By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant
OU wrestler Garrett Johnston earned All-American honors at the national championships in March.
In only its second year, the Oakland University wrestling program has its first All-American. Garrett Johnston competed along with four teammates at the NCWA individual national championships March 12-14 at Hampton University in southern Virginia. The 184-pound junior earned All-America honors after finishing fourth in a field of 32 wrestlers.
“I knew what to expect coming in,” said Johnston, who competed in last year’s national tournament. “I just tried to keep my teammates calm.”
As the #3 overall seed, the Chesaning native wrestled seven matches over three days, competing against some of the best collegiate wrestlers in the country. He overcame injuries to advance to the semi-finals before dropping a hard-fought 5-4 decision which landed him in fourth place, cementing his status as an All-American.
“There’s definitely some high hopes for next year,” said Johnston. “I’ll be shooting for first place.”
OU wrestling club president Kyle Nieporte said that having an All-American on the team will enhance its prospects for long-term success.
“It gives us more recruiting opportunities,” said Nieporte. “We’ve worked really hard all season and the results speak for themselves.”
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