BRISTOL, Tenn. –
Christian Small of the King University men's wrestling team had a spectacular rookie campaign, earning NCAA All-American honors. This week he added another award to his collection, National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NWCA) Super Region II Rookie of the Year.
He becomes the first wrestler in program history to earn NWCA Region Wrestler of the Year honors. Earlier this spring, Small was selected South Atlantic Conference Carolinas (SACC) Freshman of the Year and second team All-SACC.
Small had a spectacular first season donning the scarlet and navy, posting a 12-4 record with two pins. He qualified for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with an 11-2 win over top-ranked Isiah Royal of Newberry College in the Super Region II Championships. At the regional championships he finished runner-up, going 2-1.
At the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, Small dropped his first match, but fought back with back-to-back wins to earn All-American honors. He ended up finishing fifth with a 5-4 win over Take Murphy of Upper Iowa University.
The Canton, Ga. native has went 5-1 in SACC, winning his final five conference matches. Following a defeat in his first career match, Small rolled off nine straight victories until falling in the regional final.
Small is now eligible for NWCA National Freshman of the Year honors. That is scheduled to be announced next week.
