Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State men's wrestling team made a notable return in its first year after a 32-year hiatus. The Lakers sent four wrestlers to the 2024 NCAA DII National Championships, earning two All-American titles and an individual National Champion. They finished 13th in the team standings with 31 points.

Sophomore Josh Kenny from Grandville, Michigan, achieved All-American status with a quarterfinal victory on Friday. He continued his success by winning the semifinal match against Brody Hemauer of Wisconsin Parkside with a technical fall score of 17-2. This victory marked him as the first GVSU wrestler to reach the title match since 1988.

In the championship match, Kenny faced Anthony Des Vigne from Central Oklahoma. After a scoreless first period, Des Vigne chose to start down in the second period—a decision that proved costly. Kenny executed two 4-point near falls followed by a pin at 4:47 into the second period, securing his place as GVSU's first National Champion since Roger Singleton in 1988 at 118 pounds. Kenny concluded his season with a record of 32-5.

"Josh had a plan and he wrestled it to perfection," said Joey Simcoe, GVSU's first-year head coach. "He was dominant on Championship Saturday and wrestled to score points."

Wyatt Miller also earned All-American honors following a sudden victory win on Friday and completed his tournament with an eighth-place finish and a record of 31-8.