The UNK wrestling team is the fourth ranked in Division II with a 10-7 dual record. This year’s team has the potential to bring the fifth national championship back to Kearney in March. Their last title came back in 2022.
The tough dual schedule will be beneficial for UNK moving forward in the postseason.
“I think it creates more learning lessons and this is part of our process in helping these guys become the best wrestlers they can be,” said Dalton Jensen, UNK wrestling coach. “Seeing that elite level competition during the season is helpful when we get to our national qualifying event. It’s not as stressful for them and they’ve seen higher level wrestlers than what they’ll see that day.”
UNK faced many ranked opponents, including the number one ranked NAIA school; Grandview, two top five Division II schools; St. Cloud State and Central Oklahoma and three Division I teams ranked in the Top 20; Arkansas-Little Rock, Northern Iowa and Nebraska.
After coming up short the last two seasons, their mind has been set on one goal.
“The ultimate goal for the team and for me personally is always to be the national champion but there are a lot of smaller goals that go into that,” said Crew Howard, the number one ranked heavyweight wrestler in Division II.” “This year we think we have a good enough team, and we have the ability to do so. But like I said there’s a lot of little things that go into it. You can’t get caught up in that main goal of being a national champion, you need to take it day by day and be where your feet are.”
Another wrestler, Nick James, decided to rejoin the team for his sixth year to help UNK bring another national championship home.
James wrestled for the first time this year versus Fort Hays State on Friday. He won his match by technical fall, 21-6. It was the first time on the mat for the three time All-American since his national runner up match last year.
James brings a lot more to this team than just his wrestling ability.
“I think he’s always been one that rises everybody up around him,” Jensen said. “So having him back in the room where he is training full time and scraping with the guys. I think it just elevates everybody’s game that is around him.”
UNK had its senior night dual against Fort Hays in which they won 40-12 for their final dual of the season. It was the last home dual for 10 UNK seniors including Jacobi Deal and eighth ranked Jacari Deal. Jacobi, at 174 pounds won 9-1, a major decision, and Jacari at 184 pounds won by technical fall 21-5.
Jacari Deal has set high expectations for himself this year.
“Being on the podium in March has been one of my goals throughout the season,” Deal said.” “I think this year’s team has a chance to win a national title for UNK.”
UNK has made strides upon strides as the season has continued.
“I think we have been getting better every week, dual by dual,” Jacobi Deal said. “I think us working hard together and keeping each other accountable is the biggest part of our team so I’m really looking forward to the postseason.”
UNK will be in action at the NCAA Super Region VI in Gunnison, Colorado, March 1 Then, the Lopers will finish out the year at the NCAA Division II Championships March 14-15 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
