#10 Upper Iowa Completes Sprawl and Brawl Duals with 2-1 Record
Peacocks Challenge #15 Edinboro (DI); Dominate American International (DII) and Wagner (DI)
#15 Edinboro (DI) 32 - #10 Upper Iowa 12
#10 Upper Iowa 41 - American International 4
#10 Upper Iowa 60 - Wagner (DI) 0
The #10 Peacock wrestling team traveled to Vestal, New York and the campus of Binghamton University to compete in the Journeyman/Brute Sprawl and Brawl Duals. The event featured thirteen teams including Edinboro, Penn State, American International, Binghamton, Clarion, Columbia, Boise State, North Carolina, Rutgers, Upper Iowa, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wagner College. The only two NCAA Division II teams present were Upper Iowa and American International. UIU opened their day at the duals with Division I-power and 15th ranked Edinboro. The Peacocks jumped out to an 8-0 lead after the first two matches, before falling 32-12. The final score was misleading though, Upper Iowa nearly recorded falls at 165 and 197 pounds that could have pulled UIU to within two points. The Peacocks bounced back with two victories to close out their day in New York. UIU defeated American International 41-4 and Wagner (NCAA D1) 60-0.
The perfect match against Wagner is a new record for most points in a dual and great margin of victory in a dual for the Upper Iowa wrestling program. The Peacocks recorded 8 falls and two victories by forfeit to reach the highest point total available in a college dual. The shutout victory is the fifth such result since Head Coach Heath Grimm took the reins for the 2000-01 season. Upper Iowa defeated Knox College 54-0 and Illinois College 57-0 in Grimm's first season at the helm. The Peacocks defeated UNC Pembroke 47-0 at the National Duals in 2006 and Northern State University 45-0 in an NSIC dual in 2007.
Trevor Franklin went 3-0 at the Sprawl and Brawl Duals in New York; the trip was a Homecoming for Franklin, Tyler Mumbulo, and Scott Fuller. The Pecocks took their early 8-0 lead against Edinboro after Tyler Mumbulo opened with a tech. fall victory. Franklin then staked Upper Iowa to their lead when he won by decision, 5-3, over Ricky Deubel (#15 NCAA DI). The redshirt freshman scored the win with a late takedown in the third period. Franklin followed the victory up with a 12-4 major decision victory against his opponent from American International College. The Peacock grappler wrapped up his day with a fall (5:13) over another NCAA DI opponent, Nick Keshecki of Wagner; Franklin was in the midst of winning by tech. fall when he got the pin.
At 125 pounds, the Peacocks sent two wrestlers into action; Mumbulo and Kyle Pedretti. Mumbulo got things started the right way in the Edinboro dual with an 18-2 technical fall victory over his Division I-opponent. Pedretti wrestled against American International and won his match 9-0 to open the dual. Mumbulo earned the final win at 125 by forfeit to begin the Wagner dual.
Mitch Norton made his season debut for the Peacocks as well. Norton is moving up to 174 this year after qualifying for Nationals at 165 last year. Norton earned the third win against Edinboro with a 14-0 dismantling of Paul Paddock to get the major decision. Norton followed up his decision with two more wins for a 3-0 day. Norton added a 7-1 victory over Jason Pagan of American International and was one of the eight Peacocks to pick up a fall (1:45) in the dual versus Wagner.
Other good matches in the Edinboro dual included close losses by JR Baker (141) and Micah Keller (149). Baker lost by decision to Ryan Morgan, 7-2, while Keller lost to Torsten Gillespie (#17) by an 11-7 count. Keller had an opportunity to get a fall, but the close decision didn't fall Keller's way. Matt Norton (197) made his season debut and also had an opportunity at a fall, but was instead pinned in the final minute of the match. Tony Gehling (184) and Travis Eggers (157) both wrestled hard, but were both majored by Gregor Gillespie (#3) and Chris Honeycutt (#14), respectively.
Key matches in Upper Iowa's victory over American International included three wins by fall, and two major decisions. Eggers won by fall at the 4:28 mark, Brett Hakeman (165) scored his fall at 2:32, and Gehling put his opponent's shoulders to the mat at 4:59. Matt Norton earned a major decision with his 12-3 victory, while Arron Cramer (285) picked up a technical fall win by dominating Kelvin Valencia 11-2.
The Peacocks that earned falls in the Wagner dual in addition to Franklin and Mitch Norton were Baker (3:39), Keller (0:50), Eggers (1:46), Hakeman (2:34), Matt Norton (1:44), and Cramer (0:52). Gehling and Mumbulo earned wins by forfeit in the dual.
Next Wednesday night, Dec. 3, Upper Iowa will host the Panthers of Ellsworth Community College in a dual. The Panthers are coached by former UIU assistant coach Nate Skaar. The dual is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Dorman Gym and will be the only home dual for the Peacocks before the holiday break.
Two Dual Tournaments and Four Home Duals Highlight 2008-09 Upper Iowa Schedule
The two-time defending Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference wrestling champion, Upper Iowa, released their 2008-09 season schedule this morning. Highlighting the schedule is a trip to Binghamton, N.Y. to compete in the Sprawl and Brawl Duals, a return trip to the NWCA National Duals and four home duals.
The Peacocks will square off against two Division I opponents at the Sprawl and Brawl Duals. Upper Iowa will begin with traditional power Edinboro. Edinboro is just one year removed from sending 10 wrestlers, the most of any competing team, to the Division-I National Tournament where they finished 21st. The Peacocks will also square off against Division I - Wagner and Division II - American International at the duals on Nov. 23.
Upper Iowa will only wrestle at home once in the first semester. The Peacocks will host the Panthers of Ellsworth Community College for a dual on December 3. Ellsworth finished fifth at last year's NJCAA National Tournament and is coached by former UIU assistant Nate Skaar.
Other important matchups in the first semester include a meeting with the 16x defending IIAC champs and defending Division III national champion Wartburg College at the Simpson Invite on Dec. 6 in Indianola, Iowa.
Upper Iowa will open their conference season against the Mavericks of Minnesota State, a new NSIC member, on December 12 in Mankato, Minn. A year ago, Minnesota State was the NWCA National Duals champion and the NCAA National Tournament runner up.
The Peacocks will complete their first semester schedule with a dual in Kirksville, Missouri as they face the Bulldogs of Truman State on December 19.
After Christmas break the Peacocks will return to the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa as a result of their eighth place finish last season. The National Duals will take place on January 10 and 11.
The team will host the Marauders of U-Mary for their NSIC home opener on January 31. Following the home opener, the team will travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. to battle Augustana, another new NSIC member, on February 1 before hosting Northern State (February 8) and St. Cloud State (February 15), another new NSIC member that finished 12th in last year's NCAA Championships, in the friendly confines of Dorman Gymnasium.
UIU will finish the season on the road against conference opponents Southwest Minnesota State and MSU Moorhead before travelling back to Marshall, Minn. for the NCAA North Regional Championships held February 22. UIU placed third last year behind Minnesota State and Nebraska-Omaha, who finished #2 and #3 at the NCAA Championships. The Peacocks will close the season in Houston, Texas for the 2009 NCAA Division II Championships held from March 13-14.
"I feel we have a great mix of competition on this year's schedule. We should see a lot of different styles throughout the season as we compete against opponents from all divisions," said Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm.
The team will open their season at the Pointer Open in Stevens Point, Wis. on Nov. 8. The open is hosted by UW-Stevens Point and begins at 10 a.m. The Upper Iowa wrestling team, which spent most of the 2007-08 season in the top ten in the national polls, finished 14th at last year's NCAA Division II Championships. The team returns two All-Americans in Travis Eggers and Tyler Mumbulo, as well as two more National Qualifiers in Mitch and Matt Norton. Peacock fans are also awaiting their first look at two heralded redshirts, Kyle Pedretti and Trevor Franklin, this season.
Upper Iowa Wrestling Bestows Post-Season Accolades at Legends Dinner
Dwain Burkholder and Lowell Tiedt speak at year-end banquet.
The Upper Iowa wrestling program hosted their annual Legends Dinner and handed out their post-season awards. Tony Gehling was the team's leader in the classroom with a 3.704 GPA; he has now earned the highest GPA on the team for the last three years. There was a three-way tie for most falls on the team between Dan Goodson, Tyler Mumbulo, and Matt Norton who all finished with nine. Mumbulo earned the most wins over the course of the season with 31, narrowly edging out teammate Travis Eggers, who finished with 30.
The Most Improved Wrestler award went to Matt Norton. Mumbulo earned his third award of the night when he was named as the team's Most Inspirational Wrestler. Tee Adams was named the team's Most Dedicated Wrestler. JR Baker earned the recognition as the team's Outstanding Freshman. The final award of the night, Outstanding Wrestler, went to the Peacocks' highest finisher at this year's NCAA Championships, Travis Eggers, who finished 4th in the country at 157 pounds.
The Peacocks earned their second Northern Sun Conference Championship with a 41-4 victory at Southwest Minnesota State to cap off their second straight perfect season in NSIC duals. The back-to-back conference titles are the wrestling program's first since 1972-73, when the team won the Iowa Conference.
The team held an 8-5 overall record in duals this season including a 4-0 record in NSIC action. The Peacocks NSIC win streak is now at 9 straight duals. UIU competed in six tournaments this season and wrestlers placed 41 times in 88 attempts including eight individual tournament championships. The eight championships were won by Brady Hakeman (174) twice, Trevor Franklin twice (133, unattached), Tyler Mumbulo, Mitch Norton, Steven Baker (141), and Kyle Pedretti (125, unattached). Mumbulo became the first Peacock grappler to place (8th) at the Midlands Tournament since 1973.
Upper Iowa also gained recognition from the Northern Sun Conference throughout the season; Travis Eggers (11/15 and 2/25), Mitch Norton (11/20), and Tyler Mumbulo (12/3 and 2/4) were named NSIC Wrestler of the Week.
The team finished in third place at the NCAA Division II North Regional with 72.5 points. MSU-Mankato won the regional with 104.5 points, while runner-up Nebraska-Omaha scored 92.5 points. The Peacocks earned four runner-ups, two third-place finishes, and two fifths.
Upper Iowa sent six wrestlers to the National Championships in Cedar Rapids, March 14 and 15. Matt Norton earned an invitation to the National Championships for the first time, while the other five wrestlers earned a return trip. The group of returners included Mumbulo, Tee Adams, Travis Eggers, Mitch Norton, and Dan Goodson. Upper Iowa placed 14th at the National Championships finishing with 2 of their 6 qualifiers earning All-American honors. Eggers placed fourth at 157, while Mumbulo finished sixth at 125 to earn the two All-American spots. Other Peacock qualifier's records at the Championships included: Adams 0-2, Mitch Norton 1-2, Matt Norton 1-2, and Goodson 1-2.
Three Peacocks earned individual honors in the NCAA Division II All-Academic Rankings presented by the NWCA. The rankings named Goodson, 1st Team, Tony Gehling, 2nd Team, and Pedersen, Honorable Mention.
The Northern Sun Conference declared their post-season awards and Upper Iowa dominated the awards for the second straight year. Seven Peacocks were named All-Conference including Mumbulo, Pedersen, Adams, Eggers, Mitch Norton, Matt Norton, and Goodson. Eggers was also named the NSIC Wrestler of the Year and head coach Heath Grimm was named NSIC Coach of the Year for the second straight time.
Six Preps Commit to Upper Iowa Wrestling Program
Group of six includes four graduates of Iowa high schools.
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced the commitment of six high school wrestlers to attend UIU next fall. The group of six is led by Wade Gobin, who signed a National Letter of Intent. The remaining five young men have accepted admission to Upper Iowa and include Cody Bachman, Mitchell Schultz, Cody Northern, Bo Eggers, and Nicholas Mazzuca. The present recruiting class includes four wrestlers from Iowa, one from Illinois, and one from Minnesota.
Gobin will come to Upper Iowa from Cannon Falls High School in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. He won the Minnesota State Championship this year at 152 pounds. Gobin has had a successful prep career as a three-time all-conference wrestler, a two-time team MVP, and a two-time team captain. The grappler also found success on the football field as he was named the team's offensive MVP and gained all-area recognition. He is the son of Lisa and Brian Gobin and is projected at the 157 or 165 pound weight class.
Coach Grimm commented, "I see a lot of potential in Wade. I am eager to get him to campus and begin working with him. He had a strong finish to his high school career winning a Minnesota High School State Championship at 152lbs."
Bachman comes to UIU from nearby MFL MarMac High School in Monona, Iowa. He will join former Bulldog and current NSIC Wrestler of the Year Travis Eggers in the Peacock wrestling room. Bachman was a State Tournament placewinner this past winter and is a two-time State Tournament Qualifier. Bachman has also claimed a Sectional Championship in each of his four years. The prep carried a 143-32 record which places him 5th all-time at MFL MarMac. His 315 career takedowns place him third on the high school's career takedown list. Bachman was also a very successful cross country runner qualifying for the State Tournament three times. Cody is the son of Rhonda and Mike Bachman and will major in Business at Upper Iowa. He is projected to wrestle at 141 or 149 pounds.
