MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State wrestler Travis Peralta has been awarded a qualifying spot to the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships as an injury replacement in the 184 pound bracket. Peralta placed fifth at the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 23, just one place short of qualifying.
Augustana’s Sean Derry (16-12), who took fourth place and qualified at the regional tournament, suffered an injury since the regional tournament that has forced him to withdraw.
The addition of Peralta at 184 pounds bumps SMSU’s qualifiers from three to four, its most during head coach Jesse Nelson’s tenure.
Peralta (18-11) will make his first appearance at the NCAA National Wrestling Championships as a four seed and will wrestle Pittsburgh-Johnstown’s Travis Mckillop (29-1).
The opening round on March 8 will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the second round championships and consolation rounds at 6 p.m. Action on March 9 begins at 10 a.m. with the championship semifinals, third round consolation, consolation semifinals and the 3rd, 5th, 7th place matches. The championship finals begin at 6 p.m.