The storybook ending to the long two days of competition ended with Mitchell Williamson winning the final match of the day was he was crowned national champion of the heavyweight division. Massoma Endene wrestled tough, going 5-2 on the weekend and picked up All-American honors with a 7th place finish. The Lakers started off slow in the first round going 2-8 but fought hard during the tournament, finishing 16th as a team, earning 39.5 points.
Head Coach Cody Alesch picked up an individual award being dubbed NJCAA Man of The Year by the NJCAA Coaches Association
Lakers Results on the weekend:
At 125 and 133, Karsten Johnson and Jeremiah Boykins lost both of their contested matches
At 141, Dontario Norwood finished the weekend 1-2 picking up a 11-2 major decision agaisnt Marcus Nicholas of Camden.
The 149 and 157 pound weight classes featured Jovanni Butler and Juan Diaz respectivly. who both ended the weekend 0-2.
At 165, Caden Mumme, who saw his first matches of the season, Picked up a tech fall over Logan Valente in his first match. after dropping his second match, he picked up a fall in 6:15 over Chad Ball. He finished the weekend 2-2.
At 174, Massoma Endene Finished the weekend 5-2. Dropping his first match then winning the next four. He picked up a fall over Austin Vanhouten in 5:07 then a 7-3 decision over Seth Dominguez. From there, he picked up a 7-1 win over returning All-American Jesse Nunez, finishing day one with an 8-3 win over Ross Abram. After dropping his first match of day two Massoma finished off Wyatt Simon by a score of 7-0 to claim 7th place and All-American honors for the tournament.
At 184, Logan Koedam went 1-2. He beat Chase McCleish from NIACC by a score of 8-4
At 197, Garett Borth went an even 2-2 picking up a 5-2 decision over Cage Dye and a Fall in 6:11 to Andrew Leltold.
At 285, Mitchell Williamson finished atop the podium. On day one, Mitchell beat Michael Nykoriak 10-2, then Micah Lieberman by a score of 7-1, and then Ayston Perez 5-2. On day two, he defeated Devon Dawson in the semi-finals 5-2, finishing off with a 3-1 battle with Iowa Central's Jorden Pryor.
"After a slow start in round 1 I thought the guys picked it up as the tournament went on. Even in the matches we fell short in the way we wrestled in those losses was better. We left some wins on the mat for sure and I know many of the guys are disappointed with their outcomes. I hope it stings and it stays with them. Motivation is a good thing and being reminded of falling short in your goals is a big part of working toward what is next. Really proud of the fight that many of the guys had, the national tournament you have to be ready to fight not just wrestle. It truly is a battle every time you step on the mat and you better be ready for the fight. This was a great group of young men and as a coaching staff we were always proud to be in their corner," stated Coach Alesch.
Picture of Mitchell Williamson credits go to: Angelwing Photography