Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) achieved notable success at the 2024 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships, securing two All-American titles. The first-year reinstated program accumulated 16.5 points, placing them in 16th position after the opening day of competition.

Sophomore wrestler Josh Kenny advanced to the semifinals in the 174-pound category. Kenny, seeded fourth with a record of 30-5, began his journey with a commanding 12-1 major decision victory over Jonathan Parrilla from Millersville. He followed this with a narrow 4-1 sudden victory over Matt Ortiz of McKendree, utilizing a strategic duck under move in overtime to clinch his semifinal spot. Kenny is set to compete against Brody Hemauer from Wisconsin-Parkside for a chance to enter the National Championship match on Saturday night.

Wyatt Miller, unseeded but determined, also secured All-America status through perseverance in the blood round. Miller (31-6) started with a win by fall in his pigtail match and then faced defeat against fifth-seeded Dakota Rodgers from Pitt-Johnstown with a close 4-3 decision. However, he bounced back by defeating fourth-seeded Caden Steffen from Southwest Minnesota State with a decisive 7-2 victory in his first consolation match. Miller continued his winning streak by overcoming Tereus Henry of Fort Hays State with an impressive 9-6 win. He will next face seventh-seeded Max Ramberg from Augustana (S.D.) in the quarterfinal consolation round.

Chris Donathan, seeded third and holding a record of 25-3, opened with a victory over Devan Moore from Newberry but was later defeated by sixth-seeded Dylan Brown from Central Oklahoma in an intense match ending at 18-11. Donathan subsequently lost his first consolation round match by a score of 9-3.

Senior Seth Konynenbelt concluded his season after losing both matches by fall, wrapping up an impressive career with a record of 27-16.

Head coach Joey Simcoe expressed mixed emotions following the day's events: "What a day," he remarked. "The emotional highs and lows you feel as a coach for your wrestlers is draining, but at the same time it is the most incredible feeling you have in coaching." Simcoe added his pride for his athletes' accomplishments while acknowledging that more work lies ahead: "I am so proud of these four young men for what they have accomplished, but we still have work to do on Saturday and that is an incredible story for first-year reinstated program."