SHREVEPORT, LA – Non-NCAA men's wrestling finished the NCWA Championship Tournament in style, with three wrestlers able to obtain All-American honors. The Oaks also were able to finish the in third place in the Division II division behind Ohio State University and Life University, a terrific first showcase on the national stage.
 
All-American Results
Julian Sanchez | 125 Pounds | 5^th Place
Sanchez was able to earn 5^th place in the tournament and started the lineup with a bang. Already set in the round of 16, Sanchez began his journey with a 14-4 win before falling in the quarterfinals. However, Sanchez performed like a 4-year veteran, earning bonus points in every match to earn 5^th place.
 
Giancarlo Plaza | 133 Pounds | 7^th Place
Another freshman in the lineup, Plaza was able to earn a 7^th place finish, showing grit and determination to get on the podium. After falling in the round of 16, Plaza would go on a run, winning three matches to get into the placement matches and taking 7^th.
 
Nikita Smatov | 174 Pounds | 5^th Place
Smatov was the only Oak in the lineup to place himself in the semifinals of the tournament. Seeded 13^th, Smatov would earn a clutch sudden victory win over the #4 seed in the round 16 to get into the quarters. He then would go and earn a 16-1 tech fall against the #5 seed in the quarterfinals to get into the semis. Falling in the semis, Smatov would again beat the #5 seed 8-4 to place himself 5^th in the tournament.
 
As the program ends their first run at national championship, their results are only a steppingstone for future Oaks to build upon as the program continues to strive for excellence. The Oak's victory is not just a culmination of years of hard work, but a bold statement that they are ready to go against new and fresh challenges to build upon their championship mindset.