle weights took over and imposed their strength and skill on their Warrior opponents. Upper Iowa recorded wins by fall at 157, 165, 174, and 184. Derek Stolarzyk made quick work of Giovani Valdez with a pin just 33 seconds into the match at 157. Travis Eggers (#2 NCAA) picked up his win by fall at 1:47 after two demonstrative takedowns at 165. Mitch Norton's (#2 NCAA) match moved into the second period after a scoreless first, but only lasted 46 seconds at 174 pounds (3:46). The final UIU win by fall came at 184 pounds where redshirt freshman Wade Gobin sandwiched two takedowns around a near fall before getting the pin (1:59). After the four pins, UIU led 42-0.
Upper Iowa's lone loss on the night came at 197 where Waldorf's Jeff Roman pinned Nick Shandri 50 seconds into the match.
At heavyweight, Arron Cramer collected a win by forfeit and added another six points to UIU's tally to set the final score at 48-6.
The Peacocks will now prepare to travel to Reno, Nevada to compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 20.
Full Play-by-play details are below:
#12 Peacocks Host the Warriors of Waldorf College
Fayette, IA - Dec. 10, 2009
Play-by-Play Details
125 - Scott Bergmann (UIU) vs. Jeff Ohnemus (WC)
Period One:
Bergmann Takedown +2
Ohnemus Escape +1
Period One Score: Bergmann 2-1
Period Two:
Ohnemus Chooses Down
Bergmann holds 2:10 in ride time
Period Two Score: Bergmann 2-1
Period Three:
Bergmann Chose Down
Bergmann Escape +1
Ohnemus Takedown + 2
Bergmann Ride Time (1:30) +1
Bergmann Wins by Decision 4-3; UIU Leads 3-0
133 - Kyle Pedretti (UIU/#6 NCAA) vs. Jon Mendoza (WC)
Period One:
Pedretti Takedown +2
Mendoza Escape +1
Pedretti Takedown +2
Mendoza Escape +1
Pedretti Takedown +2
Period One Score: Pedretti 6-2
Period Two:
Mendoza Chooses Down
Pedretti Near Fall (3) +3
Pedretti has 2:58 in ride time
Period Two Score: Pedretti 9-2
Period Three:
Pedretti Chooses Down
Pedretti Escape +1
Pedretti Takedown +2
Mendoza Escape +1
Pedretti Takedown +2
Pedretti Ride Time (3:03) Point +1
Pedretti Wins by Major Decision 15-3; UIU Leads 7-0
141 - J.R. Baker (UIU) vs. Ty Mundt (WC)
Period One:
Baker Takedown +2
Mundt Reversal +2
Baker Takedown +2
Baker Near Fall (3) +3
Period One Score: Baker 7-2
Period Two:
Mundt Chooses Down
Baker Near Fall (3) +3
Baker Near Fall (3) +3
Baker Near Fall (3) +3
Stall Warning Mundt
Baker Near Fall (3) +3
Baker Wins by Technical Fall 19-2 (5:00); UIU Leads 12-0
149 - Brett Hakeman (UIU) vs. Open
Brett Hakeman Wins by Forfeit; UIU Leads 18-0
157 - Derek Stolarzyk (UIU) vs. Giovani Valdez (WC)
Period One:
Stolarzyk Takedow
n +2
Stolarzyk Wins by Fall (0:33); UIU Leads 24-0
165 - Travis Eggers (UIU/#2 NCAA) vs. Brandon Porter (WC)
Period One:
Eggers Takedown +2
Porter Escape +1
Eggers Takedown +2
Eggers Wins by Fall (1:47); UIU Leads 30-0
174 - Mitch Norton (UIU/#2 NCAA) vs. Rashad Moss (WC)
Period One:
No Points
Period Two:
Norton Defers; Moss Chooses Down
Norton Wins by Fall (3:46); UIU Leads 36-0
184 - Wade Gobin (UIU) vs. Gabe Vaszuez (WC)
Period One:
Gobin Takedown +2
Gobin Near Fall (3) +3
Injury Time for Vasquez
Escape Vasquez +1
Gobin Takedown +2
Gobin Wins by Fall (1:59); UIU Leads 42-0
197 - Nick Shandri (UIU) vs. Jeff Roman (WC)
Period One:
Roman Takedown +2
Roman Wins by Fall (0:50); UIU Leads 42-6
285 - Arron Cramer (UIU) vs. Open
Cramer Wins by Forfeit; UIU Wins Dual 48-6
Upper Iowa Wrestling Dual Postponed Until Thursday
Predicted Weather Forces Change to Schedule
Dec. 7, 2009
Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced today that the #12 Peacocks' home dual versus Waldorf College, originally scheduled for Wednesday night in Fayette, has been postponed one night. The forecasted snows and harsh winds present to great a risk to chance the travel of the UIU fans and opponents. The Warriors and Peacocks will now line up in Dorman Gym on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
The dual marks the only home action for UIU prior to the holidays. The team will host four Northern Sun Conference matches in the new year.
