SEWARD, Neb. – The completion of a perfect GPAC dual run helped senior Jerry Stepps III pick up the first conference award of his collegiate career, as announced on Wednesday (Feb. 14). Stepps III has been tabbed the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Wrestler of the Week. He joins Jared Woods as the second Bulldog to receive the honor during the 2017-18 season.
Ranked fourth in the GPAC at 125 pounds, Stepps III knocked off Morningside’s Devin Phaly (ranked one spot above Stepps), 12-10, in a match that went beyond three periods. With the victory, Stepps III improved to 8-0 this season in GPAC duals. The impressive run through conference duals was made possible by a 4-0 day at the GPAC Duals in Sioux City, Iowa, on Jan. 27. On that date, the St. Louis, Mo., native defeated two wrestlers that had been ranked above him in the conference.
Stepps III (17-15) has earned a varsity role this season after going a combined 13-28 over his first three seasons at Concordia. In ratings released on Feb. 5, Stepps III moved up to No. 4 in the GPAC at 125 pounds. He’ll take his shot a national tournament bid on Saturday when the GPAC championships are held at Hastings.
Concordia GPAC wrestlers of the week (last three seasons)
2017-2018
Feb. 14 – Jerry Stepps III
Dec. 20 – Jared Woods
2016-2017
Feb. 15 – Foster Bunce
Jan. 25 – Ceron Francisco
Dec. 28 – Ken Burkhardt Jr.
Dec. 14 – Ken Burkhardt Jr.
Nov. 16 – Ceron Francisco
2015-2016
Feb. 16 – Jr Lule
Feb. 9 – Andrew Schulte
Feb. 2 – Ceron Francisco
Jan. 26 – Jr Lule
Jan. 12 – *Andrew Schulte
Jan. 5 – Andrew Schulte
*NAIA national wrestler of the week