"Cody is a solid addition to our program. He comes from a good high school wrestling program where he ranks #5 all time in career wins and #3 all time in career takedowns. I am excited to have Cody join us. With his workman-like attitude, he will have a bright future here at Upper Iowa," said Grimm.
Schultz will travel to Fayette from nearby Postville, Iowa where he will graduate from Postville High School. The young man qualified for the State Tournament twice in his high school career and was a placewinner this past winter as a senior. Mitchell is the son of Donna and Kent Schultz and will major in Business and Communications at Upper Iowa. He is projected in the 174 pound weight class.
Grimm had the following thoughts on the Postville-prep, "I am excited to have Mitchell join our wrestling program. His athletic ability and academic achievements will provide a solid foundation for a successful collegiate experience."
Northern will journey north from Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he attended Jefferson High School. Northern, like Bachman and Schultz, is a two-time State Tournament Qualifier and a placewinner as a senior this past winter. He recorded his 100th win at the State Tournament this year. The J-Hawk was a letterwinner in four sports including football, wrestling, track and field, and baseball. He will wrestle at 197 pounds. He is the son of Freddie, a 1976 Upper Iowa grad, and Francis Northern and will major in Elementary Education at Upper Iowa.
"Cody is definitely an athlete we welcome to our room. His ability to excel in four sports throughout his high school career speaks volumes about his potential as a collegiate wrestler," stated Grimm.
Eggers comes to Upper Iowa from the center of the state in Newton, Iowa where he attended Newton High School. The young wrestler qualified for his first State Tournament this past year. He is projected to wrestle at 184 or 197 pounds. Bo is the son of Brad Eggers and Lori Gilmore.
Grimm said, "We are glad to have Bo join our program. He will provide some much needed depth to our upper weight classes."
Mazzuca will graduate from Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Illinois. The two-time varsity letterwinner was extremely successful in the classroom. He was inducted into the National Honor Society with high honors. He was also named an Illinois State Scholar. This past year, Mazzucca won the Downers Grove Trojan Open at 145 pounds. Nicholas is the son of Joan and Frank Mazzuca and will major in Exercise and Sports Studies. He is projected in the 141 pound weight class.
The Upper Iowa wrestling team, which spent most of the season in the top ten in the national polls, finished 14th at this year's NCAA Division II Championships. The team is returning two All-Americans in Travis Eggers and Tyler Mumbulo, as well as two more National Qualifiers in Mitch and Matt Norton. Peacock fans are also awaiting their first look at two heralded redshirts, Kyle Pedretti and Trevor Franklin, next season.
Ten Upper Iowa Peacocks Earn Northern Sun All-Academic Team Honors
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference has announced its All-Academic Teams for the 2007-08 winter athletic season and ten Peacock student-athletes earned recognition.
To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. The student-athlete must have also reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at the institution represented with one full year completed at their institution.
Peacock Student Athletes Honored:
Men's Basketball
Storm Schmitt (Sumner, Iowa)
Women's Basketball
Jodi Best (Brayton, Iowa)
Sara Best (Brayton, Iowa)
Paige DeVine (St. Charles, Minn.)
Chelsea Petersen (Wyoming, Iowa)
Amber Schuster (Mount Ayr, Iowa)
Wrestling
Tony Gehling (Stewartville, Minn.)
Dan Goodson (Rochester, Minn.)
Jacob Pedersen (Hudson, Iowa)
Upper Iowa Peacocks Earn Multiple Northern Sun Conference Post Season Awards
Eggers Named Northern Sun Conference Wrestler of the Year
Upper Iowa has earned multiple NSIC wrestling post season awards. Travis Eggers and Head Coach Heath Grimm took two of the three NSIC Specialty Awards and seven of the ten All-Conference spots were taken by Peacock wrestlers. The seven Peacocks to make All-Conference are Tyler Mumbulo, Jacob Pedersen, Monterrius "Tee" Adams, Travis Eggers, Mitch Norton, Matt Norton, and Dan Goodson.
The Peacocks closed the 2007-08 campaign with a 14th place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids just a week and a half ago. Eggers and Mumbulo earned All-American honors with a fourth and sixth place finish, respectively.
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference release appears below:
NSIC Wresting All-Conference
March 24, 2008
NSIC Wrestler of the Year
Travis Eggers was named the 2007-08 NSIC Wrestler of the Year as voted upon by the league coaches. Eggers finished the season with a team-high 30 wins in forty matches and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, gaining him All-American status. The red-shirt sophomore was the NSIC's highest place winner at the National Tournament. Eggers, a Monona, Iowa native, took second at the NCAA North Regional to earn NSIC All-Conference honors and was twice-named NSIC Wrestler of the Week this season.
NSIC Coach of the Year
Heath Grimm led Upper Iowa to their second NSIC Championship as the Peacocks finished the NSIC regular season undefeated at 4-0 in conference duals. The Peacocks, who were ranked in the top ten nationally most of the season, finished third as a team at the North Regional Championships and fourteenth at the National Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Two of the six National Qualifiers earned All-American honors (Tyler Mumbulo and Travis Eggers). UIU had three academic All-Americans as well; they were Dan Goodson (1st team), Tony Gehling (2nd team), and Jacob Pedersen (Honorable Mention).
All-Conference Team
125 - Tyler Mumbulo (UIU)
133 - Jacob Pedersen (UIU)
141 - David Schiley (NSU)
149 - Monterrious Adams (UIU)
157 - Travis Eggers (UIU)
165 - Mitch Norton (UIU)
174 - Tyler Tubbs (MSUM)
184 - Cale Cornemann (NSU)
197 - Matt Norton (UIU)
285 - Dan Goodson (UIU)
Upper Iowa Currently Tied For Ninth After Session One
Mumbulo, Eggers, and Goodson Earn Victories
Upper Iowa began wrestling in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships this morning at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Peacocks are the host team for this year's Championship. Session One began this morning at 11:00 a.m. and featured one match each for the 160 National Qualifiers. The Peacocks' six qualifiers won three of their six matches in the first round. All six Peacock wrestlers will now wrestle again tonight in session two as they continue their quest to become All-Americans.
Junior Tyler Mumbulo opened Friday's battle with Caleb Hulse of the University of Central Missouri. Mumbulo started aggressivly and sustained his intensity throughout the match. Both Hulse and Mumbluo took the first period to feel each other out. The All-American Peacock scored a takedown with 1:10 left in the opening period to lead 2-0 heading into the second. Mumbulo built up his riding time in the second period. Tyler continued his tough wrestling in the third period with a reversal to extend his lead to 4-0. A quick, athletic move by Mumbulo landed him three near fall points as the junior pulled away 7-0. With riding time Mumbulo pushed the match to a major decision 8-0. Mumbulo advanced to session two to face Arsenia Barksdale of Adams State College.
Tee Adams began his day wrestling Colby Robinson from the University of Central Oklahoma. Adams was taken down at the beginning of period one, but quickly gained a point when Robinson was penalized for using an illegal move. Robinson began the second period with a 2-1 lead. Robinson and Adams exchanged reversals, and Adams was down 6-3 at the end of the period. Period three had a slow pace, but with 36 seconds left in the match Robinson scored another takedown before allowing Adams a reversal to finish the match. The Broncho wrestler added an additional point with a 4:21 riding time advantage. Adams will face Brian Pogel of Mercyhurst College in the first consolation round of session two this evening.
Junior Travis Eggers started his run at the Championships on the right foot defeating his opponent, Neil Samples of Western State, by decision, 7-4. Eggers opened the match very quickly, gaining a near-takedown right from the referee's opening whistle. He then gained a 2-0 advantage one minute into the match with a takedown before adding three near fall points 20 seconds later. The first period ended with Samples gaining an escape to close the gap to 5-1. After an uneventful second period, Samples looked to close Eggers' lead with a takedown that narrowed the margin to 6-4. However, that would be as close as Samples would get as a late escape from Eggers cemented a 7-4 victory. Eggers will now face Andy Lamancusa from Mercyhurst in session two later this evening.
Mitch Norton started his day with a hard fought match against J.J. Davis of University of North Carolina-Pembroke. Davis notched a first period takedown with 1:50 left to lead 2-0. Norton was able to earn an escape and bring the score to 2-1. The second period was a slow one as Davis built his riding time advantage. Norton scored another escape and tied the match at 2-2 ending the second period. Davis opened the third period with an escape to pull ahead 3-2. Norton escaped with the clock running down under 20 seconds to close the gap but with riding time looming, Norton gave an escape to Davis, but was unable to rally for the win. Davis added the riding time point to win 7-5. Norton will wrestle Jesse Sheets of Central Missouri in the first round consolation match in session two.
Matt Norton started his first round match slowly before a fierce comeback in the second and third periods that fell just short, as he fell by an 11-10 margin to Trevor Gallo from Mercyhurst. The first period saw Gallo get out to a 5-0 lead before Norton gained a reversal and a takedown to narrow the lead to 5-4. A Gallo reverse ended the period at 7-4 in Gallo's favor. An escape and a takedown strengthened Gallo's lead to 10-4 before Norton went on a 6-point rally late in the second and into the third period to even things up at 10-10. However, it wasn't enough as Gallo's ride time advantage broke the tie and gave him the 11-10 victory. Norton will head to the mat next to save his tournament life in session two against Tyler Gonzales of Fort Hays State.
Dan Goodson took the mat against Cody Beck from the University of Central Missouri. The wrestlers used the first period to feel each other out and went into period two scoreless. Beck began period two on the bottom and got a quick escape just 36 seconds into the period. He followed that with a takedown. Goodson would get an escape and went into period three down 3-1. Goodson earned a quick escape to start the period, and as time ran down Beck was called for a stalling penalty ending the third period in a 3-3 tie. In the first overtime period, Goodson held Beck down and earned an escape, but was called for stalling to send the match into a second overtime. The second overtime was more of the same for Goodson as he escaped from the bottom and did not allow Beck to get on his feet to win the match. Goodson will face Tervel Dlagnev from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in session two later tonight.
Session Two will open with the Grand March at 5:30 featuring the qualified student-athletes and coaches from all 37 institutions represented. Session Two's action will restart on the mats at 6 p.m. this evening.
Upper Iowa Wrestling Claim Third Place at NCAA North Regional; Six Qualify for Nationals
Four UIU Wrestlers Take Runner Up; Two Finish Third
The Upper Iowa wrestling team traveled to Mankato, Minnesota to compete in the NCAA North Regional. The team finished the day in third place as a team. Minnesota State, Mankato claimed the Regional title with 104.5 points and Nebraska-Omaha took second with 92.5 points. The Peacocks came in with 72.5 points on the day.
Upper Iowa was led by four runner-up finishes by Tyler Mumbulo (125), Travis Eggers (157), Matt Norton (197), and Dan Goodson (285). The Peacocks also got two third place finishes from Tee Adams (149) and Mitch Norton (165). The most impressive Peacock showing of the day came from Matt Norton. He was unseeded when the day began and he not only defeated both the #1 and #4 wrestlers at 197 pounds, but he won both matches by fall on his way to the finals.
The six placewinners have all qualified for the NCAA Wrestling Championships hosted by Upper Iowa University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the U.S. Cellular Center on March 14 and 15.
NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship Information
Greetings Division II Wrestling Writers;
We are now inside of a month to go before this year's NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. This year's championships are hosted by Upper Iowa University and being held at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 14 and 15.
As the Director of Sports Communication Services at Upper Iowa, I will be acting as the Sports Information Director for the championships. I have attached a media credential request form (.doc/.pdf) for your use in applying for a credential for the championships. Please return these forms to me via mail, email, or fax by Monday, March 3. I will then send the credentials to the address that you list on the form. If you do not know the individual's name that will be attending yet, please place their job title in the space provided for the name so that I can still process the request.
In addition to the media credential request form, I have also attached the Championships Handbook that contains all the information you may need for the tournament. Much more information can be found on Upper Iowa's Athletics Website: http://upperiowaathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/08-ncaa-wrestling.html.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at 1:00 p.m. in the Monarch Room of the Crown Plaza, which is connected to the U.S. Cellular Center. The press conference will feature comments from the tournament directors and the coaches of the top teams in the country. The press conference is open to any and all media, as well as sports information directors.
Feel free to email me with any questions, concerns, or advice prior to the championships and I hope to see all of you there.
