Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State wrestling team, ranked sixth nationally, tied with Ashland for second place at the NCAA Division II Super Region III Tournament, both scoring 126.5 points. Glenville State secured the top spot with 129 points. The Lakers will advance five wrestlers to the NCAA DII National Championships scheduled in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 14-15.

Two GVSU wrestlers achieved titles at the tournament: Chris Donathan, ranked first at 149 pounds, and Carter Blough, ranked third at 285 pounds. Josh Kenny and Brayden Mirjavadi both finished second in their respective weight classes of 174 and 184 pounds. Wyatt Miller earned a third-place finish in his category.

Other notable performances include Jak Keller and CJ Poole who each finished fourth, Maclain Morency securing fifth place, and Orion Wilson finishing sixth. Maddox Simcoe concluded the tournament with a record of one win and two losses.

"I am proud of how our 10 wrestlers competed today," said Joey Simcoe, GVSU's head coach in his second year. "We are a young team with no seniors and when you crown two champions, have two more in the finals and three in the third-place match you have a gritty bunch of kids. For our program to be in its second year as varsity sport after a 32-year hiatus and finish second at NCAA Super Regional you have a special program," added Simcoe.