Nick Becker (Photo/UW-Parkside Sports Information)FAYETTE, Iowa -- Nick Becker, a redshirt junior from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is the 2017 NCAA Division II Wrestler of the Year presented by the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association. Becker is the tenth recipient of this award since its inception in 2008.
Becker capped his perfect 25-0 season by winning his second consecutive NCAA Division II title at 174 pounds. The Ranger defeated UNC Pembroke's Blaze Shade in both the super region and national championship finals to become a two-time champion. Prior to his finals match with Shade, Becker earned two technical falls at the national championships. With his 25 wins this season, the Ranger wrestler registered 17 bonus-point wins including 8 falls, 3 tech falls and 6 majors.
"Nick's success is due in large part to his composure on the mat and his even-keeled temperament," said Wisconsin-Parkside Head Wrestling Coach Gregg Lewis. "His attitude while competing mixed with his intense work ethic and determination to put the time into his technique are the foundation for the wrestler that he is. Nick is quick to get on the attack and force his style of wrestling onto his opponents. I am excited to see what he can do next year and curious as to where he will push himself toward his ultimate goal."
The Hartford, Wis. product is currently riding a 66-match winning streak with one season left in a UWP singlet. Following the 2017 campaign, Becker was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Wrestler of the Year and NCAA Division II Super Region Two Wrestler of the Year.
Becker came to Wisconsin-Parkside prior to the 2014-15 season after transferring from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich. During his first season with the Rangers, he wrestled unattached at three tournaments before returning to the varsity mats during the 2015-16 season. As a redshirt sophomore, Becker posted a 41-0 record with 31 of the victories coming with bonus points. He tallied 10 falls, 11 tech falls and 10 majors on his way to the NCAA Division II title in Sioux Falls, S.D. Becker earned the NCAA Division II Super Region Two Wrestler of the Year last season as well.
The four NCAA Division II Regional Wrestlers of the Year were released earlier in the week and included 165-pound freshman Isaiah White from Notre Dame College for NCAA Super Region One, Becker from Super Region Two, 141-pound senior Nate Rodriguez from Maryville University for Super Region Three and 197-pound senior Jacob Waste from California Baptist University for Super Region Four. All four earned titles at their respective NCAA Division II Super Regionals and the National Championships in Birmingham, Ala. in early March.
The previous nine winners of the award were Nebraska-Kearney heavyweight Tervel Dlagnev (2008), Nebraska-Omaha 157-pounder Todd Meneely (2009), Pittsburgh-Johnstown 133-pounder Shane Valko (2010), Western State 197-pounder Donovan McMahill (2011), Upper Iowa 133-pounder Trevor Franklin (2012), Grand Canyon heavyweight Tyrell Fortune (2013), Kutztown heavyweight Ziad Haddad (2014), Central Oklahoma 165-pounder Chris Watson (2015) and Notre Dame's 184-pounder Joey Davis (2016).
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