Holding a 25-1 record going into the national tournament this weekend Junior Delrico Choates ended the national tournament on top winning 6-2 at the 125Ibs weight class labeling him this year's 2006 national champion. Choates' made it to the finals with a T-fall, a major, and two pins. At the 141Ibs weight class junior Brad Cooper fell short of the title losing in the finals 2-3. Brad Cooper wrestled by pinning and teched his way to the finals. At the 149Ibs weight class Sophomore Dustin Center ended the tournament in eighth place making him an All-American. Center made his first appearance at the national tournament and wrestled back after losing in the quarterfinals but fell short twice in the placing rounds.
Senior and team Captain Todd Allen finished his college career with an eighth place finish falling from a third place finish from last year at the 174Ibs weight class. Allen lost in the semi –finals and went on to the consolation semi-finals but could not continue due to an injury default. Returning finalist Eric Flinchum received a repeating upset in the finals, coming up short losing 1-7. Heavy weight Matt Bishop ended the tournament with a third place finish giving him the All-American title. Bishop lost in the semi-finals to the national champion and wrestled back to claim the third place spot.
Coach Andy Medders could not be happier with the way the men preformed. "I am proud of these guys. Every one of them that won and those that came short of their goals, they all wrestled hard and laid it on the line," said Medders. "Choates knew it was his time and he believed and he performed. I have been waiting to see this since he was a freshmen and I am happy and proud to be his coach."
The Patriots finished third with a team score of 101. The NAIA National Tournament concludes the men's wrestling season. With a third place overall finish in the nation, look for the Patriots to climb their way to the top in 2007.
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