2011-12 Wrestling schedule/results
OCTOBER | |||
Oct. 26 | Intrasquad Dual | Seward, Neb. | 7 p.m. |
NOVEMBER | |||
Nov. 6 | Dan Harris Invitational | Baldwin City, Kan. | Results |
Nov. 12 | Swede Open | Lindsborg, Kan. | Results |
Nov. 18 | Lakeland College Dual | Sheboygan, Wis. | L 28-23 |
Nov. 19 | Concordia University Wisconsin Open | Mequon, Wis. | Results |
DECEMBER | |||
Dec. 1 | York College Dual | Seward, Neb. | L 37-15 |
Dec. 3 | Simpson College Invite | Indianola, Iowa | Results |
Dec. 8 | Hastings College Dual | Seward, Neb. | Postponed |
Dec. 10 | Buena Vista University Open | Storm Lake, Iowa | Cancelled |
Dec. 18 | Duals in the Desert vs. Grand View | Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev. |
L 48-3 |
JANUARY | |||
Jan. 7 | Ridgewater Open (Freshmen & Sophomores) | Willmar, Minn. | Results |
Jan. 7 | Quality Inn Open at Hastings College (Juniors) | Hastings, Neb. | Results |
Jan. 11 | Northwestern College Dual | Orange City, Iowa | L 27-19 |
Jan. 14 | Matman Invitational | Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa | Results |
Jan. 19 | York College Dual | York, Neb. | L 27-21 |
Jan. 20 | Morningside College Dual | Seward, Neb. | L 34-10 |
Jan. 21 | York College Open | York, Neb. | Results |
Jan. 25 | Wayland Baptist (Texas) Dual | Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. | L 28-18 |
Jan. 25 | Bethany College Dual | Lindsborg, Kan. | L 24-21 |
FEBRUARY | |||
Feb. 1 | Dakota Wesleyan University Dual | Seward, Neb. | W 25-20 |
Feb. 1 | Midland University Dual | Seward, Neb. | L 33-12 |
Feb. 8 | Hastings College Dual | Hastings, Neb. | W 27-19 |
Feb. 10 | Briar Cliff College Dual | Sioux City, Iowa | W 29-15 |
Feb. 18 | NAIA North Region Championships | Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa | Recap |
MARCH | |||
March 1 | NAIA National Wrestling Championships | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Day One |
March 2 | NAIA National Wrestling Championships | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Day Two Recap |
March 3 | NAIA National Wrestling Championships | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Results |
2011-12 Bulldog Wrestling Roster
| Wt.. | Name | Yr. | Hometown | Previous School | |||||
| 125 | Jordan Fowlkes | Jr. | Newman Grove, Neb. | Newman Grove High | |||||
| 125 | Joe Mendez | Fr. | McGrew, Neb. | Bayard | |||||
| 125 | Brandon Roath | R-Fr. | Lincoln, Neb. | Palmyra | |||||
| 133 | Adam Joseph | So. | Hastings, Neb. | Adams Central | |||||
| 133 | Branden Robinson | Fr. | Thornton, Colo. | Denver Lutheran | |||||
| 141 | Cale Eacker | Fr. | Sumner, Neb. | Sumner-Eddyville-Miller | |||||
| 141 | Robbie Resendez | So. | San Jacinto, Calif. | Tahquitz | |||||
| 141 | Alex Rostvet | Jr. | Hastings, Neb. | Adams Central | |||||
| 141 | Jake Williams | R-Fr. | Rio Rancho, N.M. | Rio Rancho | |||||
| 149 | Martin Dobler | So. | Rockford, Ill. | Rockford Lutheran | |||||
| 149 | John Frerichs | Fr. | Sumner, Neb. | Sumner-Eddyville-Miller | |||||
| 149 | Logan Owens | So. | Carroll, Neb. | Wayne | |||||
| 149 | Brandon Starkey | Jr. | St. Paul, Neb. | St. Paul | |||||
| 149 | Alex Stepanek | So. | St. Paul, Neb. | St. Paul | |||||
| 149 | LaSean Sanders | Fr. | Oklahoma City, Okla. | Putnam City North High School | |||||
| 149 | Mitchell Thompson | Fr. | Rigby, Idaho | Rigby | |||||
| 157 | Traven Claflin | Fr. | Sumner, Neb. | Sumner-Eddyville-Miller | |||||
| 157 | Peter Greimann | So. | Columbia, Mo. | University of Missouri | |||||
| 157 | Zach Schnell | Sr. | Lincoln, Neb. | ||||||
| 165 | Blake Augustyn | So. | Ord, Neb. | Ord | |||||
| 165 | Alfredo Torres | Jr. | Pamona, Calif. | Mt. San Antonio College | |||||
| 174 | Seth Crane | Fr. | North Platte, Neb. | North Platte | |||||
| 174 | Tyler Knigge | Fr. | Aurora, Colo. | ||||||
| 174 | Ryan Perez | Fr. | Lake Charles, La. | Sulphur | |||||
| 174 | Nick Sheppard | So. | Englewood, Colo. | Englewood | |||||
| 184 | Kale Hintz | Fr. | Hebron, Neb. | Thayer Central | |||||
| 197 | Seth Bass | Fr. | Bellevue, Neb. | Bellevue East | |||||
| 197 | Colton Schneider | So. | Millerville, AB, Canada | ||||||
| 197 | Julian Silva | Sr. | Covina, Cal. | Mt. San Antonio College | |||||
| 285 | Frank Ayala | Sr. | West Covina, Calif. | Mt. San Antonio College | |||||
| 285 | Hunter Cummins | So. | Farmington, N.M. | Farmington | |||||
| 285 | Dillon Heesch | So. | Dayton, Iowa | Dayton | |||||
| 285 | Joseph Koenig | R-Fr. | Orlando, Fla. | Boone | |||||
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Doug Reese
Interim Head Coach/Assistant Coach: Marcus Cobbs
Assistant Coach: Brady Johnson
Bulldogs ranked fourth in NAIA North Region
11 October 2011
The third-year Concordia mat program is ranked fourth in the NAIA North Region Wrestling Pre-season Coaches Poll that was released on Tuesday.
Tied at the top is Midland University and 2011 GPAC and North Region champion Morningside College. Edging Concordia for third place is Northwestern College.
“It is just a pre-season poll which means nothing,” noted Bulldog head coach Doug Reese. “The nice thing is that the region coaches have recognized what we have built here at Concordia in the past two seasons. In our first season, we had no one ranked and place last in the region. Things have changed quickly for Bulldog wrestling.”
Individually, the Bulldogs have ranked a number of wrestlers in their weight classes.
Sophomore Adam Joseph (Hasting, Neb.), a 2011 NAIA National Championship qualifier, is ranked second at 133 pounds. Junior Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.), who has 55 career wins and two appearances at the national championships, is ranked second at 149 pounds. Junior College All-American Alfredo Torres (West Covina, Calif.) is ranked second at 174 pounds.
Three-time Iowa state champion Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) is ranked third, and sophomore Blake Augustyn (Ord, Neb.), who posted a pin, technical fall, and a major decision in the 2011 national championships, is ranked fourth at 165 pounds.
Junior national championship qualifier Alex Rostvet (Hastings, Neb.) is ranked fifth at 141 pounds, as is freshman 197-pound wrestler Seth Bass (Bellevue, Neb.). Bass placed third in the 2011 Nebraska state championships. Freshman Nebraska state medalist Kale Hintz (Hebron, Neb.) is ranked sixth at 184 pounds.
Concordia opens up the 2011-2012 wrestling campaign on Nov. 6 at the Baker College Invitational in Baldwin City, Kan.
Concordia ranked 17th in NAIA preseason poll
21 October 2011
The NAIA released its Pre-Season Wrestling Coaches Poll on October 19. The Concordia University wrestling team was ranked 17th in the nation. This is the highest ranking thus far for the third-year mat program.
“It is nice to be recognized nationally,” said head wrestling coach Doug Reese. “However, we don’t aspire to be 17th in anything we do. We want to be the best we can possibly be in all areas of our academic, competitive and spiritual lives.”
Two Bulldog wrestlers earned preseason national rankings. Dillon Heesch a redshirt from Dayton, Iowa, was ranked 8th at 285 pounds. Heesch amassed a 14-3 record last season, medaling in three tournaments and picking up wins over 2011 All-Americans from Baker College and Fort Hays State.
“Heesch is an All-American who is waiting to be officially recognized,” said Reese. “He is a superb athlete who is physical, and tough. He is a two-time heavyweight state champion from Iowa. That says plenty about his ability.”
Junior Brandon Starkey was ranked 10th at 149 pounds. Starkey, a two-time NAIA national championship qualifier, has won 55 collegiate matches in the last two seasons.