#1 Minnesota State 28 - # 9 Upper Iowa 9
The #9 Upper Iowa wrestling team welcomed the #1 Mavericks of Minnesota State for a non-conference dual on Saturday afternoon. The match up was a look at the future of wrestling in the Northern Sun Conference as Minnesota State will join the NSIC next year. The Mavericks entered the dual with seven ranked wrestlers, while the Peacocks had three dressed for competition. Upper Iowa jumped out to a 9-0 lead thanks to Tyler Mumbulo's (#3 NCAA, 125) victory by decision and a forfeit (open) by MSU at 133 pounds. Minnesota State stormed back using two major decisions and a technical fall to take the dual by the count of 28-9.
Mumbulo won the opening match of the dual and got the crowd on their feet. Mumbulo defeated Nick Smith (#2 NCAA) by decision 6-4. Smith scored an early takedown, but Mumbulo escaped and registered a takedown of his own. Mumbulo started down in the second period and scored the only points of the period on his second escape. Smith began the third period down, but scored on a reversal to tie the match at 4-4. Mumbulo earned the victory with his third escape and a riding time point (1:22) to win the match 6-4. The New Yorker is now 23-4 on the year.
The Peacocks got six more points to jump out to a 9-0 lead as Jacob Pedersen received the win by forfeit (open) at 133 pounds.
Steven Baker scored an early takedown on Travis Elg (#5 NCAA) to take a 2-0 lead for the home team. Elg escaped and got a takedown, but Baker was able to score on a reversal to retake the lead 4-3. Elg took the match over from that point though recording a reversal and two near fall points before the first period ended. The Maverick continued to control the match over the final two periods as he picked up the win by major decision 13-5.
Derek Stolarzyk took the place of Tee Adams (#4 NCAA) in the 149 pound match. Stolarzyk trailed 2-0 after the first period, but Tommy Abbott (#5 NCAA) had built up over two minutes of riding time. Abbott scored three more takedowns in the match to win by major decision 11-2 and bring the visitors to within one on the scoreboard, 9-8.
One of the more anticipated matches of the afternoon was a low scoring affair. UIU's Travis Eggers (#5 NCAA) toed the line against Jason Rhoten (#1 NCAA); the two have wrestled in two very close, hard fought matches. Rhoten scored a takedown on the edge of the mat, but Eggers was able to escape to make the score 2-1 at the end of the first period. The only point in the second period was registered on an escape by Rhoten as he extended his lead to 3-1. After an escape by Eggers pulled the Peacocks to within 3-2, the Mavericks got another takedown from Rhoten as time expired and added a riding time point (1:31) to take the decision 6-2.
Minnesota State's Andy Pickar (#4 NCAA) controlled the 165 pound match after Mitch Norton turned his ankle while going down. Pickar kept on Norton with relentless pressure and registered a 23-8 technical fall victory at the 5:42 mark.
Brady Hakeman stepped to the mat looking to get the Peacocks back into the dual as they trailed 16-9. Hakeman faced Tim Matheson (#8 NCAA) and both wrestlers used the first period to feel each other out. Matheson scored three unanswered points in the second period with an escape and a takedown. After a Hakeman escape and a stall call awarded another penalty point, the La Porte City native only trailed 3-2. As Hakeman moved in looking for a takedown, Matheson reacted quickly and caught the Peacock senior and scored a takedown to claim the 5-2 win by decision. Hakeman shot well in the match, but Matheson's length seemed to keep the Peacock wrestler from finishing his moves.
Both Tony Gehling (184) and Matt Norton (197) battled in their matches. Gehling earned three takedowns in his match, while Norton picked up a takedown and a three point near fall at the end of the match that almost resulted in a pin. Ben Becker defeated Gehling by decision 13-8 and Tom Block defeated Norton by decision 14-8.
Dan Goodson (#6 NCAA) faced MSU's Brady Wilson (#2 NCAA) in the dual finale at heavyweight. The match went scoreless through the first period and Wilson scored the only point of period number two on an escape. Goodson worked hard to earn an escape in the third period to tie the match 1-1. The battle moved to a sudden victory period, but neither man registered a point. In the first tie breaker period, Wilson accumulated 30 seconds of ride time. The Maverick won the match in the second half of the tie breaker period as he scored a point on an escape to take the match 2-1 (TB1) and give Minnesota State the 28-9 victory.
The #9 Peacocks will travel to Aberdeen, South Dakota this Friday night, Feb. 8, for a pivotal NSIC dual with the Wolves of Northern State University. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. Upper Iowa will stay on the road and wrestle at #16 St. Cloud State this Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m.
Upper Iowa Places 8th at Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals
Eggers registers 5-0 record at National Duals
Upper Iowa (#7 NCAA) placed 8th at the Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals hosted by the University of Northern Iowa. The sixth seeded Peacocks tallied a 2-3 record through the two days of competition. The National Duals Division II bracket of 16 teams featured 13 schools that are ranked in the Top 20 of Division II. Upper Iowa defeated Indianapolis (#11 NCAA) in their first match, 29-16, and advanced to the quarterfinals to face the #3 seed Central Oklahoma (#3 NCAA). Upper Iowa fought hard in the primetime match up, but fell by the score 26-13. In Upper Iowa's first elimination match of the National Duals, the Peacocks defeated Central Missouri by the score, 25-16. The Peacocks faced off with MSU Moorhead (#17 NCAA) in their final dual of day one. In their fourth match of the day, Upper Iowa ran out of gas and was defeated by the Dragons, 22-16. The Peacocks stepped back on the mat at 9 a.m. Sunday morning against the Mountain Cats of Pitt-Johnstown (#6 NCAA), the #5 seed, in the seventh place match. Pitt-Johnstown defeated Upper Iowa 34-14 to end UIU's run in 8th place.
The Peacocks started day one at the National Duals by defeating the University of Indianapolis 29-16. The win was fueled by a few key matches. Tyler Mumbulo (125, #5 NCAA) began the day with a 14-0 major decision victory. After three straight losses the Peacocks trailed the Greyhounds 11-4, but Travis Eggers (157, #8 NCAA) began the UIU rally with a win by fall (3:44) and continued with Mitch Norton (165, #5 NCAA) who also won by fall (3:50). After a loss at 174 pounds, the dual was tied at 16-16 when Brady Hakeman (174, #5 NCAA) stepped up a weight class to earn a win by fall (4:48) at 184 pounds. Matt Norton (197) picked up a major decision win and Dan Goodson (285, #3 NCAA) won by decision to close out the victory for the Peacocks.
The reward for UIU's win was a match up with Central Oklahoma (#3 NCAA). Once again Tyler Mumbulo kicked off the dual with a victory. Mumbulo defeated Tyler Zuckerman, a National Runner-up last March, by decision 6-4. Mumbulo earned a reversal late to tie the match and then added two near fall points to win the match. UCO took a 10-3 lead after earning a major decision and win by fall at 133 and 141 pounds. The Peacocks came back at 149 and 157 with victories by Tee Adams (#3 NCAA) and Eggers. Adams defeated Colby Robinson (#7 NCAA) by major decision 11-2, while Eggers defeated Jason Leavitt (#5 NCAA), last year's National Runner-up, by decision 5-2. Mitch Norton lost his 165-pound match in sudden victory, 11-6, but Brady Hakeman tied the match at 13-13 by winning at 174 by decision 8-5. Stephen Swart surrendered a major decision loss at 184, but the Peacocks entered the last two matches with hope only trailing 17-13. The Peacocks dropped two close matches as Matt Norton went down early, but battled back only to lose by a riding time point, 14-13, and Dan Goodson was caught executing a takedown in overtime and was pinned in the first sudden victory period (7:29). The Peacocks dropped the match 26-13.
The Peacocks had less than a half hour to move from their battle with Central Oklahoma (3 p.m.) to a match up with Central Missouri (5 p.m.) in the consolation bracket. Mumbulo gave the Peacocks another great start as he earned a win by fall (3:27) and Jacob Pedersen (#4 NCAA) continued the Peacock effort with a 10-5 win by decision to give UIU a 9-0 lead. The Peacocks also picked up wins by Adams (major decision 11-3), Eggers (decision 10-5), Hakeman (decision 3-2), and Matt Norton gained a win via forfeit. With the match already decided, Coach Grimm forfeited the heavyweight match as the Peacocks won the dual 25-16.
The Peacocks after having wrestled at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., Upper Iowa was making their way to the mat again for a 7 p.m. meeting with the Dragons of MSU Moorhead. UIU was once again off to a good start thanks to Mumbulo who won by decision 9-7. After losses at 133 and 141, the Dragons led 7-3. Adams and Eggers once again provided a rally and put Upper Iowa ahead 10-7. Adams won his match by decision 6-4, while Eggers dominated his match to win by major decision 15-1. The Dragons won three of the final five matches, two by fall. The two Peacock victories came at 184, where Hakeman won by decision 2-0, and 285, where Goodson won by decision 3-1. The Dragons won the dual 22-16 and sent the Peacocks to the seventh place match Sunday morning.
Less than eleven hours after getting back to the hotel, Upper Iowa was back at the UNI-Dome for weigh-ins at 8 a.m. Two Peacocks were unable to make weight on the second day and forced Upper Iowa to take the mat against Pitt-Johnstown without two probable starters. Mumbulo suffered his only defeat of the weekend losing by decision 10-9 before UIU forfeited the 133-pound match to fall behind 9-0. After a fall at 141, Adams won his fourth match of the duals with a 16-5 major decision win and Eggers completed his perfect weekend (5-0 in matches) with a 17-9 major decision. The Peacocks trailed 15-8, but only won the final match of the dual at heavyweight as Goodson won by fall (3:57). UIU fell in the match 34-14.
After the dual, Coach Heath Grimm said, "I am very proud of our effort over the weekend at the National Duals. The excitement that was generated during the Central Oklahoma dual was awesome. We had the attention of everyone in the building and the support for Peacock wrestling was tremendous. The win versus Central Missouri was huge when you take into consideration the time between matches and the reward for winning the match was earning a place in the prestigious duals. We had a lot of Iowa and Iowa State fans taking notice of our wrestling team. The team and I are all very proud of how we represented Upper Iowa this weekend at the National Duals. Travis Eggers, Tyler Mumbulo, Tee Adams, Brady Hakeman, and Dan Goodson all had solid weekends in leading us to our 8th place finish."
The Peacocks will begin the defense of their NSIC Championship in a dual this Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Dorman Gym. Upper Iowa will host the Marauders of the University of Mary.
Indianapolis (IND) 16 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 29
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Jimmy Nichols (IND) M 14-0
133 Shane Perkey (IND) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) D 12-5
141 Matt Irwin (IND) WBD Layne Greedy (UIU) TF-5 22-5; 6;55
149 Chad Woods (IND) WBD Tee Adams (UIU) D 6-2
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBF Dave Walpole (IND) F 3:44
165 Mitch Norton (UIU) WBF Brandon Garner (IND) F 3:50
174 Kevin Flinn (IND) WBD Sean Washington (UIU) TF-5 19-2; 3;52
184 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBF Keith Smith (IND) F 4:48
197 Matt Norton (UIU) WBD Nick Peppler (IND) M 18-4
285 Dan Goodson (UIU) WBD Lynn Panko (IND) D 2-0
Central Oklahoma (UCO) 26 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 13
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Tyler Zukerman (UCO) D 6-4
133 Tim Elliott (UCO) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) M 14-4
141 Kyle Evans (UCO) WBF Layne Greedy (UIU) F 4:02
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Colby Robinson (UCO) M 11-2
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Jason Leavitt (UCO) D 5-2
165 Paul Mayfield (UCO) WBD Mitch Norton (UIU) D 11-6
174 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Daniel Morrison (UCO) D 8-5
184 Heath Jolley (UCO) WBD Stephan Swart (UIU) M 11-3
197 Jarrett Edison (UCO) WBD Matt Norton (UIU) D 14-13
285 Dustin Finn (UCO) WBF Dan Goodson (UIU) F 7:29
Central Missouri (UCM) 16 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 25
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBF Byron Clark (UCM) F 3:27
133 Jacob Pedersen (UIU) WBD Adam West (UCM) D 10-5
141 Cory Bloodgood (UCM) WBD Jacob Elsbernd (UIU) D 11-4
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Grant Baker (UCM) M 11-3
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Vince Bertucci (UCM) D 10-5
165 Jesse Sheets (UCM) WBD Mitch Norton (UIU) M 11-3
174 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Travis Barbarick (UCM) D 3-2
184 Jeremy Hudson (UCM) WBD Stephan Swart (UIU) D 15-8
197 Matt Norton (UIU) WBF FORFEIT F FOR
285 Cody Beck (UCM) WBF Matt Norton (UIU) F FOR
MSU-Moorhead (MMH) 22 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 16
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Joe Werner (MMH) D 9-7
133 Kelly Janke (MMH) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) D 10-4
141 Derek Bomstad (MMH) WBD Jacob Elsbernd (UIU) M 9-1
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Troy Macfarland (MMH) D 6-4
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Tallen Wald (MMH) M 15-1
165 Rockie Stavn (MMH) WBD Mitch Norton (UIU) D 5-2
174 Tyler Tubbs (MMH) WBF Sean Washington (UIU) F 6:53
184 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Dan LeDuc (MMH) D 2-0
197 Matt Nelson (MMH) WBF Matt Norton (UIU) F 6:20
285 Dan Goodson (UIU) WBD Jon Swart (MMH) D 3-1
7th/8th Place Match
Upper Iowa (UIU) 14 vs. Pitt-Johnstown (UPJ) 34
125 Scott Morgan (UPJ) WBD Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) D 10-9
133 Brandon Reasy (UPJ) WBF FORFEIT F FOR
141 Shane Valko (UPJ) WBF Layne Greedy (UIU) F 4:33
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Adam Whetstone (UPJ) M 16-5
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Mazen Kholi (UPJ) M 17-9
165 Kyle Keane (UPJ) WBD Sean Washington (UIU) D 8-2
174 Albert Miles (UPJ) WBF Brady Hakeman (UIU) F 1:33
184 Mike Corcetti (UPJ) WBD Stephan Swart (UIU) TF-5 15-0; 7;00
197 Pat Walsh (UPJ) WBD Matt Norton (UIU) TF-5 17-0; 5;00
285 Dan Goodson (UIU) WBF Zach Majocha (UPJ) F 3:57
Upper Iowa Go 2-2 on Day One of Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals
Peacocks Defeat Indianapolis and Central Missouri to Earn Shot at Seventh Place
Upper Iowa wrestled in four matches today at the Cliff Keen/NWCA National Duals hosted by the University of Northern Iowa. The sixth seeded Peacocks defeated Indianapolis in their first match, 29-16, and advanced to the quarterfinals to face the #3 seed Central Oklahoma. Upper Iowa fought hard in the primetime match up, but fell by the score 26-13. In Upper Iowa's first elimination match of the National Duals, the Peacocks defeated Central Missouri by the score, 25-16. The Peacocks faced off with MSU Moorhead in their final dual of the day. The Peacocks will wrestle for seventh place at the National Duals after being defeated by the Dragons, 22-16. The Peacocks will face the Mountain Cats of Pitt-Johnstown, the #5 seed in the National Duals, in the seventh place match at 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
Detailed results of the four Peacock matches from today can be found below.
