SEWARD, Neb. – Four Bulldogs represented the Concordia University, Nebraska Wrestling program on the honor roll announced on March 21 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). The following Concordia student-athletes were named 2024-25 NAIA Scholar All-Americans by the NWCA: graduate student Creighton Baughman, freshman Calvin Gross, senior Cole Price and freshman Braysen Salinas. Baughman is a three-time Scholar All-American.
In order to receive the NWCA Scholar All-American award, student-athletes must meet one of the following criteria:
· Must have a 3.0 GPA and be a 2023 NAIA All-American
· Must have a 3.25 GPA and be a 2023 NAIA Qualifier
· Must have a 3.5 GPA if they did not qualify for NAIA Nationals. MUST also have competed in at least 5 contests or the National Qualifying Conference Tournament.
Both Baughman and Price qualified for 2025 NAIA Wrestling National Championships. Baughman placed eighth at 141 pounds and earned All-America status. Also a GPAC champion with 124 career collegiate wins to his credit, Baughman earned his degree in Biology from Concordia. Meanwhile, Gross studies Computer Science, Price majors in Business Administration and Salinas is an Exercise Science major.
The program’s four Scholar All-Americans is an increase from three last season. Head Coach Josh Watts’ program concluded the 2024-25 season with a 17th place finish at the national tournament. Baughman was joined with All-America honors by teammate Hagen Heistand, the national runner up at 149 pounds.