*Article via Dickinson State University Athletics
Oskaloosa, IA- the Dickinson State University men’s wrestling team compete at the Heart of America National Qualifier Tournament.
As a team, the Blue Hawks finished fourth out of eight teams. Dickinson State had two individuals qualify for nationals. Gresh Jones placed 2nd overall. Gresh Joneslost 5-6 to the number 1 ranked wrestler in the nation in the 133 weight class. Placing 2nd sealed Jones’s automatic bid to the National Tournament. Also qualifying for Nationals was sophomore wrestler, Taner Stone. Stone placed 3rd overall wrestling at weight class 157.
“I’m excited to get back to nationals after last years’ 4th place finish,” stated Gresh Jones. “It’s been a tough year of overcoming injuries, but I’m healed up and ready to go. Loosing in the finals today 5-6 to the #1 kid in the NAIA gives me a lot of confidence going into nationals and I can’t wait to get there and represent DSU!”
“It feels good, a lot of hard work is paying off,” explained Taner Stone. “The competition was tough and I’m blessed for all my support that got me here and I can’t wait for the big show!”
Also wrestling for the Blue Hawks was Kyle Anderson and Zach Myers. Anderson wrestled at the 184 weight class and Myers wrestled at the 285 weight class. Both individuals placed 4th overall. Jamie Mullins wrestled at 141 and placed 5th overall. Both Caden Haugen (165) and Tavian Del Rosario (174) placed 6th in the Heart of America Conference Tournament.
“It was a good day overall. The guys wrestled hard and had great effort in their matches,” stated head coach Justin Schlecht. “Taner and Gresh are now focused on the national tournament. Both of them wrestled well and aggressive. We are waiting on the wildcard options to get into the national tournament, and those will be announced Wednesday.”
Next on the schedule, the wildcard options will be announced on Wednesday, February 20. Gresh Jones and Taner Stone will compete at the NAIA National Wrestling on March 1-2nd. For more information about this event, please click on the following link: NATIONALS
ndwrestle.com 