“Starkey has been a leader on the mat for two seasons,” noted Reese. “When he steps on the mat, we expect a win. That is the kind of confidence we have in him.”
Junior transfer Alfredo “Boxer” Torres was ranked 5th at 174 pounds. Torres placed 4th last season during his time at Mt. San Antonio College to earn California Junior College All-American honors.
“Torres is a perfect fit for our team,” mentioned Reese. “He is tough, has great technique and is a wonderful teammate. He is going to do his share of damage in the GPAC this season.”
Missing from the rankings was sophomore Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.). Joseph was ranked as high as 7th last season. The 133-pounder won 33 matches last season and was an all-GPAC selection and seated in the NAIA national championships. Joseph was unable to be ranked, as he was not on the official roster due to weight certification training.
“Joseph has the ability to be a national champion,” said Reese. “Adam has a punishing, physical style. He breaks his opponents mentally and grinds them down into quitting. I love the way his wrestles. He should have an outstanding season.”
The Bulldogs will host an intra-squad dual meet on October 26 in the Walz Human Performance complex at 7 pm to determine the traveling team for the team’s first tournament of the year at Baker College on November 6. Admission to the event is free.
Eight wrestlers meet NAIA Qualifying Standards at Dan Harris Open
6 November 2011
The Concordia University wrestling team had eight team members meet the NAIA qualifying standards for the NAIA National wrestling championships at the Dan Harris Open hosted by Baker University.
Jake Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) placed first at 133 pounds. Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) placed third at 133 pounds. Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) placed second at 141 pounds. Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) secured his third trip to nationals by placing fourth 149 pounds. Freshman Traven Claflin (Sumner, Neb.) placed fifth at 157 pounds. Junior college All-American Boxer Torres, wrestling up a weight class, placed fifth at 184 pounds. Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) placed third at 197 after dropping his opening round bout, and Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) had a solid tournament, placing second at 285 pounds.
Jake Williams had a career day, going 5-0 at 133 pounds. Williams recorded four falls and a 17-2 technical fall over Nathan Galloway of Shorter University in the finals. Williams wrestled unattached in the Open tournament. Teammate Adam Joseph finished in third place at 133 pounds with his only loss coming to Williams in the semi-finals. Joseph started the season with a 5-1 record and secured his second trip to the NAIA National Championships.
Alex Stepanek had an outstanding day at 141 pounds. Stepanek, who won the 141-pound starting position in wrestle-offs 10 days ago, continued to dominance with a second place finish on Sunday with four falls in just 11:44. The sophomore is now planning a trip to Iowa in early March for the national championships. High School teammate Brandon Starkey also punched his ticket to the championships. Starkey placed fourth at 149 pounds, picking up a technical fall, a pin, a major decision, and decision during the tournament.
A pair of freshmen from Sumner had a great start to their collegiate careers. Traven Claflin placed fifth at 157 pounds. Claflin went 5-2 on the day, qualifying for the national championships. John Frerichs placed sixth at 149, placing one spot shy of qualifying. Frerichs picked up four solid wins; three decisions and a technical fall in his college debut.
Alfredo Torres placed fifth at 184. Torres, who ranked fifth in the nation at 174 pounds, missed weight and had to wrestle up a weight class. Torres won his first two matches and then dropped a 6-5 overtime thriller that went 11 minutes. Torres bounced back after a tough loss to meet the qualifying standards. Torres wrestled unattached in the Open event.
Julian Silva, the No. 1 seed at 197 pounds, lost his opening round bout by one point and then reeled off five straight decisions to place third. Silva also wrestled unattached in the Open tournament.
Dillon Heesch, the eighth ranked heavyweight in the nation, placed second. After winning three straight matches by fall with two decisions, Heesch dropped a 3-1 decision to Baker’s All-American heavyweight Dylan Berg. Heesch also competed unattached in the Open tournament.
“We were quite happy with the performance,” noted head wrestling coach Doug Reese. “The team members showed their superior conditioning level and mental toughness. That is what stands out most in my mind today. They overcame a lot and wrestled well in the first competition. It shows they were prepared mentally and physically for whatever was thrown at us.”
Also wrestling well at the Dan Harris Open was freshman LeSean Sanders of Oklahoma City, who went 2-2 at 149 pounds. Blake Augustyn (Ord, Neb.) went 2-2 at 165 pounds, and Seth Crane (North Platte, Neb.) went 3-2 at 184 pounds. Brandon Roath (Lincoln, Neb.), Nick Sheppard (Edgewood, Colo.) and Cale Hintz (Hebron, Neb.) also picked up wins on the day.
The Bulldogs will continue the season next Saturday, November 12th at the Knox Invitational in Illinois. Wrestling action starts at 9 am. A number of wrestlers will also compete unattached at the Harold Nichols Open at Iowa State University on November 13 with wrestling scheduled to begin at 9 am.
Bulldogs post strong showing at Swede Open
14 November 2011
A total of 14 Concordia University Bulldog wrestlers placed in the Bethany College Swede Open in Kansas over the weekend.
Teammates Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) and Jake Williams (unattached - Rio Rancho, N.M.) both advanced to the finals at 133 pounds. Williams upped his record to a perfect 9-0 with a pair of decisions and a fall. Joseph improved his season mark to 9-1 with a major decision over Wichita State, and decisions over York and Bethany College. Both Joseph and Williams were recognized as co-champions at 133 pounds, as the championship finals were not contested.
Alfredo Torres, wrestling unattached, won the championship title at 184 pounds. Torres won his opening round match over Pratt Community College by fall in 2:19 and then won an 8-5 decision versus Bethany College in the semifinals. In the finals, Torres claimed a hard fought 3-1 decision versus Joe Pace of Baker University. For the Junior College All-American, it was his first collegiate championship.
Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) is out to a fast start. Stepanek made the finals at 141 pounds for the second straight week. Stepanek picked up falls against Benedictine College and Bethany College, and had an 8-5 decision over Baker University before losing a 4-0 decision in the finals versus Bethany College. Stepanek is now 7-2 on the season.
Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) had another solid outing at 149 pounds. Starkey placed fourth and had a 3-2 record on the day. Starkey has upped his all-time win mark to 61 as a Bulldog.
Freshman Traven Claflin (Sumner, Neb.) had a strong showing at 157 pounds. Claflin had a 20-7 major decision over Baker University and a 3-2 decision over Wichita State to advance to the championship finals where Claflin fell to Colby Crank of Baker University. Claflin is 7-3 on the season.
Freshman John Frerichs (Sumner, Neb.) placed fourth at 157 pounds, up a weight class from his normal weight of 149. Frerichs increased his season record to 8-4 with three solid wins in the tournament, including two decisions and a fall.
Seth Crane (North Platte, Neb.) continued his winning ways at 184 pounds. Crane recorded three wins on the day, including a 6-3 decision over Matt Atwood of Baker University in the bronze medal match. Crane is 6-3 on the season.
Wrestling unattached was Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) at 197 pounds. Silva claimed a bronze medal for the second straight weekend, upping his season record to 9-2. Also wrestling unattached was sophomore Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa). Heesch, a finalist for the second straight weekend, lost the finals match to the same opponent (Dylan Berg of Baker University). Heesch is 7-2 on the young season.
“We are very happy with the results this weekend,” noted head coach Doug Reese. “The team took to heart the message we were preaching and the corrections to technique we make in practice. It all added up to team success on Saturday. I was most happy that we won 68 percent of the matches in the third period. That shows our toughness and conditioning level makes a difference.”
A number of other Bulldogs placed including:
125 - Brandon Roath (Lincoln, Neb.) 5th
157 – John Frerichs (Sumner, Neb.) 4th
165 - Nick Sheppard (Edgewood, Colo.) 5th
174 - Ryan Perez (unattached – Lake Charles, La.) 6th
184 - Kale Hintz (Hebron, Neb.) 5th
285 - Hunter Cummins (Farmington, N.M.) 6th
The Bulldogs travel to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on Friday night to dual Lakeland College. Concordia then travels to Mequon for the Concordia University, Wisconsin Open for a 23-team tournament on Saturday.
Bulldogs to open dual season this weekend
16 November 2011
The NAIA 17th ranked Concordia University Bulldog wrestling team will open up their 2011-12 dual meet season on November 18 against Lakeland College. The dual will be held at Sheboygan Falls High School in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.
The Bulldogs are coming off strong showings in open tournament competitions. A total of 23 wrestlers have placed in the first two tournaments of the young season.
