Last week, Ashland University was proud to send six wrestlers to the NCAA DII Wrestling Championships in Arizona. The six were Michael Labry (133), Brent Fickel (149), Luke Cramer (174), Zeb Beam (175), Kurt Schaefer (184), and Brandon O’Neill (197). 

Two out of the six wrestlers were veterans when it came to the NCAA Championships (Labry and Fickel). Head coach Josh Hutchens had small concern with four new faces to the event, but he was very pleased with what he found. 

“I was happy to see that they all came in prepared and was not overwhelmed by the situation,” said Hutchens.

It is certain that Hutchens had some nerves, as did the athletes. But making it that far is definitely something to hold your head high about. 

“The national tournament is always a fun experience because no matter what happens, the guys know that they have made it to the pinnacle of competition at our level,” said Hutchens.

All sights were set on Labry, as this was his third time returning to Nationals in three years. He finished at secondafter a hard-fought match of four overtimes.

“It definitely stung to be so close to a championship, but he did everything he could and wrestled a nearly perfect match,” said Hutchens.

Fickel finished eighth at the competition, after a tough day of persistence, heart, and passion shown to the whole crowd in attendance. He also received his first All-American honor.

“He really showed some heart in both of the matches he needed to win,” Hutchens said.

Beam found himself in tough places but never gave up and fought until the end. He ended 0-2 on the day.

Cramer started off the day with a great win against who would eventually take the fourth place in 174. A takedown towards the end of the match was reversed by the officials, which ended his tournament.

Schaefer did not have the day he was hoping for. He lost the first two matches.

“He lost his second match and had to watch as several opponents that he had defeated during the season reached the podium,” said Hutchens.

O’Neill went against the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the first round. 

After battling through three overtimes, he fell victim to a takedown, which caused him to lose the match.

After all was said and done, the Eagles finished 16th in the country and Coach Hutchens is nothing but proud.

“Overall, it was tough for the guys not to be disappointed being so close to reaching their goals,” said Hutchens. “As a coach, I empathize with them but could not be more proud of the effort that they gave. They did a great job representing Ashland University with their competition and class.”