INDIANAPOLIS – Twenty-seven Great Lakes Valley Conference wrestlers, representing ten weight classes, are set to compete at the NCAA Collegiate Championships from March 6-7 at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
Five GLVC programs will send wrestlers to the national meet, led by McKendree with ten and Grand Valley State with eight. Quincy follows with four selections, and Northern Michigan, and William Jewell with two wrestlers.
In the latest national team rankings, McKendree is ranked second overall, followed by Grand Valley State in fourth, Quincy in ninth, Northern Michigan is tied for twelfth, and William Jewell is tied for 18th.
The GLVC boasts four national participants from the 110-pound weight class, three from 103, 117, 124, 145, and 160, two from 131, 138, 180, and 207.
23 of the 27 GLVC wrestlers competing are nationally ranked, led by McKendree's quartet of top ranked Heather Crull (103 weight class), Yu Sakamoto (117), Cameron Guerin (131), and Tristan Kelly (207).
McKendree and William Jewell competed in Super Regional VI at Lindenwood, with the Bearcats coming out as Regional Champions with 199.5 points. The Cardinals placed fifth with 70.5 points. McKendree took top spot in all weight classes.
Three league teams competed in Super Regional IV at Tiffin last weekend, led by Grand Valley State in second with 173 points. Northern Michigan (80) placed fourth, followed by Davenport in 15th (5.5). Grand Valley had four champions with the 103, 110, 138, and 207 weight classes won by Lakers.
Quincy and Upper Iowa competed in Super Regional V at Simpson with the Hawks placing third with 120 points, and the Peacocks in 15th with 5.5 points. Quincy had an individual champion in the 124 weight class.