Mankato, Minn. — Minnesota State senior Darrell Mason has advanced to the NCAA National Championship Tournament for DII Wrestling March 10-11, in Pella, Iowa.
A Chicago, Ill. Native, Mason currently holds a 12-3 overall season record, and went 3-0 to claim the NCAA Super Region V Champion title. Mason was also ranked 11th in the NWCA Coaches Poll, released Feb. 17, 2023.
Head Coach Jim Makovsky had a few words about the upcoming national tournament: “We’re excited for the opportunity that DeBo has earned. He’s had to deal with a lot of adversity this season. It wasn’t easy for him at all. He competed at a high level at our qualifier, and I think he is battle tested. His main focus is to prepare and perform to the best of his ability. Focus on the circumstances of the moment and enjoy the entire experience. He does that, he will be in the mix for a national championship.”
Mason is the returning 2021-22 National Champion in the 285-pound division. Among many accolades received by Mason last year was NSIC Wrestler of the Year and NWCA DII Wrestler of the Year.
A word from Mason: “My preparation has been great, I feel great, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go down to Iowa and compete at a high level. I’m choosing to focus on the process and go out there and be the best version of myself in everything I do. I’m healthy. I’m prepared. I’m ready.”
Mason is set to wrestle Daniel Scheib, of Shippensburg University, starting Friday morning.
Quarterfinals and the first two rounds of wrestlebacks will be held Friday night, semifinals and the remaining wrestleback matches will take place Saturday morning, and finals will be wrestled Saturday night.
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