The Bulldogs will open with this lineup:
125 – Brandon Roath (Lincoln, Neb.) 2-5
133 – Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) 9-1
141 – Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) 6-2
149 – Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) 7-3
157 – Traven Claflin (Sumner, Neb.) 6-2
165 – Nick Sheppard (Edgewood, Colo.) 2-4
174 – Alfredo Torres (Covina, Calif.) 6-2
Kale Hintz (Hebron, Neb.) 2-5
184 – Seth Crane (North Platte, Neb.) 6-2 `
197 – Seth Bass (Bellevue, Neb.) 0-0
285 – Hunter Cummins (Farmington, N.M.) 1-5
“Dual meets are a whole different dynamic than that of a tournament,” noted head coach Doug Reese. “The entire meet hinges on each point of each match. Each match builds upon the previous match. It is a stressful and intense hour and a half of wrestling. We have only two returning wrestlers in the lineup since our last dual in February of 2011, so this will be a whole new experience for this team. The biggest advantage we have is that our lineup has experienced winning tough, physical matches this season.”
The dual begins at 7:00 pm.
Bulldogs fall to Lakeland College in opening dual of season
19 November 2011
Lakeland College picked up a narrow 28-23 wrestling win over #17 Concordia University on Friday evening. It was the first dual event for the Bulldogs this year. The dual was tied heading into the last match at heavyweight. Results are listed below. Concordia was to compete at the Concordia-Wisconsin Open on Saturday.
125: Grant Franson (LC) pinned Brandon Roath (Concordia), 2:29
133: Adam Joseph (Concordia) tech. fall Eduardo Orihuela (LC), 4:47 17-1.
141: Juan Diaz (LC) dec. Alex Stepanek (Concordia): 12-11.
149: Brandon Starkey (Concordia) disq. Jacob Maechtle (LC)
157: Brent Steudel (LC) dec. Traven Claflin (Concordia), 13-7.
165: Ryan Renon (LC) tech. fall Nick Sheppard (Concordia), 6:11, 15-0.
174: David Galarno (LC) pinned Kale Hintz (Concordia), 2:13
184: Seth Crane (Concordia): Forfeit
197: Seth Bass (Concordia): Forfeit
285: Thomas Phalin (LC) pinned Hunter Cummins (Concordia), 1:56
Joseph places third at CU-Wisconsin Open
19 November 2011
Concordia University took part in the 2011 Concordia Wisconsin Open on Saturday.
Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) had another solid performance for the Bulldogs to finish third in the event. Joseph went 5-1 on the day. He earned a 12-7 decision over Collin Crum (UW Parkside) to advance to the 3rd place match. He then picked up a 6-5 decision over Matt Holmes (Loras) to take third place. Joseph is now 15-1 on the season. Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) also finished eighth for the Bulldogs in the 149-pound weight class.
Complete results are available above. The Bulldogs host York College in a dual on December 1.
Bulldogs remain 17th in latest NAIA poll
28 November 2011
The Concordia University wrestling team holds steady at #17 in the NAIA after the first month of the season. The latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll was released on November 23.
A total of five Bulldog wrestlers are nationally ranked in the current poll. At 133 pounds, Jake Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) is ranked #9 and teammate Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) is ranked #11. Williams is 11-2 with two tournament titles, and Joseph is off to a team leading 15-2 record with a championship title and two third place finishes.
Junior Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) is ranked #10 at 149 pounds. Starkey is 11-6 and has placed in all three tournaments so far this season.
Alfredo “Boxer” Torres (La Puenta, Calif.) is ranked #6 at 174 pounds. Torres is 6-2 on the year and has a championship title and a 5th place finish in the young season.
Heavyweight Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) is ranked #10. Heesch is 6-2 on the year with second place finishes in the Dan Harris Open and the Bethany Swede Open.
“We have had a good first month of the season,” noted head coach Doug Reese. “It is nice to have these guys recognized by the NAIA Coaches as nationally ranked wrestlers. But, I am disappointed that Alex Stepanek and Traven Claflin were let off the latest poll. Both are off to a tremendous start this season.”
Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) is 9-5 with two runner-up finishes this season at 141 pounds, winning a starting position for the Bulldogs over NAIA qualifier Alex Rostvet. Freshman Traven Claflin (Sumner, Neb.) is 10-5 at 157 pounds with a pair of tournament finishes.
“Most people don’t realize how tough our conference is in the sport of wrestling,” commented Reese. “Even though we are ranked #17 in the nation, there are four GPAC schools ranked ahead of us. That is what makes this conference so challenging.”
York College defeats Bulldogs in wrestling dual
1 December 2011
York College picked up a 37-15 dual win over #17 Concordia University on Thursday evening in Seward. Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.), Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) and Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) picked up victories on the evening for the Bulldogs. Complete results are listed below. Concordia travels to the Simpson College Invite on December 3.
York College 37, Concordia University 15 (Final Results)
125 – Miles Negley (York) def. Brandon Roath (Concordia) – Pin (6-0 York)
133 – Adam Joseph (Concordia) def. Wes Negley (York) – Pin (6-6)
141 – Alex Stepanek (Concordia) def. Bryan Magno (York) – Pin (12-6 Concordia)
149 – Brandon Starkey (Concordia) def. Chrystian Banuelos (York) – 4-0 Decision (15-6 Concordia)
157 – Nicholas Clarke (York) def. John Frerichs (Concordia) – Pin (15-12 Concordia)
165 – Kyle Wichman (York) def. Traven Claflin (Concordia) – 7-3 Decision (15-15)
174 – Jacob McCoy (York) def. Nick Sheppard (Concordia) – Pin (21-15 York)
184 – Tyler Hendrickson (York) def. Kale Hintz (Concordia) – Pin (27-15 York)
197 – Bradlee Carls (York) def. Seth Bass (Concordia) – 13-1 Major Decision (31-15 York)
285 – Ray Johnson (York) def. Hunter Cummins (Concordia) – Pin (37-15 York)
Results and video available for Saturday wrestling at Simpson College
2 December 2011
The Concordia University wrestling team travels to Simpson College on Saturday for the Simpson College Invite. Action is set to begin at 9 a.m. in Indianola, Iowa. Fans can follow live results and live video of the invite at the link below. Please note that the live video feed will cover action on mats 1 and 2 throughout the day, and there will be no audio.
http://livestats.prestosports.com/simpson/
Joseph finishes second at Simpson College Invite
3 December 2011
Concordia University finished 11th at the 2011 Simpson College Invite on Saturday. A total of 12 teams took part in the event.
Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) highlighted the day for Concordia with a second place finish at 133 pounds. Joseph picked up a 16-0 tech fall win over Tyler Emert (unattached Grand View). He then earned an 11-5 decision over Beau Westpfahl of Coe College. Joseph then moved to the finals with a tough 8-5 decision over Tommy Mirocha of Wartburg. Joseph then suffered a 10-5 loss to Jordan Westfall (Coe) in the finals.
Julian Silva, who wrestled unattached in the event, also had a strong day. Silva (Covina, Calif.) finished fifth at 197 pounds. He picked up a 16-1 technical fall victory over steven Kleamenakis (Wartburg) before suffering a 9-3 loss to Brian Broll of Buena Vista. Silva came back to pick up a 9-2 decision over Mike Hale and then earned a 14-2 major decision over Forrest Marx of Northwestern College. Punahele Soriano (Wartburg) picked up a 9-5 decision over Silva to advance to the third place match. Silva defeated Kevin Hein (Wartburg) with a 16-3 major decision to take fifth place in the event.
Complete results from the invite are attached. Concordia hosts Hastings College in a dual on December 8. Action begins at 7 p.m. at the Walz Human Performance Complex.
Bulldogs to travel to Las Vegas for Desert Duals
12 December 2011
The Concordia University wrestling team will travel to Las Vegas for the Desert Duals this coming weekend. The event takes place on Sunday (December 18) at the Flamingo Main Ballroom in Las Vegas. Duals begin at 8 a.m. (pacific time).
Wartburg College will provide live video at the link above. Only certain mats/matches will be covered with the live video feed. Wartburg will also provide a live blog of the event at the other link above.
Tickets will be sold at the door, and an all-day session pass can be purchased for only $10. T-shirts for the event will also be available for purchase on site. Duals begin bright and early at 8 a.m., and rounds are tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. The Bulldogs have four duals scheduled for the day, beginning with #3 Grand View University (Iowa) at 8 a.m. Concordia’s complete schedule for the day is listed below along with the lineup the Bulldogs will feature in Las Vegas.
8 a.m. - #19 Concordia University vs. #3 Grand View University (Iowa)
Noon - #19 Concordia University vs. #4 Campbellsville University (Ken.)