Indianapolis (IND) 16 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 29
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Jimmy Nichols (IND) M 14-0
133 Shane Perkey (IND) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) D 12-5
141 Matt Irwin (IND) WBD Layne Greedy (UIU) TF-5 22-5; 6;55
149 Chad Woods (IND) WBD Tee Adams (UIU) D 6-2
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBF Dave Walpole (IND) F 3:44
165 Mitch Norton (UIU) WBF Brandon Garner (IND) F 3:50
174 Kevin Flinn (IND) WBD Sean Washington (UIU) TF-5 19-2; 3;52
184 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBF Keith Smith (IND) F 4:48
197 Matt Norton (UIU) WBD Nick Peppler (IND) M 18-4
285 Dan Goodson (UIU) WBD Lynn Panko (IND) D 2-0
Central Oklahoma (UCO) 26 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 13
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Tyler Zukerman (UCO) D 6-4
133 Tim Elliott (UCO) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) M 14-4
141 Kyle Evans (UCO) WBF Layne Greedy (UIU) F 4:02
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Colby Robinson (UCO) M 11-2
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Jason Leavitt (UCO) D 5-2
165 Paul Mayfield (UCO) WBD Mitch Norton (UIU) D 11-6
174 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Daniel Morrison (UCO) D 8-5
184 Heath Jolley (UCO) WBD Stephan Swart (UIU) M 11-3
197 Jarrett Edison (UCO) WBD Matt Norton (UIU) D 14-13
285 Dustin Finn (UCO) WBF Dan Goodson (UIU) F 7:29
Central Missouri (UCM) 16 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 25
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBF Byron Clark (UCM) F 3:27
133 Jacob Pedersen (UIU) WBD Adam West (UCM) D 10-5
141 Cory Bloodgood (UCM) WBD Jacob Elsbernd (UIU) D 11-4
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Grant Baker (UCM) M 11-3
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Vince Bertucci (UCM) D 10-5
165 Jesse Sheets (UCM) WBD Matt Norton (UIU) M 11-3
174 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Travis Barbarick (UCM) D 3-2
184 Jeremy Hudson (UCM) WBD Stephan Swart (UIU) D 15-8
197 Matt Norton (UIU) WBF FORFEIT F FOR
285 Cody Beck (UCM) WBF Matt Norton (UIU) F FOR
MSU-Moorhead (MMH) 22 vs. Upper Iowa (UIU) 16
125 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) WBD Joe Werner (MMH) D 9-7
133 Kelly Janke (MMH) WBD Jacob Pedersen (UIU) D 10-4
141 Derek Bomstad (MMH) WBD Jacob Elsbernd (UIU) M 9-1
149 Tee Adams (UIU) WBD Troy Macfarland (MMH) D 6-4
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) WBD Tallen Wald (MMH) M 15-1
165 Rockie Stavn (MMH) WBD Mitch Norton (UIU) D 5-2
174 Tyler Tubbs (MMH) WBF Sean Washington (UIU) F 6:53
184 Brady Hakeman (UIU) WBD Dan LeDuc (MMH) D 2-0
197 Matt Nelson (MMH) WBF Matt Norton (UIU) F 6:20
285 Dan Goodson (UIU) WBD Jon Swart (MMH) D 3-1
Upper Iowa Named Sixth Seed at NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals
Upper Iowa will meet Indianapolis in Saturday's first round at 11 a.m.
The Peacocks (1-0) will take their sixth seed to the mat to line up against the Greyhounds of Indianapolis (0-0) in the first round of the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals Saturday at 11 a.m. at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The two-day annual tournament features 16 teams each from NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III and NAIA, as well as eight NJCAA teams and eight NCWA teams.
The Division II field includes thirteen of the top twenty ranked teams in the most recent NCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Poll. Nebraska-Kearney (#1), Nebraska-Omaha (#2), Central Oklahoma (#3), MSU, Mankato (#4), Pitt-Johnstown (#6), Ashland (#8), Western State (#9), Indianapolis (#11), Chadron State (#12), UW-Parkside (#15), Mercyhurst (#16), and MSU Moorhead (#17)will all battle Upper Iowa (#7) for the title. Results will be available at http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/niwa-08-nwca-main.html throughout the tournament.
Depending on the outcome of the Upper Iowa – Indianapolis dual, the Peacocks will line up against either the winner or loser of the Central Oklahoma – West Liberty dual Saturday at 3 p.m.
All-session tickets are $30 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. Individual session tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the UNI-Dome box office at 1-877-216-3663.
The following is the Division II tournament schedule for this weekend's NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals:
Saturday, January 12
9 & 11 a.m. Championship Preliminary Round
1 & 3 p.m. Championship Quarterfinal, Consolation First Round
5 & 7 p.m. Consolation Second Round
7 & 9 p.m. Consolation Third Round
Sunday, January 13
9 a.m. Seventh-Place Match
11 a.m. Championship Semifinals
1 p.m. Third and Fifth-Place Matches
3 p.m. Championship Finals
Takedown Wrestling Radio will broadcast portions of the National Duals free of charge at Takedownradio.com. and KXNO.com.
UIU went 0-1-1 in its last appearance at the National Duals during the 2005-06 season. Upper Iowa lost its first-round match to Ashland 22-15. Upper Iowa entered the tournament ranked #13 in the country while Ashland was sixth. Upper Iowa was elminated from the National Duals following a 19-19 tie with Central Missouri State. CMSU advanced in the consolation bracket based on the tiebreaking procedures as they had the only win by fall in the dual.
Upper Iowa Competes in Midlands Tournament
Tyler Mumbulo Claims 8th Place at 125 pounds
The #6 Upper Iowa wrestling team sent ten wrestlers to the 45th Annual Midlands Wrestling Tournament hosted by Northwestern University. The Midlands is a national invitational/open event for outstanding college teams, clubs and individuals. The Midlands is a premier wrestling tradition, including wrestlers from Iowa, Iowa State, Central Michigan, Illinois, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Indiana, Purdue, Northern Illinois, and Michigan State.
Tyler Mumbulo (125 | #5 NCAA) claimed an eighth place finish with by registering a 4-3 record over the two days of competition. Mumbulo’s became the first Upper Iowa wrestler to place at Midlands since 1973, when Dwain Burkholder earned a third place finish. The Bainbridge, New York native was defeated in his first match by Ben VomBaur (Wyoming) by decision, 6-0. Mumbulo was then able to win four straight matches to advance through the consolation bracket. The 125-pounder defeated Curtis Schurkamp (San Francisco St./ Fall 5:10), Carson Beebe (Cent. Mich./ Dec. 7-3), Kelly Kubec (Oregon St./ Fall 1:10), and Akif Eren (Purdue/ F DQ). The four wins guaranteed that Mumbulo would place in the tournament. He faced VomBaur again in the consolation quarterfinals losing by decision, 8-1, before losing to Ryan Bosso (Pittsburgh) by decision, 9-2, in the seventh place match.
The team finished in 23rd place with a total of 19.5 points in the tournament. While Mumbulo supplied the bulk of the points, six other Peacocks earned one victory and one Peacock earned two. Upper Iowa finished 31st with 10.5 points in 2006.
Dan Goodson (285 | #4 NCAA) picked up two wins on the day. The heavyweight lost by Tech Fall, 17-1, in his first match versus eventual seventh place finisher, John Wise (Illinois). Goodson rebounded well in the consolation bracket defeating Larry Langowski by Fall (2:52) and Mike Shaub (Illinois) by decision, 2-0. Goodson’s run at the tournament ended when he lost to Paul Walker (Liberty) by decision, 6-1.
Kyle Pedretti (125 | Unattached) got a win by decision, 6-5, over Arsenia Barksdale (Adams St.), while Jacob Elsbernd (141) defeated Evon Russell (Triton) by decision, 7-4, and Layne Greedy (141) defeated Matt Hart (Chicago) by decision, 9-4. Travis Eggers (157 | #7 NCAA) earned a win against Jarion Beets (Northern Iowa) thanks to a fall (1:45). Brett Hakeman (157) recorded a win versus Blake Reed (Southern Illinois) by decision, 7-2, and Sean Washington (157) defeated Jeremy Eduard (Illinois St.) by decision, 5-2.
Brady Hakeman (174 | #7 NCAA) and Jacob Pedersen (133 | #7 NCAA) both competed at Midlands but were unable to come up with a win in their two matches. Hakeman lost to the eventual runner up and a Missouri wrestler. Pedersen was defeated by the eventual runner up and Tyler Halverson of Iowa.
The #6 Peacocks will not wrestle in the Midwest Classic this coming weekend as previously scheduled. The team will next compete at the National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The National Duals will be hosted by Northern Iowa on January 15 and 16.
The National Duals will be Hosted by Northern Iowa on January 12 and 13
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students – both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa; through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for students of all ages. To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and accomplished scholars, please visit us at http://www.uiu.edu/
Upper Iowa Defeat Truman State in Home Opener
Upper Iowa 34 - Truman State 9
The Upper Iowa wrestling team debuted at home on Sunday afternoon. The Peacocks took the mat in their first dual of the 2007-08 season versus the Bulldogs of Truman State. UIU entered the dual ranked 6th in the latest NWCA Coaches Poll, while TSU was one of four schools listed as having received votes just outside of the Top 20. The Peacocks used four wins by fall from Tyler Mumbulo and Tee Adams, as well as Mitch and Matt Norton to fuel their victory over the Bulldogs 34-9. Travis Eggers picked up a major decision victory, while Brady Hakeman and Dan Goodson each picked up wins by decision.
Truman State was able to earn three victories by decision at 133, 141, and 184 pounds. After the dual completed, Tyson Brown picked up a 5-0 exhibition match win in his final collegiate match. Brown will graduate from Upper Iowa in December.
The Peacocks will next compete in the Midlands Championships on Dec. 28 and 29 and the Midwest Open on Dec. 29.
UIU - TSU Results Attached.
Full Details and Story to follow.
Upper Iowa Remains Steady at #6 in NWCA Top 20 Poll
Seven Individuals Named in Preseason Rankings
The Upper Iowa University Wrestling Program remains in the #6 slot in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association's Top 20 Poll. The Peacocks received 125 points to earn the #6 ranking. Upper Iowa also has seven individuals in the rankings.
Junior Tyler Mumbulo moved up a spot to #5 at 125 pounds. Junior Jacob Pedersen broke into the rankings for the first time at #7 at 133 pounds. Senior Tee Adams improved three spots to #3 at 149 pounds. Sophomore Travis Eggers is now ranked #7 at 157 pounds, while fellow sophomore Mitch Norton climbed three spots to #5 at 165 pounds. Senior Brady Hakeman jumped a notch to #7 at 174 pounds, while Senior Dan Goodson held steady at #4 at Heavyweight.