Upper Iowa Peacocks Shine in Opening Dual Meet
Upper Iowa 32 - Ellsworth 9
The Peacock wrestling team took the mat last night for their first dual meet of the season. Upper Iowa traveled to Iowa Falls, Iowa to battle the Panthers of Ellsworth Community College. The Panthers and Peacocks met a year ago in Fayette, where UIU posted a 35-12 win. Last night, Upper Iowa dropped the first match of the dual but rallied to win seven of the final nine matches including two wins by fall and two major decisions for a 32-9 victory.
Derek Stolarzyk and Mitch Norton (#2 NCAA) both won their matches by fall. Stolarzyk pinned his 157-pound opponent near the end of the second period, while Norton registered his pin at 174 pounds as the third period closed.
Travis Eggers (#2 NCAA) and Arron Cramer earned major decision victories. Eggers posted a 14-2 victory, while Cramer recorded a 16-2 decision to earn the team four points apiece.
Mitch Schultz earned the final bonus points for the Peacocks when he won his match by injury default at 184 pounds.
Kyle Pedretti (133) won his match by decision, 10-8, and Brett Hakeman (149) won his match by decision as well, 9-2.
Upper Iowa will wrestle at home next Wednesday night, Dec. 9, against Waldorf College. The Peacocks and Warriors are set to begin wrestling at 7 p.m. The dual is the only home action for UIU prior to the holidays.
Upper Iowa Competes in Kaye Young Open to Begin 2009-10
Peacocks Place Six including Two Champions
Peacock Results at Kaye Young Open
The Upper Iowa wrestling team traveled to Mason City on Saturday to open their season at the Kaye Young Open hosted by North Iowa Area Community College. The Peacocks finished the day with two champions, three third place finishes, and one fourth place finish; no places beyond fourth were awarded.
Kyle Pedretti (133) and Nick Shandri (197) were the Peacocks' two champions on the day. Pedretti won his title in dominant fashion going 4-0 with a pair of decisions, a technical fall and pin. Pedretti opened his day with an 18-1 tech fall victory and then moved to the semifinals with a pin (3:45). In the semis, the redshirt sophomore earned an 8-2 decision over Ben Cash of Iowa State to advance to the finals. Pedretti defeated Ty Costa, an NAIA National Qualifier, by decision 12-7 to earn the open title.
Shandri won three matches to earn his title at the open. The UIU newcomer earned a fall (3:13) in his first match before posting a pair of one-point decisions to win the title at 197.
Three Peacocks earned third place finishes; Wade Gobin (174), Mitch Schultz (184), and Quinn Meirick (197). Gobin used a 3-1 record to earn his place. The young man collected a win by fall (6:50) in one of his matches and was winning the third place match when his opponent could not continue giving Gobin the victory.
Schultz earned a 4-1 record to get to third at 184 pounds. He opened his day with a win by fall (3:00) before defeating two Iowa State wrestlers by decision. He received a win in the third place match when fellow Peacock 84-pounder, Carl Broghammer, could not continue.
Meirick posted the most wins on the day by a Peacock; although he wrestled unattached at the open. He earned his third place finish thanks to a 5-1 record. The five wins included two wins by decision and three wins by fall in the consolation bracket. The pins came at 1:10, 3:39, and 1:01. Meirick won the third place match handily, 12-5.
The final Peacock to place was newcomer Carl Broghammer. The freshman wrestled unattached for the day while earning his 4-1 record. The four wins included a 6-0 decision, a fall (3:31), and a major decision 11-2.