2 p.m. - #19 Concordia University vs. #15 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
6 p.m. – #19 Concordia University vs. William Penn University (Iowa)
Bulldog Lineup
125 – Brandon Roath
133 – Adam Joseph
Jake Williams
141 – Alex Stepanek
Robbie Resendez
149 – John Frerichs
157 – LeSean Sanders
Zach Schnell
165 – Nick Sheppard
Ryan Perez
174 – Alfredo Torres
Kale Hintz
184 – Seth Crane
197 – Open
285 – Dillon Heesch
Hunter Cummins
Bulldogs compete in Desert Duals
18 December 2011
Concordia University went 0-4 at the Desert Duals on Sunday in Las Vegas. Complete results are listed below. Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) had a great day for the Bulldogs. The sophomore won all four of his matches by decision.
Grand View 48, Concordia University 3
125 – Peitz (Grand View) def. Roath (Concordia), fall 2:41
133 – Joseph (Concordia) def. Evans (Grand View), decision 8-2
141 – Martinez (Grand View) def. Stepanek (Concordia), decision 8-4
149 – Hand (Grand View) def. Frerichs (Concordia), fall 4:30
157 – Schuessler (Grand View) def. Schnell (Concordia), fall 1:45
165 – Lower (Grand View) def. Sheppard (Concordia), fall 3:22
174 – Knowler (Grand View) def. Torres (Concordia), decision 3-2
184 – Warthy (Grand View) def. Crane (Concordia), fall 2:09
197 – Pullin (Grand View) wins by forfeit
285 – Thompson (Grand View) def. Cummins (Concordia), fall 1:12
Campbellsville 24, Concordia University 22
125 – Roath (Concordia) wins by forfeit
133 – Joseph (Concordia) def. Alsip (Campbellsville), decision 11-2
141 – Pretty (Campbellsville) def. Stepanek (Concordia), major decision 12-2
149 – Milton (Campbellsville) def. Resendez (Concordia), decision 6-0
157 – Young (Campbellsville) def. Sanders (Concordia), tech fall 17-0
165 – Gryniuk (Campbellsville) def. Sheppard (Concordia), fall 3:57
174 – Ashbrook (Campbellsville) def. Torres (Concordia), decision 7-4
184 – Hintz (Concordia) wins by forfeit
197 – Adams (Campbellsville) def. Crane (Concordia), decision 10-5
285 – Cummins (Concordia) wins by forfeit
Embry-Riddle 36, Concordia University 12
125 – Silva (Embry-Riddle) def. Roath (Concordia), fall 1:41
133 – Joseph (Concordia) def. Gatknecht (Embry-Riddle), decision 9-4
141 – Chang (Embry-Riddle) def. Stepanek (Concordia), major decision 9-0
149 – Hamilton (Embry-Riddle) def. Resendez (Concordia), decision 4-2
157 – Roctsong (Embry-Riddle) def. Sanders (Concordia), fall 0:46
165 – Riley (Embry-Riddle) def. Sheppard (Concordia), fall 2:19
174 – Torres (Concordia) def. Cruz (Embry-Riddle), fall 7:30 OT
184 – Hintz (Concordia) def. Castelloni (Embry-Riddle), fall 0:36
197 – Shawn (Embry-Riddle) def. Crane (Concordia), fall 0:58
285 – Foster (Embry-Riddle) def. Cummins (Concordia), decision 6-1
William Penn 24, Concordia University 18
125 – Schaffer (William Penn) def. Roath (Concordia), decision 9-4
133 – Joseph (Concordia) def. Schnieder (William Penn), decision 9-4
141 – Stepanek (Concordia) def. Pittman (William Penn), decision 9-2
149 – Burejey (William Penn) def. Frerichs (Concordia), fall 2:29
157 – Rempsa (William Penn) def. Schnell (Concordia), decision 8-2
165 – Sheppard (Concordia) def. Majewski (William Penn), decision 5-2
174 – Torres (Concordia) def. Blanchard (William Penn), fall 1:01
184 – Crane (Concordia) def. Sumner (William Penn), decision 5-2
197 – Merical (William Penn) def. Hintz (Concordia), fall 3:26
285 – Morrow (William Penn) def. Cummins (Concordia), fall 0:42
Bulldogs move up to 12th in latest poll
22 December 2011
The Concordia University Bulldog wrestling team moved up from #19 to #12 in the nation in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs are just one point out of 10th place.
Concordia sophomore Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) jumped from #11 to #1 in the nation at 133 pounds. Joseph is the first Concordia wrestler to be ranked #1 in the national poll. Joseph went 4-0 in the Desert Duals in Las Vegas, and defeated Travis Evans from Grand View University, who was ranked #3 in the nation 7-2. Currently Joseph has an outstanding 24-3 record, and he is a perfect 6-0 in dual meets.
Joining Joseph in the national rankings is sophomore Alex Stepanek (St. Paul, Neb.) at 141 pounds. Stepanek breaks in to the national poll for the first time and is ranked #10 in the nation.
Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) dropped to #12 in the Coaches Poll at 149 pounds. Starkey is out with a knee injury suffered in the Simpson College Invitational and was not able to compete in the Desert Duals in Las Vegas. Starkey is a two-time NAIA qualifier and has met the qualifying standards for a third time this season. Starkey's injury and absence from the team has had an effect on the team’s ability to win in dual competitions.
Alfredo "Boxer" Torres (La Puenta, Calif.) has been ranked #5 at 174 pounds for eight straight weeks. The Junior College All-American has already qualified for the NAIA national championships, having placed in two collegiate tournaments already this season.
Junior Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) is ranked #9 at 197 pounds. Silva is a two-time Junior College All-American and a NAIA national qualifier in 2011. Silva went 2-2 at the national championships last season.
Dropping out of the polls is heavyweight Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa), who was ranked #12 in the nation. Heesch, who has not competed in the last two open competitions to focus on academics, dropped out of the poll. Heesch has a 6-2 record and has been a finalist in two tournaments.
"Going into Christmas break ranked 12th in the nation is a pretty good Christmas present," commented head coach Doug Reese. "We are at the half way point now in the season. I am proud of the effort thus far. The mission now is to finish strong and to build upon what we have already accomplished. We have the individuals to do that."
The Bulldog wrestling team is off until January 6th when a split squad will complete in either the Quality Inn Open in Hastings, or in the Ridgewater Open in Minnesota.
Bulldogs compete in Warrior Open and Quality Inn Open
7 January 2012
The Concordia University wrestling team split up this weekend. Most of Concordia’s squad traveled to Minnesota for the Warrior Open. A few of the Bulldogs traveled to Hastings to take part in the Quality Inn Open. The Bulldogs had several top-5 finishers on the weekend. They are listed below. A complete listing of the results as well as a release covering all of the weekend action will follow soon.
125 Pounds – Brandon Roath finished fifth
133 Pounds – NAIA #1 Adam Joseph finished first
141 Pounds – Jake Williams finished fourth
157 Pounds – John Frerichs finished fourth
174 Pounds – Alfredo Torres finished fourth
184 Pounds – Seth Crane finished fourth
197 Pounds – Julian Silva finished third
285 Pounds – Dillon Heesch finished third
The Bulldogs travel to the Northwestern College dual (Jan. 11) and the Matman Invitational (Jan. 14) in the coming week.
Northwestern defeats Concordia in GPAC dual, 27-19
11 January 2012
Northwestern College secured a 27-19 dual win over Concordia in GPAC wrestling action on Wednesday evening in Orange City. Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) remained undefeated in duals this year and improved to 28-3 overall on the year with a 9-0 major decision over Ricky Ortiz. Nick Sheppard (Englewood, Colo.) picked up a win by decision, while both Seth Crane (North Platte, Neb.) and Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) picked up wins by fall on the night. Complete results are listed below. The 13th-ranked Bulldogs travel to the Matman Invite in Iowa this Saturday.
125—Angelo Quintana (NOR) defeated Brandon Roath (CNC) by fall in 5:33
133—Adam Joseph (CNC) defeated Ricky Ortiz (NOR) by major decision, 9-0
141—Matt Dowell (NOR) defeated Jacob Williams (CNC) by decision, 8-2
149—Zach Fishman (NOR) defeated Alex Stepanek (CNC) by decision, 6-1
157—Tyler Schaefer (NOR) defeated John Frerichs (CNC) by fall in 1:11
165—Nick Sheppard (CNC) defeated Jason Swets (NOR) by decision, 9-4
174—David Carter (NOR) defeated Alfredo Torres (CNC) by decision, 9-7
184—Seth Crane (CNC) defeated Tim Stephens (NOR) by fall, 4:23
197—Nic Leither (NOR) defeated Kale Hintz (CNC) by fall, 1:07
HWT—Dillon Heesch (CNC) defeated Forrest Marx (NOR) by fall, 0:56
Williams, Joseph, and Heesch post strong showings at Cornell Invite
14 January 2012
The 13th-ranked Bulldog wrestling team finished 10th at the Cornell Wrestling Invite on Saturday. Concordia finished with a team score of 40.5 in the event. Jacob Williams, Adam Joseph, and Dillon Heesch all finished in the top six of their respective weight classes for the Bulldogs on the day.
Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) finished third in the 133-pound weight class. Williams won his first match of the day by fall over David Rosenau (UW-Oshkosh). He then picked up a 9-2 decision over Brad Jones of Luther. Tigue Snider (Cornell College) then defeated Williams by decision. Williams, however, picked up a pair of wins to end the day in third place. He defeated Michael Berardesco (Buena Vista) by fall and then secured a hard fought 9-7 decision over teammate Adam Joseph in the third place match.
Joseph (Hastings, Neb.), the current top ranked wrestler at 133-pounds, defeated Andrew Boehm (Stevens Inst. Of Tech) by decision and then secured another decision over Marcus Rivera Ingalls (Dubuque) to move to 2-0 on the day. Joseph then lost a tough one (6-5 decision) to Jordan Westfall (Coe College). Joseph responded with a 10-2 major decision over Braxton Chiccelly (Wartburg) to advance to the third place match, where he dropped the 9-7 decision to teammate Jake Williams.
Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) picked up a pair of wins by fall to open his day. He defeated Thomas Tourdot (Luther) by fall in 2:07 and the defeated Carl Gaul (Cornell College) by fall in 2:44. Conner Herman (Luther) handed Heesch a loss by decision (7-3), but the sophomore responded to win his next two matches to finish third. Heesch picked up a major decision over Matthew Sefcik (Buena Vista) and then bested Tyler Maher (Stevens Inst. of Tech) in his final match of the day.
Complete results are attached above. The Bulldogs take on York College in a dual on January 19. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in York.
Bulldogs 13th in latest NAIA wrestling poll
17 January 2012
The Concordia University wrestling team finds itself in the NAIA Coaches Poll for the 13th straight week. The Bulldogs are 13th in the national poll.
Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) continues to be one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the nation. Joseph is the top-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds. Joseph has posted a 31-5 record and has placed in six tournaments this season. He is 6-0 in dual competition. Quickly climbing in the polls is redshirt freshman Jake Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.). Williams is 20-6 this season, splitting time wrestling both at 133 and 141 pounds. Williams is ranked eighth at 133 pounds and should move up in the rankings with a solid third place performance at last weekend’s Matman Invitational.
Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) is ranked #12 at 149 pounds. Starkey has produced a 14-9 record and a pair of tournament place finishes. Starkey has been out of the lineup since the first weekend of December with a knee injury. Hopefully he will be back to full speed by the York Open on January 21.
Ranked #9 at 174 pounds is Alfredo "Boxer" Torres (La Puenta, Calif.). Torres struggled with and injury at the end of December but bounced back to place third at the Warrior Open in Willmar, Minn. Torres is 9-8 and can be a contender at the NAIA national championships for All-American honors.
Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) is ranked 10th at 197 pounds. Silva is 17-5 and has placed third in three tournaments this season.
Missing from the rankings is Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa). Heesch missed the ranking due to not competing in the last cycle period of the ranking. Since that time, he has posted an 8-2 record with five falls, and he placed third in both the Warrior Open and the Matman Invitational. In his first GPAC dual, Heesch pinned his opponent from Northwestern College in 56 seconds.
"We are working on the final push now," noted head coach Doug Reese. "Our regional tournament is four weeks away. Everything we do from this point on is to hone our technique and strengthen our lesser skills. We have to be physical, tough and intense, with an 'in your face' style to capture the prize. Everything we do is to that end, including stepping up our conditioning level another notch."
York College hangs on for 27-21 dual win over Concordia
19 January 2012
Concordia University fell just short in a dual against York College on Thursday evening in York. The Panthers held on for a 27-21 victory over the Bulldogs.
Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.), Jake Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.), John Frerichs (Sumner, Neb.), Seth Crane (North Platte, Neb.), and Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) all picked up victories for the Bulldogs on the evening. Williams and Crane earned their victories by pin. Concordia hosts Morningside College in a dual on Friday evening. Action begins at 6 p.m. at the Walz Human Performance Complex. Complete results from the York College Dual are listed below.
York College 27, Concordia University 21
125 – Miles Negley (YC) def. Brandon Roath (CNC) – Fall
133 – Adam Joseph (CNC) def. Josh Lopez (YC) – 7-1 Decision
141 – Jake Williams (CNC) def. Robert Eklund (YC) – Fall
149 – Chrystian Banuelos (YC) def. Alex Stepanek (CNC) – Fall
157 – John Frerichs (CNC) def. Nicholas Clarke (YC) – 17-12 Decision
165 – Kyle Wichman (YC) def. Nick Sheppard (CNC) – Fall
174 – Jake McCoy (YC) def. Alfredo Torres (CNC) – Fall
184 – Seth Crane (CNC) def. Joey Massay (YC) – Fall
197 – Shaun Howard (YC) def. Kale Hintz (CNC) – 8-2 Decision
285 – Dillon Heesch (CNC) def. Raymond Johnson (YC) – 6-1 Decision
Morningside cruises past Concordia in GPAC dual, 34-10
20 January 2012
Morningside College earned a 34-10 GPAC wrestling dual win over Concordia University on Friday evening in Seward. Adam Joseph, Jake Williams, and Dillon Heesch picked up the only wins of the evening for the Bulldogs. Complete results are listed below. The Bulldogs travel to the York College Open on Saturday.
Morningside College 34, Concordia University 10
125 – Kory Kistner (MOR) def. Brandon Roath (CNC) – 13-0 (Tech Fall) – Morningside 5-0
133 – Adam Joseph (CNC) def. Doug Thompson (MOR) – 10-3 (Decision) – Morningside 5-4
141 – Jake Williams (CNC) def. Garret Lambrecht (MOR) – 9-7 (Decision) – Concordia 7-5
149 – Matthew Maresh (MOR) def. Alex Stepanek (CNC) – Fall (4:28) – Morningside 11-7
157 – Jordan Langley (MOR) def. John Frerichs (CNC) – Fall (2:34) – Morningside 17-7
165 – Jared Wildeboer (MOR) def. Nick Sheppard (CNC) – 15-0 (Tech Fall) – Morningside 22-7
174 – Joe Sievert (MOR) def. Alfredo Torres (CNC) – 17-6 (Major Decision) – Morningside 26-7
184 – Brian Block (MOR) def. Seth Crane (CNC) – 13-1 (Major Decision) – Morningside 30-7
197 – Andrew Anthofer (MOR) def. Kale Hintz (CNC) – 11-2 (Major Decision) – Morningside 34-7
285 – Dillon Heesch (CNC) def. John Sievert (MOR) – 9-5 (Decision) – Morningside 34-10
Five place for Bulldogs at York College Open
23 January 2012
The Bulldog wrestling team took part in the York College Open over the weekend. A total of five Concordia wrestlers placed in the event. A listing of the top finishers is below. The Bulldogs travel to Kansas for duals against Bethany College and Wayland Baptist this Wednesday.
York Open Top Finishers
Jake Williams – 1st @ 133 pounds
Adam Joseph – 2nd @ 133 pounds
Dillon Heesch – 2nd @ heavyweight
Alex Stepanek – 3rd @ 141 pounds
Julian Silva (unattached) – 4th @ 197 pounds
Bulldogs go 0-2 at Bethany College duals
26 January 2012
The Bulldog wrestling team traveled to Kansas for a pair of duals on Wednesday evening. Concordia took on Wayland Baptist (Texas) before matching up with the hosts from Bethany College. Wayland Baptist picked up a 28-18 win over the Bulldogs. Bethany held on for a 24-21 win over the Bulldogs. Complete results are listed below. Concordia hosts Dakota Wesleyan and Midland University on February 1 at the Walz Human Performance Complex.
