By Madison Canez, Staff Writer
The Newman Jets wrestling team concluded its season with a series of impressive performances, including a big win on senior night and a senior wrestler securing a spot at nationals.
The overall record for the Jets is 2-8 and 1-4 in conference.
“Our big moment of the season was winning a conference dual against Ouachita Baptist,” junior Colby Schreiner said of the January matchup. “It was our first
conference win in two years.”
Another win for the team: senior Jace Fisher finished the season ranked 10th in the conference with a record of 26-5. He placed or won at multiple tournaments.
Fisher qualified for nationals after he placed third at the NCAA Super Regional IV which was March 1 in Warrensburg, Missouri.
The NCAA Division II Men’s Wrestling Championships will be Friday and Saturday in Indianapolis. Earlier this week, a giant good luck card for Fisher was set out in the Student Life offices, and many students stopped to sign it.
Junior Caleb Wunsch also had a good season, finishing with a record of 19-7. Wunsch also placed in multiple tournaments, finishing as high as 16th and leading all of Division II in pins.
The wrestling team will face big changes next season as head coach Ryan Smith has announced his retirement after 17 years at Newman.
“It was gut wrenching,” junior wrestler De’Leon Freeman said of Smith’s decision. “But I am looking forward to the future culture and change for the team.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Athletics