Other Peacocks that found success on the mats at the open included Derek Stolarzyk (157 /2-1), Arron Cramer (285 / 3-2), J.R. Baker (141 / 2-2), and Winston Robbins (157 / 2-2). Upper Iowa also had some additional unattached wrestlers compete well including Colby Kriegel (149 / 2-2), Darren Manning (174 / 2-2), Jordan Franzen (174 / 1-0), Luke Stika (285 / 2-2), and Alex Schmidt (285 / 2-2).
The wrestling team will compete at the Pointer Open in Stevens Point, Wisconsin hosted by UW-Stevens Point this coming Saturday, Nov. 14. The Pointer Open is a great early season open tournament because it features two brackets per weight class. The gold brackets feature wrestlers in their sophomore, junior and senior years of wrestling, while the silver brackets are home for all freshman in attendance.
Starter From Division III Champs Transfers To Upper Iowa
Nick Shandri to compete for Peacock Wrestling Team
July 13, 2009
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced today that Nick Shandri has signed an athletic scholarship to complete his wrestling and academic career as a Peacock.
Shandri, a native of Urbandale, Iowa, competed for Wartburg College last season at 197 pounds and fell just one match short of earning All-American honors at last season's NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Wartburg went on to win the NCAA's Division III title last season.
A graduate of Southeast Polk High School, Shandri avenged a third-place finish at state in 2005 by winning a state title in 2006. The grappler compiled a 122-18 record as a Ram.
He is the son of Ken and Barb Shandri and plans to continue pursuing a degree in communications at Upper Iowa.
Howie Thompson
Director of Sports Communication Services
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA 52142
563-425-5307
thompsonh@uiu.edu
Upper Iowa's Travis Eggers Claims Runner Up Spot at NCAA Championships
Monona-native pushes finals match to second overtime before falling by two points.
Travis Eggers took his shot at the 157 pound title tonight at the NCAA Championships in Houston, Texas. Eggers toed the line against Todd Meneely of Nebraska-Omaha. Meneely claimed the title at 149 pounds in the last two NCAA Championships before moving up a weight class this year.
Near the end of the first period Meneely scored a takedown, but Eggers picked up an escape before the period ended. The only other point scored in regulation was an escape by Eggers in the third period after opening the period on bottom. The match moved to its first sudden victory period where both wrestlers were unable to score. Both wrestlers then rode the other out during the tie breaker periods to send the match to a second overtime. In the second sudden overtime period Meneely picked up his third National Championship title thanks to a takedown. Eggers was defeated in the end 4-2.
Eggers' season ends with the junior's second All-American honor and second top three finish at the National Championships in as many years. The 157-pounder finished the year with a 22-9 record on the year.
Peacock Review at the Championships
Travis Eggers - Runner Up at 157 (All-American)
Mitch Norton - 5th Place at 174 (All-American)
Tony Gehling - 8th Place at 184 (All-American)
Trevor Franklin - 1-2 at 133
Kyle Pedretti - 1-2 at 125
J.R. Baker - 1-2 at 141
Three Upper Iowa Earn Academic All-American Honors
Tony Gehling Earns Fourth Academic All-American Honor
Three members of the Upper Iowa University wrestling team have earned Academic All-American honors presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).
In order for a student-athlete to be nominated for the Division II Academic All-American Team, he needs to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. He must also be in at least his second full year at his school, be a varsity member on his team or a key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation (academic advisor and coach) submitted on his behalf.
Senior Tony Gehling (Stewartville, Minn.) earned his fourth Academic All-American award when he was named to the First Team. Gehling was one of three student-athletes to earn their fourth Academic All-American honor this year. The 184-pounder graduated with a degree in Psychology from Upper Iowa last year and came back to UIU this year to earn an MBA. Gehling's combined GPA between his undergraduate and graduate work was 3.71. He was named to the second team in 2007 and 2008 and he was on the honorable mention team in 2006.
Redshirt Freshman Kyle Pedretti (Monona, Iowa) earned his first Academic All-American honor after being named to the Second Team. The 125-pounder is majoring in education at Upper Iowa and posted a 3.04 GPA.
Senior Jacob Pedersen (Hudson, Iowa) was named an Honorable Mention Academic All-American for the third straight year. The 141-pounder has a 3.26 GPA and will graduate from Upper Iowa this spring with a degree in Sports Communication.
The UIU wrestling team is at the NCAA Division II Championships in Houston, Texas. Six wrestlers, including Gehling and Pedretti, will begin wrestling tomorrow, Mar. 13, morning.