Wayland Baptist 28, Concordia University 18
125 – Tapia (WBU) def. Roath (CNC) – Fall (6:01)
133 – Joseph (CNC) def. Mendoza (WBU) – Fall (6:33)
141 – Williams (CNC) def. Thomas (WBU) – 8-7 Decision
149 – Starkey (CNC) def. Hart (WBU) – 11-6 Decision
157 – Gonzales (WBU) def. Sanders (CNC) – 14-3 Major Decision
165 – Sauer (WBU) def. Frerichs (CNC) – Fall (5:50)
174 – Alvarez (WBU) def. Torres (CNC) – 9-2 Decision
184 – Crane (WBU) def. Shepard (CNC) – Fall (4:26)
197 – Rocha (WBU) def. Hintz (CNC) – 7-2 Decision
285 – Makese (WBU) def. Heesch (CNC) – Fall (6:49)
Bethany College 24, Concordia University 21
125 – Goodwin (BC) def. Roath (CNC) – Fall (5:35)
133 – Joseph (CNC) def. Rogers (BC) – 12-4 Major Decision
141 – Williams (CNC) def. Strauss (BC) – 18-7 Major Decision
149 – Starkey (CNC) def. Scott (BC) – 15-1 Major Decision
157 – Crank (BC) def. Sanders (CNC) – Fall (2:30)
165 – Frerichs (CNC) def. Snelgrove (BC) – Fall (2:47)
174 – Wagner (BC) def. Torres (CNC) – 3-2 Decision
184 – Atwood (BC) def. Crane (CNC) – Fall (5:55)
197 – Grist (BC) def. Hintz (CNC) – 8-2 Decision
285 – Heesch (CNC) def. Smith (BC) – 10-4 Decision
Bulldogs split with DWU and Midland, earn first dual win of season
1 February 2012
Concordia University hosted a triangular on Wednesday at the Walz Human Performance Complex. Dakota Wesleyan and Midland University joined Concordia in the event. The Bulldogs picked up their first dual win of the year in their 25-20 victory over Dakota Wesleyan to open the day. Complete results from all three duals are listed below.
Concordia University 25, Dakota Wesleyan University 20
125 – Zach Nelson (DWU) def. Brandon Roath (CNC) – 16-0 Tech Fall (4:28) – DWU leads 5-0
133 – Adam Joseph (CNC) wins by Forfeit – CNC leads 6-5
141 – Jake Williams (CNC) wins by Forfeit – CNC leads 12-5
149 – Brandon Starkey (CNC) def. Ray Rickenbach (DWU) – 5-2 Decision – CNC leads 15-5
157 – Trever Devestern (DWU) def. John Frerichs (CNC) – 17-2 Tech Fall (4:18) – CNC leads 15-10
165 – Nick Hutcheson (DWU) def. Nick Sheppard (CNC) – Fall (6:57) – DWU leads 16-15
174 – Alfredo Torres (CNC) def. Tyler Sarringar (DWU) – 5-3 Decision – CNC leads 18-16
184 – Seth Crane (CNC) def. Kyle Hoisington (DWU) – 15-6 Major Decision – CNC leads 22-16
197 – Shea Klooster (DWU) def. Kale Hintz (CNC) – 12-3 Major Decision – CNC leads 22-20
HWT – Dillon Heesch (CNC) def. Josh Geppert (DWU) – 10-3 Decision – CNC wins 25-20
Midland University 47, Dakota Wesleyan University 6
125 – Clayden McKim (MID) def. Zach Nelson (DWU) – 14-3 Major Decision – MID leads 4-0
133 – Aspen Kmiec (MID) wins by Forfeit – MID leads 10-0
141 – Chauncey Ziemann (MID) wins by Forfeit – MID leads 16-0
149 – Tyler Boyer (MID) def. Ray Rickenbach (DWU) – Fall (2:29) – MID leads 22-0
157 – Sterling Terry (MID) def. Kyle Gerlach (DWU) – 11-3 Major Decision – MID leads 26-0
165 – Kyle Conley (MID) def. Nick Hutchenson (DWU) – 6-2 Decision – MID leads 29-0
174 – Tyler Sarringar (DWU) def. Rowan Stander (MID) – Fall (5:23) – MID leads 29-6
184 – Kody Kersten (MID) def. Kyle Hoisington (DWU) – Fall (1:16) – MID leads 35-6
197 – Jahsua Marsh (MID) def. Shea Klooster (DWU) – Fall (6:22) – MID leads 41-6
HWT – Levi Roberson (MID) def. Eric Gruis (DWU) – Fall (2:56) – MID wins 47-6
Midland University 33, Concordia University 12
125 – Clayden McKim (MID) def. Brandon Roath (CNC) – Fall (2:25) – MID leads 6-0
133 – Adam Joseph (CNC) def. Aspen Kmiel (MID) – 13-8 Decision – MID leads 6-3
141 – Jake Williams (CNC) def. Chauncey Ziemann (MID) – Fall (3:26) – CNC leads 9-6
149 – Tyler Boyer (MID) def. Brandon Starkey (CNC) – 7-6 Decision (2 OT) – Tied 9-9
157 – Sterling Terry (MID) def. John Frerichs (CNC) – Fall (1:41) – MID leads 15-9
165 – Kyle Conley (MID) def. Nick Sheppard (CNC) – 11-2 Major Decision – MID leads 19-9
174 – Alfredo Torres (CNC) def. Rowan Stander – 6-2 Decision – MID leads 19-12
184 – Kody Kersten (MID) def. Seth Crane (CNC) – Fall (0:37) – MID leads 25-12
197 – Jahsua Marsh (MID) def. Kale Hintz (CNC) – 21-4 Technical Fall – MID leads 30-12
HWT – Levi Roberson (MID) def. Dillon Heesch (CNC) – 4-1 Decision – MID wins 33-12
Bulldogs up to 10th in latest NAIA poll
8 February 2012
The Bulldog wrestling team moved up three spots to 10th in the latest NAIA top 20 poll. Several individual wrestlers also remain ranked in the latest poll. Dillon Heesch moved up from 13th to 4th at heavyweight, while both Jake Williams and Adam Joseph remain in the top five at 133 pounds. The Bulldogs are in action on Wednesday evening in a dual against GPAC rival Hastings College.
Individual Rankings
133 – Jake Williams – 2nd
133 – Adam Joseph – 4th
174 – Alfredo Torres – 11th
HWT – Dillon Heesch – 4th
Pins by Crane and Heesch lift Bulldogs to 27-19 dual win over Hastings
8 February 2012
Concordia picked up its second dual win of the season, 27-19, over Hastings College on Wednesday evening in Seward. Hastings led 12-0 following the opening three matches, but three straight wins to close the dual (including two pins) lifted the 10th-ranked Bulldogs to the victory. Complete results are listed below. Concordia concludes the regular season with a dual at Briar Cliff on February 10.
Concordia University 27, Hastings College 19
125 – Tony Blessie (HAS) def. Brandon Roath (CNC) – Pin (0:46) – 6-0 Hastings
133 – Jared Leithead (HAS) def. Adam Joseph (CNC) – 10-8 Decision – 9-0 Hastings
141 – Garth Ginder (HAS) def. Jacob Williams (CNC) – 12-10 Decision – 12-0 Hastings
149 – Brandon Starkey (CNC) def. Justin Ferguson (HAS) – 13-6 Decision – 12-3 Hastings
157 – John Frerichs (CNC) def. Mike Ganny (HAS) – Pin (3:51) – 12-9 Hastings
165 – Taylor Boyce (HAS) def. Nick Sheppard (CNC) – 10-1 Major Decision – 16-9 Hastings
174 – David Gerhardus (HAS) def. Martin Dobler (CNC) – 6-3 Decision – 19-9 Hastings
184 – Kale Hintz (CNC) wins by forfeit – 19-15 Hastings
197 – Seth Crane (CNC) def. Brandon Hagemann (HAS) – Pin (3:16) – 21-19 Concordia
285 – Dillon Heesch (CNC) def. Pat Mattfeld (HAS) – Pin (2:40) – 27-19 Concordia
Bulldogs defeat Briar Cliff, 29-15, for third dual win of season
10 February 2012
Concordia University moved to 3-6 on the season in duals with a 29-15 win over Briar Cliff University on Friday evening in Sioux City. Brandon Starkey and Dillon Heesch each earned wins by fall, while Jake Williams picked up a 21-6 technical fall victory to lead the way for the Bulldogs. Complete results are listed below. The Bulldog wrestling team travels to Morningside College on February 18 for the NAIA Regional Qualifier.
Concordia University 29, Briar Cliff University 15
125 Brandon Roath (CNC) def. Nate Garcia, 12-7
133 Devin Derocher (BCU) wins by Forfeit
141 Jake Williams (CNC) def. Luis Flores by Tech. Fall, 21-6
149 Brandon Starkey (CNC) def. Justin Powell by Fall, 6:52
157 John Frerichs (CNC) def. Thomas Patterson, 7-5
165 Ben Taylor (BCU) def. Nick Sheppard, 9-4
174 Alfredo Torres (CNC) def. Dillon Freeman, 7-2
184 Seth Crane (CNC) def. Dan Harvey, 5-3
197 Jake Baker (BCU) def. Kale Hintz by Fall, 1:00
285 Dillon Heesch (CNC) def. Matt Solomon, by Fall, 1:30
Wrestling program placed on probation by NAIA
17 February 2012
Concordia University, Nebraska received official word from the NAIA National Eligibility Committee Feb. 17 that its wrestling program violated rules pertaining to ineligible student-athletes. Concordia initiated the process by submitting a report to the NAIA after discovering that unattached wrestlers had received accommodation benefits from the university, a violation of NAIA rules.