The Peacocks have competed in three tournaments to this point in the season. UIU opened their season at the Pointer Open at UW-Stevens Point. The team placed 8 of the 20 competing wrestlers including two champions. Upper Iowa then wrestled at the Auggie Open hosted by Augsburg College. The team had one of its finest showings in recent memory placing 18 of their 23 competing wrestlers including four champions. The Peacocks latest tournament entry was at the Simpson College Invite. The Peacocks took home a second place finish as a team and placed 9 of their 15 wrestlers including two champions. The eight tournament championships were won by Brady Hakeman twice, Trevor Franklin twice (133,unattached), Tyler Mumbulo, Mitch Norton, Steven Baker (141), and Kyle Pedretti (125,unattached).
Upper Iowa has also gained recognition from the Northern Sun Conference for its early season success. Travis Eggers (11/15), Mitch Norton (11/20), and Tyler Mumbulo (12/3) have been named the NSIC Wrestler of the Week, respectively, in each of the three conference releases this season.
Upper Iowa University will host the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on March 14 and 15, 2008.
The Peacocks return to the mat this weekend at the Jim Fox Open hosted by the University of Dubuque. The Peacocks were originally scheduled to split the squad and attend the Husky Open at St. Cloud State, but Head Coach Heath Grimm has decided to keep the team together and compete only in Dubuque.
Upper Iowa will host the Bulldogs of Truman State University in their home dual meet opener on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. in Dorman Gym. The Bulldogs are one of four teams listed in the NWCA Top 20 Poll as having received votes after having been ranked #20 in the preseason poll.
Upper Iowa Finishes Second at Simpson Invite
Peacocks Place 9 of 15 Wrestlers in Top Four
The UIU wrestling team took the short trip to Indianola, Iowa this weekend in the midst of the state's first winter storm. After a two week layoff, the Peacocks wrestled very well in the Simpson College Invite and took home second place honors. The team sent nine wrestlers to semifinal matches and all nine placed in the top four spots of each weight class.
The Peacocks were led by champions Tyler Mumbulo (125) and Brady Hakeman (174). Four UIU grapplers finished as the runner up including Jacob Pedersen (133), Travis Eggers (157), Mitch Norton (165), and Dan Goodson (HWT). Matt Norton (197) claimed third place, while Tee Adams (149) and Tony Gehling (184) both earned fourth.
Tyler Mumbulo (#6 NCAA) won the championship at 125 pounds. The junior went 5-0 en route to the title. Mumbulo picked up victories by fall in his first three matches over Andre Taylor (Dubuque/ 1:16), who was 20-4 entering the match, Matt Chutz (William Penn/ 3:04), and Kevin Gray (Dana/ 0:14), who was a NAIA National Qualifier last year. Mumbulo defeated Robert Nahlik (Truman State) in the semis by decision 6-3 and won the title by major decision, 10-1, over Mike Mille (Buena Vista). The four bonus point victories were impressive in a 125-pound bracket that featured #5 wrestler in Division 3, the #6 and #8 wrestlers in NAIA, and two additional former NAIA National Qualifiers.
Brady Hakeman (#8 NCAA) also won a title at the invite. The senior went 4-0 and defeated the wrestlers that finished second, third, fourth, and fifth to earn the championship. Hakeman's victories included one win by fall (5:03). The La Porte City-natives other three victories came by decision; 6-2 over Kent Scheff (Waldorf), 3-1 SV over Dustin Jeager (Wartburg), and 6-2 over Grant Jenkins (Wartburg).
Jacob Pedersen won four matches on the day in earning a runner up finish at 133 pounds. Pedersen won his first two matches by shutout, 5-0 and 10-0 (major). In the quarterfinals Pedersen defeated his opponent by decision 8-4 to set up a match with University of Minnesota Transfer and three-time All American Jestin Hulegaard (#3 NCAA D3 / Buena Vista). Pedersen picked up a 7-6 win as he earned a reversal as time expired for the victory. Pedersen lost his finals match with Jake Helvey (Wartburg) by decision 5-1.
Travis Eggers (#6 NCAA) also finished the day with a 4-1 record and a second place finishat 157 pounds. Eggers was sick all day, but persevered to earn quite a few points for the Peacocks. He won his first three matches by decision, 8-6, 6-1, and 5-3, before earning a win by fall in the semifinals (1:38) over Bill Forrest (Central Missouri). Eggers lost in the finals to Aaron Wernimont (Wartburg) by major decision, 11-2, as the sophomore's body couldn't respond for the final match.
Mitch Norton (#5 NCAA) took home the team's third runner up finish on the day with a 3-1 record in the 165 pound bracket. Norton won his first match by fall (3:35) and then picked up two victories by decision; 7-1 over Matt Bailes (Central Missouri) and 10-9 over Adam Weber (Wartburg). Bailes got to the match with Norton after beating the #3 ranked wrestler in Division II. Norton lost his finals match against Bulla Tuzon (Dana) by major decision 19-9.
Dan Goodson (#4 NCAA) was final second place finisher for the Peacocks at Heavyweight. The senior took home a 4-1 record with three wins by fall. Goodson pinned Andy Jackman (Buena Vista; 2:50), Matt Lounsberry (Waldorf; 1:13), and Jacob Elmhorst (Dubuque; 1:58) for his first three wins on the day. Goodson won his semifinal match over Jordan Wall (#5 NAIA / William Penn) by major decision 9-0. The Rochester, Minnesota native lost in the finals to Brian Borchers (Wartburg) by decision 4-1.
Matt Norton had another good day for the Peacocks going 4-1 and claiming the sole third place finish for UIU at 197 pounds. Norton won by fall in his first match (2:31) and by decision, 7-5, in his second match of the day. After suffering a 15-6 major decision loss in the semifinals, Norton came back and picked up two wins on the consolation side to finish third. The two wins, both by fall (5:42/1:57), came over Ross Milam (Dana) and Brian Stueve (Buena Vista).
Tony Gehling finished fourth at the invite in the 184 pound class. Gehling earned a 4-2 record in six matches. The junior earned a victory by fall in his first match (1:21) and wins by decision in his second and third matches, 5-2 and 10-6 (over Nick Coleman (#5 NCAA D3 / New York)) to earn a spot in the semis. In his semifinal match, Gehling lost by decision 6-1, but received a shot at third place after winning by medical forfeit in the consolation semis. Gehling lost the consolation finals match to Nigel Kinworthy (#3 NAIA / Missouri Baptist) by decision, 4-0.
Tee Adams (#6 NCAA) made his debut on the mat this year and earned the final fourth place finish for the Peacocks at 149 pounds. Adams won his first match by technical fall 21-6 over Lance Jones (Central) and won his second match by major decision 14-4. Adams picked up a win in the quarterfinals over Jacob Groth (Wartburg) by decision 8-3 before losing in the semis to Curtis Barber (Simpson) by decision, 6-4, in sudden victory. Adams won a match on the consolation side, 5-3, to earn a shot at third, but lost to Aaron Cook (Buena Vista) by decision 11-4 to finish 4-2 on the day.
Layne Greedy (141), Steven Baker (141), Derek Stolarzyk (149), Brett Hakeman (157) all finished with 2-2 records on the day. Jacob Elsbernd (141) picked up one win in the invite, while Josh Johns (HWT) was winless in his two matches.
Upper Iowa will return to the wrestling room for more practice time this week before heading over to Dubuque to compete in the Jim Fox Open hosted by the University of Dubuque this Saturday, December 8. Action will begin at 9:30 a.m. The team had originally planned to attend the St. Cloud State Husky Open, but Coach Heath Grimm has decided not to split his squad and will attend the tournament in Dubuque.
Upper Iowa University's Norton Named NSIC Wrestler of the Week
Mitch Norton (SO/Waverly, IA) has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's (NSIC) Wrestler of the Week. This honor is the twelfth NSIC Player of the Week award earned by an Upper Iowa student-athlete this year and second by a Peacock wrestler for the 2008-09 season. The sophomore was the NSIC Rookie of the Year last year and received the NSIC Wrestler of the Week award once.
Norton (#8 NCAA) wrestled at 165 pounds and claimed one of the four Peacock championships at the Brute-Adidas Auggie Open hosted by Augsburg College. Norton won his first match by fall over a former junior college national qualifier (3:45) and his quarterfinal match by decision 4-2. The Waverly-native pinned Jake Grygelko of Augsburg in the semis (3:42) and then won the championship match by decision 6-4 over Matt Curtis of Augsburg.
"Mitch performed very well and wrestled with great intensity in all three phases; neutral, bottom, and especially top," said Head Coach Heath Grimm.
Norton and the #6 Peacock wrestling team will travel to the Simpson Invitational in Indianola, Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 1. The tournament will begin at 9:00 a.m. and go all day.
Upper Iowa University Impressive at Brute-Adidas Auggie Open at Augsburg
Peacocks Place 15 of 16 Wrestlers in Gold Brackets and 3 of 7 in Silver Brackets.
The Peacock wrestling team traveled to Augsburg College on Saturday, the 17th, to compete in their second open tournament of the season. The Peacocks finished the dominating day with four champions, two runner-ups, three third places, three fourth places, two fifth places, a sixth place, a seventh place, and two eighth places from their 23 wrestlers that competed.
The Auggie Open features two or more brackets per weight class and wrestlers are separated into brackets based on their skill. The gold bracket featured the top wrestlers and the tournament, while the silver and bronze brackets featured the next set of wrestlers once the gold brackets were filled. Upper Iowa had 16 wrestlers in the gold brackets placing 15 of them and 7 wrestlers in the silver brackets placing 3 of them.
Mitch Norton (#8 NCAA) wrestled at 165 pounds and claimed one of the four Peacock championships on the day. Norton won his first match by fall over a former junior college national qualifier (3:45) and his quarterfinal match by decision 4-2. The Waverly-native pinned Jake Grygelko of Augsburg in the semis (3:42) and then won the championship match by decision 6-4 over Matt Curtis of Augsburg.
Brady Hakeman (#8 NCAA) also won a championship for Upper Iowa at 174 pounds. Hakeman won his first match by decision 5-4 and his second by fall (2:22). The senior moved to the finals after winning a 7-6 decision. In the finals, Hakeman defeated George Lynaugh of Augsburg, a two-time Minnesota High School state champion, by decision 7-2.
Trevor Franklin wrestled unattached and had the most impressive championship for the Peacocks. Franklin, who was the champion of the silver bracket at the Pointer Open last weekend, was thrown into the fire and competed in the Gold Bracket this weekend. The South New Berlin-native (N.Y.) won his first two matches by major decision 16-3 and 13-2 before facing Travis Lang of Augsburg, a University of Minnesota transfer. All eyes in the building turned to this match as Franklin began to score points on Lang who had won his first two matches by fall. Franklin won the match in the first sudden victory period with a takedown to win 12-10. The freshman won the championship match with his seventh major decision (12-1) in eight matches this year.
The final Upper Iowa champion at the open was JR Baker (Steven Baker). Baker was the champion of the silver bracket at 141 pounds. The Clermont-native won his first match by decision 14-10 and his quarterfinal match by fall (4:14). Baker moved to the finals after winning by decision 13-9. The sophomore claimed the title with a 5-2 decision.
Travis Eggers (#5 NCAA) claimed a runner up finish winning three of four matches. Eggers won his first three matches easily; 9-0 major decision, 16-0 technical fall, and 12-3 major decision. The Monona-native faced Quincy Osborn of Augsburg, a former starter for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and defending DIII National Champion at 157 pounds, in the finals. Eggers needed nine extra seconds of riding time to erase Osborn's advantage, but came up short. Osborn won the match 2-1 due to a riding time point from the 1:09 advantage.
Derek Stolarzyk also found himself in the finals of the 149 pound gold bracket. The Stewartville-native (Minn.) won his first two matches by decision 3-2 and 8-5. Stolarzyk then pinned Brad Malum of Jamison (5:45) to advance to the finals where he lost to Willy Holst of Augsburg (10-0 major) and finished second.
Tyler Mumbulo (#6 NCAA) and Kyle Pedretti (unattached) wrestled very well in the 125 pound gold bracket. Mumbulo won his first match by major decision 13-2 and his second match by decision 2-1. The Bainbridge-native (N.Y.) lost to Chris Heilman (#2 NCAA D3) of Cornell College by decision 8-3. Pedretti won his first match by decision 6-4 and his second by major decision 13-3 before falling to Jayson Ness of the University of Minnesota by pin (3:24). Ness is ranked #4 in NCAA Division I at 125. The two Peacock lightweights shared third in the program's eyes; officially Pedretti defaulted to Mumbulo in the consolation finals.
