Leading the way for the Vikings was senior Burke Barnes (SR, Lake Stevens, Wash.). Barnes dominated his competition with a 3-0 record in the 133-pound weight class claiming the top spot as well as winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award for the tournament. Barnes defeated Briar Cliff's Micah Sheffield in the first round by technical fall in 4:00 minutes. In the semi-finals, Barnes made quick work of Dakota Wesleyan's Jordan Harer. He pinned the fourth seed in 30 seconds. Barnes capped off his title with a 16-6 major decision over Julian Gunnels of Briar Cliff.
Kevin Gray (SR, Topeka, Kan.), and Jason Bilinski (SR, Pittsgrove, N.J.) were the top seeds at 125 and 157. Both went 3-0 on the day to win their respective weight classes.
Other champions for the Vikings were second-seed Adam Manz (SO, Council Bluffs, Iowa) at 141 pounds and third-seed Bulla Tuzon (SO, Maui, Hawaii) at 165 pounds. Both wrestlers defeated opponents in the finals that had previously beaten them.
Others wrestlers who brought home hardware for the Vikings were Tony Ponce (SR, Derby, Kan.) at 174 and Ross Milam (JR, Omaha, NE) at 197. Ponce took fourth place with a 2-2 record and Milam placed third with a 1-1 record.
Head Coach Beau Vest was pleased with the Vikings' performance. "We stepped up at the right time. Our guys were able to avenge several regular season losses. Adam Manz put it all together for a great tournament and getting Burke Barnes back in the lineup gave the entire team a charge. It was a great weekend for Dana wrestling."
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