As a result of the ruling, the wrestling team will be placed on probation for the remaining weeks of this season and for the 2012-2013 season. Also, the five current wrestlers who received benefits from Concordia will be charged with one season of eligibility.
Student-athletes might participate as unattached wrestlers because they are taking a redshirt year, for example, or if their academic status does not yet meet minimum student-athlete requirements. While it is permissible for unattached wrestlers to participate in open wrestling tournaments, they must themselves provide for such things as travel, food and any hotel costs.
Concordia’s investigation determined that its former wrestling head coach allowed unattached wrestlers to sleep on the floor of hotel rooms purchased by the university for other team members. The coach also used institutional funds to purchase plane tickets for two wrestlers whose eligibility was still in question on the date of the trip. The trip took place between the first and second semesters of current school year. The investigation indicated that the former coach enforced all other requirements for unattached athletes and that the athletes adhered to them.
Concordia’s former head wrestling coach was placed on administrative leave Jan. 20 while an investigation was conducted by the university. He resigned his position Feb. 9.
“Our investigation convinced us that our wrestlers had no idea this was a violation, that they intended to abide by all the rules, and that they did in fact meet all other conditions for unattached participation,” said Devin Smith, athletic director.
“We deeply regret that our failure to educate and enforce this rule properly will negatively affect these student-athletes by costing them a season of eligibility. Probation for the team in general will not affect the remaining wrestling schedule for this year or the schedule next year.
“Bottom line, we are committed to following NAIA rules completely," Smith added. "We have already taken steps to ensure that this will not reoccur.”
The Bulldog wrestling team will compete as scheduled at the NAIA North Region Championships tomorrow, Feb. 18.
Joseph earns first place at NAIA North Regional
18 February 2012
No. 10 Concordia took fifth place at the NAIA North Regional title on Saturday, Feb. 18, picking up 96 team points. No. 8 Midland University took home first place, edging out No. 6 Morningside.
Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) defeated his opponent from Dakota Wesleyan 8-6 to win first place in the 133-pound division. Three Concordia wrestlers were runners-up in their weight classes: Jake Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) at 141, Alfredo Torres (Pamona, Calif.) at 174 and Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) at 197. In the 285-pound division Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) took third for Concordia.
Qualifying Bulldogs will move on to the NAIA National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, March 1.
Wrestlers who have qualified for nationals:
133 - Adam Joseph
141 - Jacob Williams
141 - Alex Stepanek
149 - Brandon Starkey
174 - Alfredo Torres
184 - Seth Crane
197 - Julian Silva
285 - Dillon Heesch
Five Bulldogs remain in the title hunt, three others alive in wrestle-backs
1 March 2012
Eight Concordia wrestlers began action on Thursday, Mar. 1 at the NAIA National Championships and all eight have advanced to day two. Five remain in contention for a national title, while the other three remain in contention for third place in their respective weight class.
Sophomore Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) advanced with one of the most impressive matches of the day in the heavyweight class, pinning Markese Christian of Wayland Baptist in 29 seconds.
Complete Results will be available at the end of the day.
To follow live NAIA Results, click here. Then go to the live scoring link in the middle of the page.
133 - Adam Joseph's place is unknown and has scored 5.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by major decision over Brett Yarbrough (Indiana Tech) (Maj 13-4)
141 - Jacob Williams's place is unknown and has scored 5.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) won by major decision over Victor Thomas (Wayland Baptist) (Maj 10-2)
141 - Alex Stepanek's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Alex Stepanek (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Tommy Pretty (Campbellsville) won by pin over Alex Stepanek (Concordia) (Pin 6:53)
Cons. Round 2 - Alex Stepanek (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
149 - Brandon Starkey's place is unknown and has scored 4.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Brandon Starkey (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Brandon Starkey (Concordia) won by decision over Jarell Price (Baker) (Dec 9-6)
174 - Alfredo Torres's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Jose Alvarez (Wayland Baptist) won by decision over Alfredo Torres (Concordia) (Dec 4-2)
184 - Seth Crane's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Scott Stewart (Cumberland) won in overtime over Seth Crane (Concordia) (OT 15-13)
197 - Julian Silva's place is unknown and has scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Julian Silva (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
285 - Dillon Heesch's place is unknown and has scored 4.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Dillon Heesch (Concordia) won by pin over Markese Christian (Wayland Baptist) (Pin 0:32)
Heesch, Joseph and Williams remain in contention for NAIA National Championships
1 March 2012
The trio of sophomores Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa), Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) and freshman Jacob Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) each earned two victories advancing to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championships on Thursday, Mar. 1.
As a team, the Concordia University Bulldogs racked up 13 points and sit in 19th place overall.
Concordia's heavyweight, Heesch is off to the most impressive start for Concordia, recording to victories by pinfall in a combined 1:25. His feat is the second fastest margin of victory for any wrestler at the NAIA National Championships, just a nine seconds behind the mark of 1:16 of Great Fall's Kamron Jackson.
At the 133 weight class, Joseph kicked off things on Thursday with a major decision over Indiana Tech's Brett Yarbrough (13-4), then bested Scott Schlosser of Great Falls, 7-3.
Williams, meanwhile, also earned a major decision (10-2) over Wayland Baptist's Victor Thomas in action at the 141 weight class. Later in the day, Williams downed Marty Rubalcaba of Missouri Baptist.
Two other Concordia wrestler remain alive in wrestle backs as senior Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) and junior Brandon Starkey (St. Paul, Neb.) will look to fight for third place in the 197-pound class and 149-pound class respectively.
NAIA National Championships - Day 1 Results
133 - Adam Joseph scored 7.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by major decision over Brett Yarbrough (Indiana Tech) (Maj 13-4)
Champ. Round 3 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by decision over Scott Schlosser (Great Falls) (Dec 7-3)
141 - Jacob Williams scored 7.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) won by major decision over Victor Thomas (Wayland Baptist) (Maj 10-2)
Champ. Round 3 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) won by decision over Marty Rubalcaba (Missouri Baptist) (Dec 11-5)
141 - Alex Stepanek
Champ. Round 1 - Alex Stepanek (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Tommy Pretty (Campbellsville) won by pin over Alex Stepanek (Concordia) (Pin 6:53)
Cons. Round 2 - Alex Stepanek (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Cons. Round 3 - Josh Lopez (York) won by major decision over Alex Stepanek (Concordia) (Maj 14-6)
149 - Brandon Starkey scored 4.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Brandon Starkey (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Brandon Starkey (Concordia) won by decision over Jarell Price (Baker) (Dec 9-6)
Champ. Round 3 - Jimmy Eggemeyer (Southern Oregon) won by decision over Brandon Starkey (Concordia) (Dec 12-10)
174 - Alfredo Torres
Champ. Round 1 - Jose Alvarez (Wayland Baptist) won by decision over Alfredo Torres (Concordia) (Dec 4-2)
Cons. Round 1 - Cody Swim (Grand View) won by major decision over Alfredo Torres (Concordia) (Maj 13-3)
184 - Seth Crane
Champ. Round 1 - Scott Stewart (Cumberland) won in overtime over Seth Crane (Concordia) (OT 15-13)
Cons. Round 1 - Teagan Franco (Oklahoma City) won by decision over Seth Crane (Concordia) (Dec 13-8)
197 - Julian Silva
Champ. Round 1 - Julian Silva (Concordia) received a bye () (Bye)
Champ. Round 2 - Derek Nightser (Grand View) won by tech fall over Julian Silva (Concordia) (TF 16-0)
285 - Dillon Heesch scored 8.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Dillon Heesch (Concordia) won by pin over Markese Christian (Wayland Baptist) (Pin 0:32)
Champ. Round 2 - Dillon Heesch (Concordia) won by pin over Dan Mueller (Missouri Valley) (Pin 0:53)
After second day, sophomore Adam Joseph within reach of third place finish at NAIA National Championships
2 March 2012
At the close of the second day of action on Friday, Mar. 2 in Des Moines, Iowa at the NAIA Wrestling National Championships, Concordia University (Neb.) sophomore Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) is just two wins away from a third place finish in the 133-pound weight class.
Joseph began the day with an 8-5 loss in the quarterfinals to 8-5 Lindsey Wilson's Keith Klink. Undaunted, Joseph battled back to earn decisions over Brian Bitney of Missouri Valley, 11-4 and Menlo's Angel Garcia, 4-2.
Following his two victories in the consolation bracket, Joseph can advance to the third place match with a win over Tim Thurston (CBSV) on Saturday, Mar. 3.
