MOORHEAD, Minn. — Minnesota State University Moorhead wrestlers Blake Bosch and Conner Monk will compete at the NCAA Division II National Championships starting on Friday in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the first trip to Division II nationals for both wrestlers.
The first round begins at 10 a.m. Central time on Friday in Cleveland. The top eight finishers in each weight class earn All-American status.
“Both are very excited qualifying for national tournament,” MSUM head coach Kris Nelson said. “Their goal is to become All-Americans. It is their first time competing in the national tournament. It’s going to be a great experience.”
Bosch, a freshman from Wishek, N.D., qualified for the nationals at 125 pounds. He has a 21-12 record and will open competition on Friday against Findlay’s Ben Sergent, who is 19-6.
At the Super Regional 3 tournament, Bosch (20-12) went 3-2 and finished in fifth. Needing a win in the fifth-place match, Bosch topped Lawson Ludwin of Fort Hays State, 5-3 to secure the trip to nationals.
Monk, a senior from Wausau, Wis., opens with unbeaten and top-ranked Joey Davis (35-0) of Notre Dame (Ohio) at 174 pounds. Monk has a 14-12 record but is 11-6 against Division II foes this season. He has eight wins by fall.
At the Super Regional 3 tournament, Monk finished 3-2 and took fourth place. He earned three wins by fall at 174 pounds.