ST. LOUIS, MO. – The men's wrestling team completed competition at the NCAA Division II National Championship this weekend where Freshman Christian Small steps up in a big way with an All-American finish. Small defeated three nationally ranked opponents en route to fifth. The Tornado finished 29th overall in team points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- At 141 pounds Christian Small narrowly lost a 4-1 decision to No. 5 Branson Proudlock of Findlay in the first round. He bounced back with a 6-2 decision over Schwartzkopf of McKendree to advance to the consolation quarter-finals. He defeated No. 7 Nick James from Nebraska-Kearney by decision to advance to the consolation semi-finals. Here he would meet No. 1 Colby Smith from Lindenwood and lose a very close decision. He finsihed strong for fifth with a 5-4 win by decision.
- At 285 pounds Cade Ridley had an extremely close match first round where he would lose 3-1 in overtime to No. 4 Freddie Nixon from Ganon. In the consolation quarter-finals he would fall to No. 6 Lee Herrington from Nebraska-Kearney.
141 - Christian Small 3-2, 5th
285 - Cade Ridley 0-2