Brett Hakeman claimed third place in the gold bracket at 157 pounds after winning three of four matches. The La Porte City-native won his first match by major decision 9-0 and his second by a 6-4 decision before losing to Osborn of Augsburg. Hakeman won the third place match with a 3-1 decision.
Travell Miller finished with a 2-1 record for third place in the 133 pound silver bracket with one major decision victory on the day. Jacob Pedersen claimed a fourth place with a 2-1 record. Pedersen made weight and won by fall (1:29) in the first match. The Hudson-native won his quarterfinal match by decision 7-4 before losing in the semis 6-4.
Heavyweight Tyson Brown also placed fourth in the gold bracket thanks to winning his first two matches of the day. Brown won by decision 2-1 and 3-2 before losing 4-1 in the semifinals and 5-2 in the consolation finals. Josh Johns claimed fifth place in the heavyweight gold bracket with a 4-1 record. Johns lost his first match by technical fall, but bounced back to win his last four matches including wins by fall in his final two matches (0:24 and 1:03).
Matt Norton was able to win three matches after losing his first match to claim a fifth place finish. Norton's loss was to the eventual champion at 197 pounds. Norton's run through the gold bracket consolations was highlighted by a pin and a 12-7 decision in the final match.
Stephan Swart made his Peacock debut and finished sixth in the 184 pound silver bracket. Swart's three wins were all bonus point wins; two falls (1:14 and 2:43) and a major decision (12-4). Tony Gehling was able to place seventh in the gold brackets. The 184-pounder won three matches by decision; 3-0, 6-1, and 4-3.
Jacob Elsbernd and Alex Schmidt both finished the day with an eighth place finish. Elsbernd won two matches by decision 2-0 and 4-3, while Schmidt won a match due to default.
Other Peacocks to win a match in the open included Scott Bergmann (125 Silver), Layne Greedy (141 Gold), and Jake Schick (149 Silver).
Head Coach Heath Grimm said, "Overall, from top to bottom this was the best open tournament performance since I have been here. Our conditioning is at a good level right now and most importantly, the guys are really executing their match strategies. We were good in all three phases this weekend; top, bottom, and neutral."
Upper Iowa will now wait a couple weeks to travel to the Simpson Invitational in Indianola, Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 1. This will be the first tournament of the season that will track team points as well as individual accomplishment and will begin at 9:00 a.m. and go all day.
Upper Iowa University Newcomers
*was listed by USA Wrestling Magazine as a top D2 recruiting class. This year’s class of 12 newcomers is highlighted by commitments from:
125lbs Kyle Pedretti, Monona, IA, MFL High School
Was a 2x State Champion, also earning 2nd place as a sophomore and 3rd place as a freshman. Kyle was regarded as one of the top Iowa High School recruits in the state.
133lbs Trevor Franklin, So. New Berlin, NY, Unadilla High School
Was a State Champion, also earning 3rd place as a junior.
157/165lbs Eric Jacobs, Powell, WY, Powell High School
Was a 3x State Finalist, earning a state title as a sophomore. Eric was also the starting fullback on their State Championship football team.
197lbs Arron Cramer, Grimes, IA, Dallas Center Grimes High School
Was a 2x state place winner, earning a 5th place medal his senior year. Arron had a big win this past summer defeating Brody Ambrose (U of Iowa Recruit) by fall.
184lbs Stephan Swart, Waukon, IA, Waukon High School
Was a 2x state place winner, earning a 4th place medal his senior year. Stephan is native of South Africa, moved to Waukon in 6th grade.
141lbs Jon Gonzalez, Gurnee, IL, Gurnee High School
Was a state tournament qualifier, and 4x all conference selection, earning 113 wins throughout his high school career. Jon was a key member of his team earning a 21-0 dual meet record.
149/157lbs Winston Robbins, Broadview, IL, Proviso East High School
Was a 2x state tournament qualifier, as a junior, he advanced in the state tournament before losing to the eventual state champion Mike Benefiel. Benefiel was a 4x state champion/2x h.s. national champion and the #1 recruit in the country at his weight class. As a senior, he advanced 2 rounds before losing to the 3rd place finisher.
141lbs Jacob Schick, Sumner, IA, Sumner High School
Was a state tournament qualifier
Others: (133lbs) Aaron Gonzales, Monona, IA, MFL High School
(184lbs) Tim Marsh, Monticello, IA, Monticello High School
(157lbs) Mike Wildenstein, So. New Berlin, NY, Unadilla High School
(285lbs) Victor Younger, Maywood, IL, Proviso East High SchoolUpper Iowa University Picked First in Northern Sun Conference Preseason Coaches Poll
The Upper Iowa University wrestling program has been voted as the preseason favorite to win the Northern Sun Conference by the five NSIC wrestling coaches.
The Peacocks received 74 points to earn the top spot in the poll. MSU Moorhead was picked second (60), while Northern State was just behind in third (58). Southwest Minnesota State is slated in the fourth spot (25) and U-Mary rounds out the poll in fifth (13).
The NSIC coaches also ranked the top five individuals at each weight for the upcoming season. The Upper Iowa individuals ranked include:
125 Tyler Mumbulo #1 (Jr./All-American/2x Regional Runner Up)
133 Jacob Pedersen #1 (Jr.)
141 Layne Greedy #3 (Sr.)
149 Tee Adams #1 (Sr./National Qualifier/3rd at 2007 Regionals)
157 Travis Eggers #1 (So./National Qualifier/2007 Regional Runner Up)
165 Mitch Norton #2 (So./National Qualifier/3rd at 2007 Regionals)
174 Brady Hakeman #3 (Sr./2x 5th at Regionals)
184 Tony Gehling #4 (Jr.)
197 Matt Norton #2 (Jr.)
HWT Dan Goodson #1 (Sr./All-American/2007 Regional Runner Up)
The Peacocks earned the 2006-07 Northern Sun Conference Championship with a perfect season in NSIC duals. The conference title was the wrestling program's first since 1972-73, when the team won the Iowa Conference. The team held a 9-1 overall record in duals this season with their only loss coming at Minnesota State-Mankato. The Peacocks also had their share of success in the seven tournaments they competed in placing 45 individuals and four UIU wrestlers were crowned champions. Their best regular season finish came at the Midwest Classic where they claimed second place when seven wrestlers placed including one champion. Four wrestlers were recognized as the NSIC Wrestler of the Week last season; Ryan Phillips, Mitch Norton, Tyler Mumbulo, and John Gamble.
The team finished in second place at the NCAA Division II North Regional with 122 points. MSU-Mankato won the regional with 146.5 points, while three-time defending National Champion Nebraska-Omaha scored 114.5 points to finish third. The Peacocks earned one championship (Ryan Phillips), five runner-ups, two third-place finishers, a fifth and a sixth. Upper Iowa sent eight wrestlers to the National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska, March 9 and 10. Seven wrestlers earned invitations to the National Championships for the first time and one wrestler earned his second trip. The group of first-timers included Nate Naumann, John Gamble, Tee Adams, Travis Eggers, Mitch Norton, Ryan Phillips, and Dan Goodson. The sole Peacock returning to Nationals was Tyler Mumbulo.
Phillips was dominating in his finals match with Josh Majerus of Chadron State winning 12-0. Phillips finished his National Championship run with a 4-0 record with a combined score of 43-6; he did not surrender an offensive point throughout the championship.
Upper Iowa placed 8th at the National Championships hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Upper Iowa finished the championships with 4 of their 8 qualifiers earning All-American honors. After Phillips' title, Gamble finished third at 141; Mumbulo finished eighth at 125; and Goodson finished eighth at 285. Other Peacock qualifier's records at the National Championships included Naumann 1-2, Adams 0-2, Eggers 1-2, and Norton 1-2.
Thanks to the team's effort in the classroom last year, the Peacocks earned the 8th slot in the NCAA Division II All-Academic Team Rankings presented by the NWCA with a team grade point average of 3.12. The rankings also listed three UIU student-athletes that earned individual honors for the 2006-2007 year. They were Dan Goodson, First Team, Tony Gehling, Second Team, and Jacob Pedersen, Honorable Mention.
The Peacocks will open their season on November 10 when some members of the team will wrestle at the Pointer Open hosted by Wisconsin-Stevens Points and other team members will wrestle at the Loras Open hosted by Loras College. The team will wrestle in four other tournaments before opening their dual season at home in Dorman Gym against Truman State on December 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Franklin Commits to Upper Iowa Wrestling Program
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced the commitment of Trevor Franklin to Upper Iowa for the 2007-08 season. Franklin, a South New Berlin, New York native, graduated from Unadilla Valley High School where he was a three-time state qualifier. In his three state appearances, the grappler brought home one championship and one third place finish.
Franklin left the Unadilla Valley wrestling program with a career record of 94-17 and most recently competed in the Fila Junior Greco Roman National Championships. The championships were held in Las Vegas, Nevada and Franklin was able to claim fifth place at 60 kg.
"Trevor is a very accomplished and experienced wrestler. His explosive style will assist him in making a successful transition to collegiate wrestling," said Coach Grimm.
Trevor is the son of Daniel and Mary Franklin.
Upper Iowa Wrestling Releases 2007-08 Schedule
Six Home Dual Meets Highlight Peacock Slate
Six home dual meets highlight the 2007-08 Upper Iowa wrestling schedule. After finishing the 2006-07 campaign with an undefeated home record (3-0), the Peacocks will look to defend Dorman Gymnasium throughout the 2007-08 season. UIU will head in to the coming season as the reigning Northern Sun Conference Champion. The Peacocks also finished as the runner-up in the NCAA North Regional and placed 8th in the NCAA Championships last March.
The schedule opens on Nov. 3 when the team will travel to Mason City, Iowa to compete in the NIACC Open. The tournament will feature many top level wrestling programs from all types of colleges. NCAA Division I, II, and III as well as NAIA and NJCAA schools will be represented.
The team will then split and attend two events on Nov. 10. One tournament will be hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the other by Loras College. The team will then enjoy a break in outside competition before resuming the grind in December.
Coach Heath Grimm will then take the squad down to Indianola, Iowa on Dec. 1 to compete in the Simpson College Invitational. The team will again be split up on Dec. 8 as one group will head to the Jim Fox Open hosted by the University of Dubuque and the other will head to the Husky Open in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The Peacocks will come home to Dorman Gym on Dec. 16 when they host the Bulldogs of Truman State in a non-conference dual meet. Upper Iowa defeated Truman State last season 25-12 in Kirksville, Missouri.
Members of the team have once again been invited to compete in the prestigious Midlands Championships in Evanston, Illinois on Dec. 28 and 29. The tournament features the best of the best from all levels of collegiate wrestling. Those wrestlers not invited to Midlands will compete in the Midwest Open in nearby Des Plaines on the 29th.
When the calendars turn to 2008, the Peacocks will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana to compete in the Midwest Open on Jan. 4 and 5. Last year Upper Iowa finished as the runner-up in the twenty-four team field.
After a one year absence, Upper Iowa has been invited to return to the National Duals which take place in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The National Duals are yet another collection of top level wrestling programs that the Peacocks find themselves a part of.
A three meet home stand begins on Jan. 20 and spans two weeks. Upper Iowa will host the University of Mary in their first conference dual meet of the season on the 20th. Last year's match was cancelled by U-Mary. Augustana College will visit Fayette on Jan. 27. The Vikings and Peacocks will face each other as non-conference foes for the final time as Augustana, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State, Mankato, and St. Cloud State will join the Northern Sun beginning in the 2008-09 academic year. The Peacocks will welcome the Mustangs of Minnesota State University, Mankato for the final meet of the home stand. The Mustangs were the only team to defeat the Peacocks in dual meet action last season with a 27-9 victory in Mankato. The UIU - MSU match up on Feb. 3 is sure to be a huge event in Fayette.
Upper Iowa will take to the road again on Feb. 8 and 10 as they travel to face one conference and one non-conference opponent. Aberdeen, South Dakota will be the first stop as the Peacocks face the Wolves of Northern State. UIU defeated NSU 45-0 in Fayette last season. The team will then come halfway home before stopping in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a match up with the Huskies of St. Cloud State. Last season the Peacocks won their meet with the Huskies 31-10 in Fayette.
The Peacocks will be at home for their final two conference duals. They will host the Dragons of Minnesota State Moorhead on Feb. 14. MSUM and UIU had a great dual last year as the two top teams in the Northern Sun. Upper Iowa came out on top by the score of 27-10 in Moorhead. Upper Iowa will welcome the Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State on Feb. 22. SMSU and UIU met last season when the Peacocks claimed the NSIC crown with a 33-9 victory in Marshall.
The NCAA Division II Regionals will be hosted by Minnesota State, Mankato on Mar. 2 with the NCAA Division II National Championships to follow two weeks later in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The National Championships are being hosted by Upper Iowa University and will take place at the U.S. Cellular Center on Mar. 14 and 15.
