Nebraska-Kearney won the team scoring race by the narrowest of margins, topping second-place Minnesota State, Mankato by one-half point, 108.5-108. UNO (93.5) finished third for the second consecutive year, while Pittsburg Johnstown (87) and Adams State (68.5) rounded out the top five.
Garcia claimed his second national title with a convincing 8-2 decision over Minnesota State's Nick Smith in the 125-pound title bout. Garcia, who missed last season due to injury, also won the 125-pound title in 2006. He finished the season with a 22-1 mark, his only loss being an injury default.
"It was great to see what Cody accomplished," UNO Head Coach Mike Denney said. "Especially after the injury and everything he had to go through."
Garcia was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships and won the award for most falls in the least amount of time, pinning his first three opponents in a total time of 4:53.
UNO only had to wait three matches to crank up the celebration again, crowning their second national champion at 149.
Defending national champion Todd Meneely squared off against Western State's Camille DuPont in a battle of No.1 versus No. 2 at 149 pounds. Meneely suffered an early takedown and fell behind 2-0, but was able to recover and take control of the match, earning his second straight 149-pound title with a 9-3 decision. Meneely finished the year with a record of 23-2.
Garcia and Meneely became the ninth and tenth Maverick wrestlers to win at least two national titles in their careers, joining an exclusive list of UNO wrestling greats such as; Sigman, Naig, and Washington.
While Meneely, having also won the 2007 title, became only the seventh UNO wrestler to win back-to-back national titles.
Taplin, the Mavs third finalist, lost the 174-pound final to Albert Miles of Pittsburg Johnstown, 5-2. Taplin, who posted a third-place finish in 2006, is a three-time national-qualifier and two-time All-American.
Taplin's win in the semifinals over Mercyhurst's Josh Shield's was the 100th of his career, making him the twenty-second Maverick to reach the century mark.
Joining Garcia, Meneely and Taplin as 2008 All-Americans were Aaron Denson, Jacob Marrs, and Tony Lewis. Denson and Lewis finished seventh at 165 and 285, while Marrs placed third at 197.
"I am really proud of how we competed, we overcame adversity and made the best of things," said Coach Denney. "Every guy we brought with us won at least one match this year."
The Mavericks lose just one person out of their starting lineup heading into next year. Every 2008 All-American will be back next season, as will 2007 All-American Sim Bribieseca, giving UNO a very optimistic view of things to come.
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