WICHITA, Kan. – Hagen Heistand and Creighton Baughman reach All-American status on day two (March 7) of the NAIA national championships. Concordia University, Nebraska brought eight wrestlers and two remain for the final day three. First year Head Coach Josh Watts and company have amassed 29 points and are tied for 16th in the team standings.
“With his juco years, Creighton is a three-time All-American now,” Coach Watts said. “He is someone who does everything the right way. He works hard. I was happy to see him reach that again. Hagen, a transfer for us, being a national finalist, hopefully he can finish that off. They are both wrestling very strong and have been consistent all year. We will do what we have been doing with Hagen. Do the film work. Provide the scouting reports. He’s been very good this tournament about executing game plans. We will get up and get a workout in to get his weight down, then make those adjustments before tomorrow night.”
Following No. 11 Heistand’s first match, the Campbell University transfer has knocked down three higher ranked opponents on his way to All-American and a chance at the national title at 149 lbs. In the quarterfinals, the Underwood High product defeated No. 3 Keegan Luton (Oklahoma City) via decision (4-3). Heistand went through three matches or 11 total periods without giving up a takedown until the final two minutes of the semifinal. That wouldn’t be enough for No. 10 Alex Pena (Wayland Baptist) as Heistand took three takedowns on his way to a 13-8 victory and a national title birth.
He will have a rematch from the Missouri Valley Invite after falling to No. 8 Elijah Larsen (Grand View) 11-0 in their first meeting earlier this season.
The Dow City, Iowa transfer joins a list of three Concordia wrestlers who have graced the championship floor and becomes the first to do it in the 149 lb. class. Andrew Schulte (2016) won the national final at 141 lbs., plus Tanner Farmer (2020) and hall of famer Ceron Francisco (2017) both reached runner up at the big stage.
No. 6 Baughman had missed his shots taken to All-American in the past two seasons but made use of his fifth year to finally seize the accomplishment. Needing a win in the round four consolations to AA, the Iowa Western transfer defeated Luke Jensen (Corban) by decision (7-4) with two takedowns. After falling in consolation five, Baughman will face No. 8 Thomas Williams (St. Thomas) in the seventh place match. Heistand and Baughman join a list of now 14 Bulldogs who have reached the sacred collegiate wrestler status.
Said Baughman, “It feels incredible. I’m so thankful for the team, community and support system that I have. I’m blessed beyond words with so many important people in my life. Of course, without God, none of this is possible but it absolutely feels incredible to accomplish that goal of mine.”
Heavyweight unranked Mason Garcia faced off against No.13 Seth Suvak (Dickinson State) but fell via major (11-3) in his final match of the season.
Heistand and Baughman will wrestle their final matches tomorrow (March 8) at the Park City Arena in Park City, Kansas.
All-Americans
Creighton Baughman (2025)
Ken Burkhardt Jr. (2015, 2016, 2017)
Giovanni Castillo (2018)
Kodie Cole (2015, 2016)
Tanner Farmer (2020)
Ceron Francisco (2015, 2017)
Alberto Garcia (2019, 2020)
Hagen Heistand (2025)
Adam Joseph (2012)
Austin Mogg (2014)
Andrew Schulte (2015, 2016)
Julian Silva (2012)
Jacob Williams (2012)
Mario Ybarra (2021)