OU wrestlers overcome 'underdog' status at nationals

After being selected as a number six seed in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Team Nationals, the Oakland University Wrestling Team finished fourth in the field of 16 teams in late January.

The Golden Grizzlies were selected to compete in Murfreesboro, Tenn., after ranking among the top of the NCWA’s more than 150 teams.

Oakland’s wrestlers started the tournament by beating the University of Dayton in 47-10 decision, and then topped the University of Toledo with a score of 39-12. The biggest match of the day came when the Grizzlies wrestled the University of Maryland/ Baltimore County, a number three seed, and took seven of 11 matchups to win 28-16.

In the semi-finals Oakland University lost to eventual NCWA Dual Champions, Grand Valley State University. The Golden Grizzlies then faced number four seed Marion Military Institute and narrowly missed securing a third place finish.

“We were definitely the underdog going into the tournament, and we will have a lot to look forward to next year after recruiting another group of freshman talent,” said Wrestling Team President Kyle Nieporte.

For more information on individual matchups at the NCWA Tournament, visit www.ncwa.net/teams?school=144&results=true. For more information about the Oakland University Wrestling team, visit www.ougrizzlywrestling.com.