MOORHEAD, Minn. – In three seasons as a member of the Minnesota State University Moorhead wrestling team, Blake Bosch has never missed the national tournament. The junior will compete in the 133-pound division at the NCAA Division II National Championships starting on Friday at the Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The first session begins at 11 a.m. on Friday. Bosch (31-5) will face Chandler Minnard (16-9) of Ashland in the opening round that day. Minnard is a freshman who is making his first national tournament appearance.
Bosch was the Super Region 3 champion at 133 pounds, winning one match by fall and another by technical fall. He was MSUM’s first regional champion since Corey Ulmer won at 125 pounds in 2012.
Now, the Wishek, N.D., native turns his sights on a national title. The last Dragon to win a national crown was Nate Baker in 2006.
Bosch, who has won 23 matches in a row, has a career record of 80-31 at MSUM and was an All-American at 133 pounds in 2015 when he finished eighth at the national meet. He is ranked No. 2 in the nation at 133 pounds.
His opponent, Minnard, finished in fourth place at 133 at the Super Region 2 tournament in late February. He lost in the quarterfinal round but battled through the consolation bracket to secure fourth.
The top eight finishers in each weight class earn All-American honors.