PARK CITY, Kan. – It’s been a fine two-year run as a Bulldog for Creighton Baughman, who added to his resume with two wins at the 2024 NAIA Wrestling National Championships. The second day (March 1) of the national tournament marked the end of the season for the Concordia University Wrestling program, which was represented by three individuals at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kan.
The 2023-24 campaign for Head Coach Chase Clasen’s squad included eight dual wins and conference place finishes of fifth in the tournament and sixth in the regular season. Growth was shown as the Bulldogs now look towards the future while also expressing gratitude towards the seniors.
“Of course there’s some disappointment when you’re coming home empty-handed,” Clasen said. “But at the end of the day, I’m super proud of each and every one of those guys. Making it to nationals is a very, very big deal. I don’t want any of them walking away from this tournament thinking any less of themselves. Within the community, we know what kind of people they are. They should walk away feeling happy and satisfied with what they have accomplished.”
The Papillion, Neb., native Baughman entered the day needing two more wins in order to claim a spot on the podium at 141 pounds. The immediate roadblock was second-seeded Logan Wagner of Marian University (Ind.), who met Baughman in consolation round three of the bracket. Wagner walked away with a 15-2 major decision in eliminating Baughman. An exemplary member of the program, Baughman will be missed for his ability on the mat in addition to his leadership.
Baughman won 98 matches between his exploits at Concordia and Iowa Western Community College. He finished the 2023-24 season at 33-8 overall after posting two wins at the 2024 NAIA Championships. Baughman twice placed as the GPAC runner up at 141 and twice reached the NAIA national tournament. Said Clasen, “I thank Creighton for everything he’s done for this program. Having him here has made everyone in our program better. We all know he’s going to be great in his future endeavors.”
Tommy Wentz (165) and Mason Garcia (197) appeared at the national tournament on Thursday. Their results are listed below. Both juniors, Garcia and Wentz now have a taste for what the atmosphere is like on the national stage. Both will be counted upon as leaders in the room in 2024-25.
“It’ll be nice to have two guys coming back who were national qualifiers,” Clasen said. “We just have to continue to get better and develop and get more guys to nationals. Hopefully they can all accomplish their goals next season.”
Concordia wrestlers at 2024 NAIA National Championships
141 – Creighton Baughman
· Won by major decision over Elijah Griffin (Cumberland), 14-1
· Lost by decision to No. 7 Cade Manion (Oklahoma City), 5-1
· Won by fall over Carson Coy (Embry-Riddle), 1:33
· Lost by major decision to No. 2 Logan Wagner (Marian), 15-2
165 – Tommy Wentz
· Lost by tech fall to No. 8 Matt Jenkins (Reinhardt), 15-0
· Lost by fall to No. 7 Braeden Baller (Texas Wesleyan), 2:06
197 – Mason Garcia
· Lost by fall to No. 5 Sawyer Hobbs (Providence), 1:53
· Lost by fall to No. 11 Curtis Thomas (Reinhardt), 2:02