Tenth-ranked Bulldogs fall at three-time defending national champion Grand View

DES MOINES, Iowa – Three-time defending Grand View University looked the part of the No. 1-ranked NAIA team by taking nine of 10 matches over the 10th-ranked Concordia University wrestling team on Wednesday. The host Vikings won 39-3 in a dual contested in Des Moines, Iowa.

Third-year head coach Dana Vote’s Bulldogs are now 2-1 overall in dual meets.

“I thought we competed hard. We have a lot to work on and we are just not on Grand View’s level yet,” Vote said. “They had four guys in their lineup tonight that have won national titles.”

Concordia’s lone victory of the night came at 133, where sixth-ranked Emilio Rivera won by decision. He improved to 9-3 overall and 2-0 in dual meets.

For most of the team, Wednesday served as a lesson on what it will take to reach an elite level. There’s a reason why Grand View is again heavily favored to win the national title.

“I think it was an eye opener for the guys on how much work we have to do,” Vote said.

The Bulldogs now break from competition until hosting No. 15 Midland (0-1, 0-1 GPAC) for a dual at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. The Warriors boast four nationally-ranked individuals: No. 2 Josh Heinzer (125), No. 8 Tyler McMichael (174), No. 12 Sterling Terry (184) and No. 5 Kolton Kersten (197).