Sophomore Dillon Heesch (Dayton, Iowa) went down by pinfall to Oklahoma City's Mike Brown at the 3:30 mark in the quarterfinals and dropped a consolation match to Leviticus Roberson of Midland by pinfall as well.
The toughest loss of the afternoon was the 13-12 decision suffered by freshman Rio Rancho, N.M.) in the 141-pound weight class. Williams just missed overcoming Chris Teague of Campbellsville in the closing moments of the match. Williams earned a consolation victory over Tommy Pretty of Campbellsville, via pin at the 6:44 mark. However, was eliminated by Lindsey Wilson's DaMonte Riley in the ensuing consolation round.
Senior Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) posted three victories in the 197-pound consolation bracket before finally succombing to Northwestern's Nic Leither via pinfall. Silva began the day by out muscling Manuel Rocha of Wayland Baptist, 5-1. Later he bested Central Baptist's John Lopez, by a 3-0 score, then defeated Courtney Freeman of Cumberlands, 12-8.
NAIA Wrestling National Championships Results for Concordia, Friday, March 2
133 - Adam Joseph
Quarterfinal - Keith Klink (Lindsey Wilson) won by decision over Adam Joseph (Concordia) (Dec 8-5)
Cons. Round 6 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by decision over Brian Bitney (Missouri Valley) (Dec 11-4)
Cons. Round 7 - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by decision over Angel Garcia (Menlo) (Dec 4-2)
141 - Jacob Williams
Quarterfinal - Chris Teague (Campbellsville) won by decision over Jacob Williams (Concordia) (Dec 13-12)
Cons. Round 6 - Jacob Williams (Concordia) won by pin over Tommy Pretty (Campbellsville) (Pin 6:44)
Cons. Round 7 - DaMonte Riley (Lindsey Wilson) won by pin over Jacob Williams (Concordia) (Pin 2:11)
149 - Brandon Starkey
Cons. Round 4 - Mike Vassar (Great Falls) won by tech fall over Brandon Starkey (Concordia) (TF 18-3)
197 - Julian Silva
Cons. Round 2 - Julian Silva (Concordia) won by decision over Manuel Rocha (Wayland Baptist) (Dec 5-1)
Cons. Round 3 - Julian Silva (Concordia) won by decision over John Lopez (Central Baptist) (Dec 3-0)
Cons. Round 4 - Julian Silva (Concordia) won by decision over Courtney Freeman (Cumberlands) (Dec 12-8)
Cons. Round 5 - Nic Leither (Northwestern) won by pin over Julian Silva (Concordia) (Pin 2:54)
285 - Dillon Heesch
Quarterfinal - Mike Brown (Oklahoma City) won by pin over Dillon Heesch (Concordia) (Pin 3:30)
Cons. Round 4 - Leviticus Roberson (Midland) won by pin over Dillon Heesch (Concordia) (Pin 6:46)
Joseph notches Fifth Place to highlight NAIA National Championships
3 March 2012
Concordia University (Neb.) sophomore Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.), freshman Jacob Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) and senior Julian Silva (Covina, Calif.) remained alive as the final day of competition began at the NAIA National Championships for Wrestling in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Mar. 3.
Joseph kicked things off for the Bulldogs at the 133-pound class in the consoalation semi-finals. A 9-6 loss to Cambellsville's Tim Thurston sent Joseph into the fifth-place match. Joseph closed his season with a victory, an 8-6 decision over Nathan Galloway of Shorter Collegee to take fifth place.
Both Williams and Silva dropped their opening matches on Saturday, settling for an eighth place finish.
Williams dropped a 13-7 decision to Lindsey Wilson's Issac Thomas, while Silva was pinned by Jesse Alter of Missouri Valley College at 4:28.
NAIA Wrestling National Championships Results
for Concordia on Saturday, Mar. 3
133 - Adam Joseph's place is 5th and scored 18.00 team points.
Cons. Semi - Tim Thurston (Campbellsville) won by decision over Adam Joseph
(Concordia) (Dec 9-6)
5th Place Match - Adam Joseph (Concordia) won by decision over Nathan Galloway
(Shorter) (Dec 8-6)
141 - Jacob Williams's place is 8th and scored 11.00 team points.
7th Place Match - Isaac Thomas (Lindsey Wilson) won by decision over Jacob
Williams (Concordia) (Dec 13-7)
197 - Julian Silva's place is 8th and scored 6.00 team points.
7th Place Match - Jesse Alter (Missouri Valley) won by pin over Julian
Silva (Concordia) (Pin 4:28)
Seven minutes
20 March 2012
Basketball—forty minutes. Football—sixty minutes. Baseball—180 minutes. These sports capture our attention for hours. We talk about them by the proverbial water cooler, or, in the case of the Cornhuskers, we talk about them wherever we happen to find ourselves. They are lengthy discussions. After all, a three-pointer, turnover, or a grand slam can turn the game on its head. But…what if you watched something that just a movement of two inches changes the result from victory into defeat?
Wrestling, most of the time, seems like the proverbial younger brother of the other sports. It’s most dedicated followers live mostly in pockets of the Midwest. The matches themselves do not last for hours but mere minutes. If one watches closely enough, each minute can seem an eternity.
Traveling to the NAIA national championships in Des Moines, Iowa, was a fascinating experience. For those whose attention spans are “challenged,” it is the sport of kings. Six mats. Seven minutes. Eight young men who will make “All-American” in their respective weight divisions. Each moment was racked with tension. In the end, the person who struck perfectly had his hand lifted in the air.
I met with a number of parents over the course of three days. As they talk, you sense the pride that they have in their sons who are showcased in feats of strength and quickness. Of course the pride in their eyes is mixed with well-hidden fear. Wrestling is not a sport for the faint of heart. Every joint is twisted. Arms are bent at angles that would break tree limbs. Bodies are slammed to the mat in an almost felonious manner. The matches are like sprinting marathons. After seven minutes, sweat pours from the contestants. The men seem as if they are almost too weak to move. Of course they have to get ready for another couple of matches that day.
Concordia’s wrestlers filled me with pride. They were fierce and yet honorable. When each match was done, they would rise from the mat, win or lose, and go shake the opponent’s coach’s hand. I remember when Julian Silva lost one of his matches, his mouth bloodied and body spent, he rose up on one knee and then another. It was almost as if Sisyphus was pushing the boulder up the hill. He approached the coach and then went out of his way to shake the other wrestler’s hand who had defeated him.
It’s that moment that signifies wrestling. Two men battling and spending themselves, and then rising up to honor the effort. Adam, Alex, Jake, Brandon, Alfredo, Seth, Julian, and Brandon made me proud to be a Bulldog. Three are All-American’s—Adam, Jake, and Julian, but they are all men. If you have a chance to congratulate them, please do. They showed incredible honor to themselves, their families and their university last weekend—if only for seven minutes at a time.
The Addendum
After rereading the experiences at the national tournament, one always remembers something that he should have said, but didn’t. Hind-sight, is not twenty/twenty, but sometimes moments will flash and you realize something that was glaring. I suppose that’s one nice thing about being able to add something in the future.
Dillon Heesch, our heavyweight wrestler, proved to be an outstanding competitor at the national meet. In his first two matches, he pinned both wrestlers within a minute. I talked to him shortly before his second match, and he didn’t say much. He was completely focused, his eyes not leaving the mat even when he was answering my questions.
In Dillon’s next match, he severely injured his elbow. You could sense the pain that he was in, and beyond all amazement, he wrestled even being hampered by only using one arm. Try swimming sometime with one arm and see how effective you are. Dillon fought through it gracefully. He was certainly disappointed, but you could sense pride in the fact that he battled through the pain and never gave up. He fell just short of All-American status, losing in the “heart-break” round. Yet his heart was strong though an arm didn’t work perfectly. We were all very proud of Dillon and he certainly deserved special mention for his efforts during that weekend. I am truly sorry for omitting you from the first story.
Again, we are proud of all of our wrestlers. They were true ambassadors that weekend and wonderful reminders of the true spirit of competition. We’ll keep you informed of more stories as they come down the line.
Adam Joseph earns 2012 NAIA/National Wrestling Coaches Association All Academic honor
13 APR 2012
Sophomore Adam Joseph (Hastings, Neb.) was named to the 2012 NAIA/National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All Academic team on April 11.
A Physical Science Studies major, Joseph placed fifth in the 133 weight class at the 2012 NAIA National championships and has a 3.51 GPA.
The NAIA/NWCA coaches association recognizes the importance of strong academics within ourprograms and sport. The following a list of teams with the highest team GPA and individuals that qualified for the national tournament with at least a 3.25 and reach All American status (finishing in the top eight of the weight class) with at least 3.0.