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    Dana brings home runner-up honors

    CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Defending NAIA NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals champion Dana College reached the finals of this weekends NWCA/NAIA National Duals in Cedar Falls, IA. The Vikings, who were the number six seed, coming into the tournament defeated McKendree College (IL) in its opening round match 25-18. Jason Bilinksi of Dana recorded a pin at 157 to help secure the Vikings win. Other first round winners were Craig Trampe (125), Burke Barnes (133), Terrence Almond (141), Bulla Tuzon (165), and Wade Jordan (197).

    The Vikings would then square off against long-time rival William Penn University in the quarterfinals. The Statesmen, the number three seed, were coming off an opening round 44-6 win over Cumberland University. Dana would open up with three straight wins at 125, 133, and 141. Coach Richard Fergola would bump normal 141 pound wrestler, Terrence Almond, up to 149 pounds and wrestle freshman Brian Graham in his spot. Graham would come away with a major decision win 13-5 over Terrence Johnson of WPU. Almond was set to face No. 1 rated Darren Cotton at 149. Almond would drop a tightly contested 7-3 decision. The Vikings would put the match away by winning the last three weight classes and win 26-11, highlighted by Webster Farris defeating three-time All-American and No. 2 rated Abe Trujillo by a score of 11-4 and unrated Jesse Boggs defeating No. 3 rated Chauncey Coleman 6-5.

    In the semi-finals, the Vikings would face No. 2 rated Embry-Riddle University. Senior Craig Trampe would drop a closely contested bout to No. 2 rated Richard Byrd 4-3. Junior Burke Barnes, rated No. 3 would get a victory by fall over No. 7 rated Franky Villescusa in :13 seconds. At 141 would be the battle of No. 2 rated Gordo Villescusa against No. 3 rated Terrence Almond. Almond would dominate the match and record a major decision 14-6. Bumping up from 141 would be freshman Brian Graham. Graham would defeat No. 6 rated Jason Mendez by a score of 7-4. Junior and No. 6 rated Jason Bilinski would fall behind to No. 1 rated Hayden Harrison early, but would come back in the third period to place Harrison on his back three times and nearly recording the fall, but fell short on time and lost 16-13. Bulla Tuzon lost by fall to No. 4 rated Calvin DeVault and freshman Josh Ghobadpoor lost 7-2 to Morgan Scott. No. 7 rated Webster Farris lost 7-1 to No. 2 rated Joffre Lander.

    The Vikings would find themselves in familiar territory as they were once again in the National Duals finals facing No. 1 seed Lindenwood. Lindenwood was the No. 1 seed in 2006 and placed third behind the Vikings as well as at the National Tournament in Sioux City, IA. In a closely contested dual, the dual came down to the heavyweights. Losing 20-17 heading into the heavyweight match, the Vikings needed a decision victory from freshman Jesse Boggs to tie the dual and the Vikings would claim the title on criteria of most technical falls. Boggs would lose a close match with Lindenwood's Lance Shunia 6-4 and give the title to Lindenwood 23-17.

    "I am very proud of this team and our coaching staff. Coming in as the sixth seed and coming that close to winning the championship again was a tribute to the effort that these young men put forth," stated Head coach Richard Fergola.

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