Wrestling Heads To NCAA Qualifier At Lindenwood

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Truman Wrestling team will compete for a chance to qualify for the NCAA National Championships when they travel to Lindenwood (Mo.) University for the Super Region IV qualifier meet.

Eleven Division II teams represented by nearly 100 student-athletes will be vying for one of the top three spots in each of the 10 weight classes and a trip to the national championship meet in March.

Truman's Sam Reeves will be looking to repeat as a national qualifier at the event. Reeves placed fourth last year in the 197-pound weight class to punch his first ticket to nationals. Reeves was ranked second in the Division II national individual rankings back in November but will have to get past three current region members ranked in the top 12 of the weight class. Ethan Sheretz of Maryville is second, Ryan Vasbinder of McKendree is ninth and Colton Looper from Central Oklahoma is 12^th.

Freshman Zach Williard will also be contending for a shot at nationals. Williard earned GLVC Wrestler of the Week award earlier this year and has been to the podium in several open tournaments this year at 133. He has two nationally ranked opponents in his bracket with Lindenwood's Tanner Hitchcock at number eight and McKendree's Charles McNeal at number nine. Hitchcock defeated Williard 14-2 back in a dual on January 15 and McNeal won by major over Williard at the GLVC Duals Championship on February 3.

The rest of the Truman lineup will see Caleb Osborn at 141, Nathan Wunderlich at 157, Zach Taylor at 165, Vin Kriegshauser at 174 and Shane Gallagher at 184.

The regional format has changed from years past. Last year, there were four regional tournaments with the top four out of each region advancing to nationals. This year, six regional tournaments will be held with the top three in each bracket moving on.

The meet will be on Saturday, February 23 at the Hyland Arena on the St. Charles campus. The 11 schools competing are Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, Drury, Fort Hays State, Kentucky Wesleyan, Lindenwood, Maryville, McKendree, Newman and Ouachita Baptist.

Live Results (Trackwrestling.com)

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Players Mentioned

Shane Gallagher: 197; Junior

Caleb Osborn: 141; Redshirt Senior

Sam Reeves: 197/184; Senior

Zach Taylor: 165; Redshirt Senior

Vin Kriegshauser: 184; Freshman

Zach Williard: 133; Freshman

Nathan Wunderlich: 149; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Shane Gallagher
: Junior
: 197

Caleb Osborn
: Redshirt Senior
: 141

Sam Reeves
: Senior
: 197/184

Zach Taylor
: Redshirt Senior
: 165

Vin Kriegshauser
: Freshman
: 184

Zach Williard
: Freshman
: 133

Nathan Wunderlich
: Freshman
: 149