2007-08 Upper Iowa Wrestling Schedule
11/3 NIACC Open Mason City, Iowa 10 a.m.
11/10 Pointer Open Stevens Point, Wis. 10 a.m.
Loras Open Dubuque, Iowa 10 a.m.
12/1 Simpson Invitational Indianola, Iowa 9 a.m.
12/8 Jim Fox Open Dubuque, Iowa 9 a.m.
Husky Open St. Cloud, Minn. 9 a.m.
12/16 Truman State Fayette, Iowa 2 p.m.
12/28, 29 Midlands Championships Evanston, Ill. TBA
12/29 Midwest Open Des Plaines, Ill. 10 a.m.
1/ 4, 5 Midwest Classic Indianapolis, Ind. 11 a.m.
1/12,13 National Duals Cedar Falls, Iowa 9 a.m.
1/20 U-Mary Fayette, Iowa 2 p.m.
1/27 Augustana Fayette, Iowa 2 p.m.
2/3 Minnesota State, Mankato Fayette, Iowa 2 p.m.
2/8 Northern State Aberdeen, S.D. 7 p.m.
2/10 St. Cloud State St. Cloud, Minn. 2 p.m.
2/14 Minnesota State Moorhead Fayette, Iowa 7 p.m.
2/22 Southwest Minnesota State Fayette, Iowa 7 p.m.
3/2 NCAA Division II Regionals Mankato, Minn. 10 a.m.
3/14,15 NCAA Division II Championships Cedar Rapids, Iowa TBA
(Hosted by Upper Iowa University)
---www.uiu.edu/athletics---
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students - both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa; through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for students of all ages. To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and accomplished scholars, please visit us at www.uiu.edu.
Powell Prep Signs with Upper Iowa
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced the signing of Eric Jacobs to a National Letter of Intent for the 2007-08 season. Jacobs, a Powell, Wyoming native, graduated from Powell High School where he won the 3A State Tournament as a sophomore and finished as the runner up as a junior and a senior.
Jacobs led the Powell wrestling team as a captain to fourth in the state his junior season and third his senior season. In Jacobs' career, he was a three-time regional champ and a one-time regional place winner. The grappler holds four records at Powell High School including 107 career wins, 41 wins in a season, 301 career takedowns, and 132 takedowns in a season.
Jacobs was a four-year letter winner in football as well. He was an All-State and All-Conference fullback his junior and senior seasons and was selected for the Wyoming Shrine Bowl. In the prestigious game, Jacobs carried the ball 17 times for 101 yards.
"I am very pleased to welcome Eric into our wrestling family at Upper Iowa. Eric had an extremely successful high school athletic and academic career. Eric's presence in our room at 157/165 pounds will solidify our middle weights for years to come," said Coach Grimm.
Eric is the son of Nevin and Debbie Jacobs and will major in Elementary Education at Upper Iowa University.
Upper Iowa Signs Future Peacock
Upper Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Heath Grimm announced the signing of Jonathon Gonzalez for the 2007-08 season. Gonzalez, who resides in Gurnee, Illinois, graduated from Warren Township High School where he was a four year varsity starter posting a 113-33 record over his career. The Gurnee native was a four time all-conference and sectional qualifier while placing at the Illinois State Tournament his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Gonzalez currently holds the Warren Township High School's record for most team points in a career with 755.5 team points beating the old record of 697 team points. Warren Township went undefeated one season, 21-0, which Gonzalez was a big part of. Jonathon is the son of Nellie Sanchez.
"I am pleased to welcome Jonathon to our university and wrestling program. I have a lot of respect for Illinois high school wrestling, and Warren Township High School is no exception," said Coach Grimm.
Gonzalez will join Arron Cramer (Grimes, Iowa), Kyle Pedretti (Monona, Iowa), and Stephan Swart (Waukon, Iowa) as new faces on the Upper Iowa wrestling team next season.
Two Upper Iowa Legends Honored at Wrestling Program's Dinner
The Upper Iowa wrestling team held their Legends Dinner and presented awards to members of the wrestling program. Both Dave Sanger (McGregor, Iowa) and Steve Exline (Charles City, Iowa) were honored as guest speakers at the dinner. Sanger graduated from Upper Iowa in 1970 and was inducted into the UIU Hall of Fame in 1980. While at Upper Iowa, Sanger won a National Championship in 1969 and earned All-American Honors in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Exline graduated from Upper Iowa in 1971 and was inducted into the UIU Hall of Fame in 1981. Exline won National Championships in 1970 and 1971 and earned All-American honors in 1969, 1970, and 1971.
Head Coach Heath Grimm presented the NSIC Awards and All-Conference Awards to his wrestlers, as well as the following team awards. Ryan Phillips was named the outstanding wrestler for the Peacocks, while Travis Eggers and Mitch Norton were named Co-Peacock Freshmen of the Year. Tony Gehling was honored for maintaining the highest GPA in the program. John Gamble was named as the Most Dedicated and Most Inspirational wrestler in the program, while Dan Goodson earned Most Improved honors and also tallied the Most Pins on the team (10). The final award of the night was picked up by Ryan Phillips who registered the most victories on the team (29).
**(Photo Attached - Left to Right - Dave Sanger, Steve Exline, Heath Grimm - March 31, 2007 - Taken by Jeff Bradley, Fayette Leader)
NSIC Awards
2007 Wrestler of the Year: Ryan Phillips
2007 Rookie of the Year: Mitch Norton
2007 Coach of the Year: Heath Grimm
2007 All-Conference: Tyler Mumbulo, Nate Naumann, John Gamble, Tee Adams, Travis Eggers, Ryan Phillips, Dan Goodson
2006-07 Wrestling Recap
The Peacocks earned the Northern Sun Conference Championship with a 33-9 victory at Southwest Minnesota State to cap off a perfect season in NSIC duals. The conference title is the wrestling program's first since 1972-73, when the team won the Iowa Conference.
The team held a 9-1 overall record in duals this season with their only loss coming at Minnesota State-Mankato. The Peacocks also had their share of success in the seven tournaments they competed in placing 45 individuals and four UIU wrestlers were crowned champions. Their best regular season finish came at the Midwest Classic where they claimed second place when seven wrestlers placed including one champion. Four wrestlers were recognized as the NSIC Wrestler of the Week; Ryan Phillips, Mitch Norton, Tyler Mumbulo, and John Gamble.
The team finished in second place at the NCAA Division II North Regional with 122 points. MSU-Mankato won the regional with 146.5 points, while three-time defending National Champion Nebraska-Omaha scored 114.5 points to finish third. The Peacocks earned one championship (Ryan Phillips), five runner-ups, two third-place finishers, a fifth and a sixth.
Upper Iowa sent eight wrestlers to the National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska, March 9 and 10. Seven wrestlers earned invitations to the National Championships for the first time and one wrestler earned his second trip. The group of first-timers included Nate Naumann, John Gamble, Tee Adams, Travis Eggers, Mitch Norton, Ryan Phillips, and Dan Goodson. The sole Peacock returning to Nationals was Tyler Mumbulo.
Phillips was dominating in his finals match with Josh Majerus of Chadron State winning 12-0. Phillips finished his National Championship run with a 4-0 record with a combined score of 43-6; he did not surrender an offensive point throughout the championship.
Upper Iowa placed 8th at the National Championships hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Upper Iowa finished the championships with 4 of their 8 qualifiers earning All-American honors. After Phillips' title, Gamble finished third at 141; Mumbulo finished eighth at 125; and Goodson finished eighth at 285. Other Peacock qualifier's records at the National Championships included Naumann 1-2, Adams 0-2, Eggers 1-2, and Norton 1-2.
The team earned the 8th slot in the NCAA Division II All-Academic Team Rankings presented by the NWCA with a team grade point average of 3.12. The rankings also listed three UIU student-athletes that earned individual honors for the 2006-2007 year. They were Dan Goodson, First Team, Tony Gehling, Second Team, and Jacob Pedersen, Honorable Mention. Upper Iowa Wrestling Team and Three Peacocks Earn National All-Academic Honors
The Upper Iowa University wrestling team has earned the 8th slot in the NCAA Division II All-Academic Team Rankings presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). The team earned their ranking thanks to a team grade point average of 3.12. The rankings also listed three Peacock student-athletes that earned individual honors for the 2006-2007 year.
In order for a student-athlete to be nominated for the Division II All-Academic Team, he needed to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. He must also be in at least his second full year at his school, be a varsity member on his team or a key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation (academic advisor and coach) submitted on his behalf. The Peacock wrestlers that received this honor for hard work in the classroom were:
*Dan Goodson (Rochester, Minn.) earned First Team honors. Goodson is a junior and a Psychology major (3.27 GPA).
*Tony Gehling (Stewartville, Minn.) earned Second Team honors. Gehling is a sophomore and an Agricultural Business major (3.82 GPA).
*Jacob Pedersen (Hudson, Iowa) earned Honorable Mention honors. Pedersen is a sophomore and a Communications major (3.34 GPA).
Upper Iowa University, located in Fayette, IA, is an NCAA Division II institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
Upper Iowa Finish Second at NCAA Division II North Regionals; Send Eight to Nationals
The #7 Upper Iowa wrestling team finished in second place at the NCAA Division II North Regional with 122 points. #3 MSU-Mankato won the regional with 146.5 points, while three-time defending National Champion Nebraska-Omaha scored 114.5 points to finish third. UIU will send eight wrestlers to the National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska, March 9 and 10. The Peacocks earned one championship (Ryan Phillips, 197), five runner-ups, two third-place finishers, a fifth and a sixth.
Last season Upper Iowa sent four wrestlers to the National Championships and came back home with two All-Americans, Ralph Acosta and C.J. MacNaught (the current assistant coach). This year's team will be sending seven wrestlers to the National Championships for the first time and one wrestler back for his second trip. The group of first-timers includes Nate Naumann (Sr. / Gulfport, Fla.), John Gamble (Sr. / Mattesen, Ill.), Tee Adams (Jr. / Bessemer, Alab.), Travis Eggers (RS-Fr. / Monona, Iowa), Mitch Norton (RS-Fr. / Waverly, Iowa), Ryan Phillips (Sr. / Burlington, Iowa), and Dan Goodson (Jr. / Rochester, Minn.). The sole Peacock returning to Nationals is Tyler Mumbulo (So. / Bainbridge, N.Y.).
In the 125 pounds weight class, Tyler Mumbulo #3 earned the #1 seed going into the regional. In his first match, Mumbulo scored a victory (Fall, 1:54) against Westy Hanson of Saint Cloud State. Mumbulo moved to the finals of the regional after a 2-0 victory over Chris Trampe of Augustana. In the finals, Mumbulo faced Nick Smith #4 from MSU-Mankato. The match was tied 9-9 at the end of regulation, but Smith scored a takedown for the sudden victory 11-9. "Tyler needs to peak at Nationals and to do that he needs to focus on his strengths as a wrestler. He has had such a great year and this past weekend was a wake up call. He will work hard to prepare himself for his second shot at Nationals," stated Coach Heath Grimm.
At 133 pounds, Nate Naumann had the #2 seed and won his first match over Corbin Surat of Northern State by major decision, 12-1. In his semifinals match Naumann toed the line with Jeff Rau from UN-Omaha. Naumann won 6-2 and dominated the match in riding time. The finals saw Naumann face off against Jeff Pfaffinger #3 from MSU-Mankato, who dominated Naumann in a dual less than a month ago. Naumann closed the gap from the earlier match up, but was defeated 9-5 to finish as the runner-up. Grimm said, "Nate did a great job managing his weight and he was able to use his strength and size to his advantage. He did a great job preparing all week to get ready for a successful day. I am very proud of how Nate worked this week and look for the same effort leading up to Kearney."
In the 141 pound bracket, John Gamble #8 was named the #3 seed in the regional. He defeated Dave Schiley of Northern State 11-5 after only defeating him by sudden victory a month ago. In the semis, Gamble took the mat versus Yasilim Bribieseca #3 of UN-Omaha and dominated the match in winning 9-2. Gamble became the runner-up when he lost to Travis Elg #2 of MSU-Mankato by fall at 4:59. "John has done a great job over the last few weeks gaining momentum toward this regional. John was able to takedown Elg in the finals, but he has to capitalize once he has him on his back," said Grimm.
At 149 pounds, Tee Adams, the #3 seed, won his first match by pinning Lucas Giese of Southwest Minnesota State at the 5:26 mark. Adams toed the line against Jason Rhoten #2 of MSU-Mankato. Adams lost the match by decision 7-1. In the consolation bracket, Adams proved to be the best wrestler as he defeated Brandon Krueger of Augustana (15-9) and Shane Walton of MSU-Moorhead (13-7) to finish in third place. Grimm said, "Tee did a great job dealing with the starting position after an injury sidelined him for two-thirds of the season. He is wrestling very soundly and doing everything we ask of him. To work himself back to shape and be healthy enough to be considered and now to be going to Nationals is great. Not to forget, he finished third behind the #1 and #2 ranked wrestlers in the nation."
Travis Eggers was seeded 4th in the region at 157 pounds and faced Henry Wahle from UN-Omaha in his first match; Eggers won 5-0. In the semis Eggers took the mat against Austin Scarset #4 of Augustana, the #1 seed. Eggers was able to take down the experienced Scarset twice; the second time using a head lock to bring him to his back before scoring a pin at the 4:12 mark. In the finals Eggers locked up with Brandon Girtz #6 from MSU-Mankato. Girtz won the match, but not before seven full minutes of wrestling and six minutes of overtime wrestling with the score still tied at 9-9. The difference between the two wrestlers after thirteen minutes was an eleven second advantage in riding time by Girtz. Grimm said, "It was by far the best match of the tournament. It captured the interest of every coach and fan in the building. Any fan of wrestling would have loved to have seen it. Travis did a great job today. He definitely picked it up a notch and was dominating."
In the 165 pound bracket, Mitch Norton #5 earned the #4 seed. In his first match Norton faced Aaron Haddorff from Augustana and was victorious 10-4. In the semis Norton faced Andy Pickar #1 of MSU-Mankato. In a previous meeting Norton was very aggressive and was caught three times by Pickar after attempting his move and lost big. Norton remained under control and closed the gap considerably on Pickar, who was victorious, but only by a 7-5 decision. In the consolation bracket, Norton proved to be the best wrestler as he registered a win by fall (4:16) over Tom Anderson of St. Cloud State and an overtime win (3-1 TB1) over Ross Taplin #3 of UN-Omaha to finish third. "This weight class was by far the most talented weight class. The #1, #2, #3, and #5 ranked wrestlers in the country were all in this bracket. Mitch has had a great year and to thinkŠ he is just a red shirt freshman. Mitch did a great job in the consolation finals to gain a reversal during the overtime period," said Grimm.
At 174 pounds, Brady Hakeman was seeded 5th. In his first match, Hakeman faced Tyler Johnson of Southwest Minnesota State; Hakeman was defeated 6-3. Hakeman defeated Matt Steffanson of St. Cloud State by pinning him in 1:28 in his first match in the consolation bracket. Hakeman lost his next match by sudden victory 8-6 to Tim Matheson of MSU-Mankato. Hakeman was able to avenge his earlier loss to Tyler Johnson to win the fifth place match 5-2. "It was good to see Brady get earn a victory in his final match of the year. This weight class was the deepest field in the tournament. The consolation semifinal was a tough loss and it left Brady a takedown away from going to Nationals," said Grimm.
In the 184 pound bracket, Tony Gehling, the #6 seed, toed the line against Austin Boehm of UN-Omaha; Gehling was defeated 4-0. Gehling got back on track in his first consolation match as he defeated Cody Chamblin from Southwest Minnesota State by technical fall (20-4). Gehling became the second Peacock to lose a close match in consolation semis as he was defeated by Beau Severtson of Augustana 2-1. Gehling was defeated in his final match 11-1 by Nick Wilkes of St. Cloud State to finish sixth. Grimm said, "Tony had a chance in the consolation semis as he put a move on with 5 seconds to go in the match. If he only had one more second, he would have been able to finish the move and earn the takedown for the win. But Tony is young and he got a great deal of experience this year to build on for next season."
The 197 pound bracket was host to the #2, #4, #5, and #8 ranked wrestlers in the country including Ryan Phillips #5. Phillips, the #3 seed, earned a technical fall victory over Josiah Bush of MSU-Moorhead (19-3). Phillips faced Jacob Marrs #4 of UN-Omaha in the semis. Phillips was victorious (4-3) after riding out Marrs in the first 30 seconds of the first tiebreaker and earning an escape in the second thirty seconds. Phillips and Nate Buys #2 of Augustana took the mat against each other for the finals. Phillips and Buys were tied at 4-4 after seven minutes of wrestling. In the first minute of overtime, Phillips earned a takedown on a single leg with a dump finish to earn the championship. "Ryan was awesome today. The semis of this weight class featured four of the top eight wrestlers in the country. Ryan did a great job in two very close matches to fight for the victory and championship," said Grimm.
In the heavyweight bracket Dan Goodson was named the #3 seed and faced Jared Little of Northern State in his first match; Goodson won by fall (4:13). In the semis, Goodson took the mat versus Anthony Lewis of UN-Omaha. Lewis chose down in the second period of the scoreless match and Goodson took advantage by accumulating a full two minutes of riding time. Goodson scored an escape in the third period to win the match 2-1. In the finals Goodson toed the line against Brady Wilson #3 of MSU-Mankato. Goodson became the runner-up when he was pinned by Wilson at the 2:12 mark. Grimm said, "Dan did an awesome job in his first two matches. He held his position and wrestled better both on top and bottom. Dan has wrestled Wilson close twice this year (2-1, 4-0), but he didn't come out with the same intensity for his last match. I look for Dan to go hard every match he takes the mat for in Kearney."
After the regional, Grimm said, "We were focused all week and we prepared to succeed. Everything from managing weight to conditioning to drills; the guys went hard. The team was focused on the task at hand. This is a great group of guys and we are a very close family. Every single one of these guys cares and pulls for each other every match. It's a special group of guys with one more step ahead of us to complete our team goals."
According to Grimm, the team had three major goals for the season. The first was to go undefeated in the Northern Sun Conference; the Peacocks went 4-0 in the NSIC and won the championship. The second goal was to send all ten wrestlers from the North Regional to the National Championships; the Peacocks are sending eight wrestlers to the NCAA Championships. The third goal is still out there, since the Peacocks have eight wrestlers heading to the National Championships; they want to come home with eight All-Americans (top eight finishers in each weight class).
Peacock fans wish Tyler, Nate, John, Tee, Travis, Mitch, Ryan, and Dan the best of luck as they compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships on March 9th and 10th in Kearney, Nebraska.
Upper Iowa Wrestling Finishes Second at NCAA Division II North Regionals
Upper Iowa finishes in 2nd Place at the NCAA Division II North Regional with 122 points. MSU-Mankato won the regional with 146.5 points. UIU will bring 8 wrestlers to the National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska. The Peacocks earned one championship (Ryan Phillips, 197), five runner-ups, two third-place finishers, a fifth and a sixth.
125 - Tyler Mumbulo finishes 2nd
133 - Nate Naumann finished 2nd
141 - John Gamble finishes 2nd
149 - Tee Adams finishes 3rd
157 - Travis Eggers finishes 2nd
165 - Mitch Norton finishes 3rd
174 - Brady Hakeman finishes 5th
184 - Tony Gehling finishes 6th
197 - Ryan Phillips wins championship
285 - Dan Goodson finishes 2nd
Mumbulo, Naumann, Gamble, Adams, Eggers, Norton, Phillips, and Goodson will all compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships on March 9th and 10th in Kearney, Nebraska.
Upper Iowa's Gamble Named NSIC Wrestler of the Week
John Gamble, a senior from Mattesen, Illinois, has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Wrestler of the Week. This honor is the eighth NSIC Player of the Week award earned by an Upper Iowa student-athlete this year and fourth by an Upper Iowa wrestler.
Gamble defeated Kelly Janke (MSUM), a former National Qualifier, by decision, 8-6, on Thursday night. He then defeated Ryan Reed (SMSU) by major decision, 21-8, on Saturday. Gamble's two victories helped to lead the Peacocks to a 2-0 record over the weekend and a perfect 4-0 NSIC record. Upper Iowa earned the championship for the first time in the Northern Sun and NCAA Division II; it was the first wrestling conference title since the 1972-73 season when UIU won the Iowa Conference (NCAA Division III).
In the latest NCAA Division II NWCA poll, Upper Iowa's wrestling program is ranked 7th in the country, while Gamble, and four other Peacock wrestlers, have earned national rankings as well. He is currently ranked 8th in the nation at 141 pounds.
Head coach Heath Grimm proudly said, "John has made wrestling a lifestyle. He has worked hard each summer to get better. He did a great job this past summer in the weight room to prepare himself for a great season. I am happy to see that he is getting the recognition he deserves."
Gamble and the #7 Peacocks will return to action when they travel to Moorhead, Minnesota to compete in the NCAA North Central Regionals. Wrestling will begin at noon on Sunday, February 25. The top four finishers in each weight class will move on to the NCAA National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska on March 9th and 10th.
Upper Iowa Ranked #7 in NCAA Division II NWCA Poll
The Upper Iowa University Wrestling Program remains in the #7 slot in the most recent National Wrestling Coaches' Association NCAA Division II Poll.
The Peacocks received 106 points and held fast to the 7th spot. The team won both of its duals last week at MSU-Moorhead (27-10) and at Southwest Minnesota State (33-9). The Peacocks earned the Northern Sun Conference Championship with a perfect 4-0 record in the regular season. The team finished the season with a dual record of 9-1, with their only loss coming at #3 MSU-Mankato.
Upper Iowa has also had their share of success in the seven tournaments they have competed in. They have placed 45 individuals and had four wrestlers crowned champions (Tyler Mumbulo, Mitch Norton, Ryan Phillips, and Dan Goodson). Their best finish came in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Midwest Classic where they claimed second place when seven wrestlers placed including one champion (M. Norton).
The NWCA has also ranked five Upper Iowa individuals in the Top 8 of their respective weights. Sophomore Tyler Mumbulo is ranked #3 at 125 pounds with a record of 16-4. Red shirt freshman Mitch Norton is ranked #5 at 165 pounds with a record 17-5. Senior Ryan Phillips is ranked #5 at 197 pounds with a record of 22-5. Junior Dan Goodson is ranked #8 at 285 pounds with a record of 21-9. Senior John Gamble returned to the rankings and was the final Peacock to be named; he is ranked #8 at 141 pounds with a record of 17-7.
The #7 Peacock wrestling team will travel to Moorhead, Minnesota to compete in the NCAA North Central Regionals. Wrestling will begin at noon on Sunday, February 25. The top four finishers in each weight class will move on to the NCAA National Championships in Kearney, Nebraska on March 9th and 10th.
Upper Iowa University to Honor NSIC Championship Wrestling Team
Fayette, Iowa (February 20, 2007) -- Upper Iowa University will honor its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Championship Wrestling Team during a special award ceremony on Thursday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Dorman Gymnasium on the Fayette campus.
The event is open to the entire Upper Iowa community and Peacock fans at large. Director of Athletics Gil Cloud will present Coach Heath Grimm and the team with their trophy. The conference title is the wrestling program's first since 1972-73, when the team won the Iowa Conference. The title is the first for Upper Iowa University Athletics since the men's basketball team won the Iowa Conference Championship during the 1998-99 season.
UIU's wrestling team is ranked 7th in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II Poll. The Peacock wrestling team earned the championship with a perfect 4-0 record in the NSIC. The team holds a 9-1 overall record in duals this season with their only loss coming at #4 Minnesota State-Mankato. The Peacocks also had their share of success in the seven tournaments they have competed in. They have placed 45 individuals and had four wrestlers crowned champions. Their best finish came in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Midwest Classic where they claimed second place when seven wrestlers placed including one champion. Four Peacock wrestlers have been recognized as the NSIC Wrestler of the Week, they include Ryan Phillips, Mitch Norton, Tyler Mumbulo, and John Gamble.
WHO: Upper Iowa University Athletic Department
WHAT: Ceremony and reception to honor NSIC Championship Wrestlers
WHERE: Upper Iowa University Dorman Gymnasium on Fayette Campus
at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students - both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa; through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Vancouver. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for students of all ages. To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and active scholars, please visit us at www.uiu.edu.
#7 Upper Iowa Defeats Southwest Minnesota State
Earns Northern Sun Conference Wrestling Championship
The #7 Peacocks traveled to Marshall, Minnesota with the Northern Sun Crown on the line. The Peacocks defeated the Mustangs 33-9 and finished their Northern Sun schedule with a perfect 4-0 record. Upper Iowa won eight of the ten matches. The victory gave the Peacock wrestling program and Upper Iowa University their first ever Northern Sun Conference Championship.
Featured wins included John Gamble (141, win by major decision), Travis Eggers (157, win by fall), Tony Gehling (184, win by fall), and Ryan Phillips (197, win by technical fall).
Individual Results from the dual are below and a full story of the action will follow.
Upper Iowa University 33, Southwest Minnesota State 9
125 #4 Tyler Mumbulo (UIU) defeats Kurt Smith (SMSU) 10-4
133 Jacob Pedersen (UIU) defeats Michel Barrie (SMSU) 8-6
141 John Gamble (UIU) defeats Ryan Reed (SMSU) 21-8
149 Luke Giese (SMSU) defeats