Tyler Mumbulo lost his match by major decision to Seth Wright of New Mexico Highlands to finish as the National Runner Up at 125 pounds. Mumbulo finished in eighth place three years ago and in sixth place two years ago before having to take a medical hardship last year after season ending knee surgery.
As a team, the Peacocks tied for third place at the championships with Nebraska-Kearney. The third place finish marks the first NCAA Team Trophy that an Upper Iowa athletics program has claimed since their jump up to NCAA Division II. The last time the UIU wrestling program lofted an NCAA Team Trophy was following the 2002 NCAA Division III Championships when the Peacocks earned National Runner Up honors.
Following the Championships, Peacock Head Coach Heath Grimm was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year as voted upon by his peers. The honor marks the second time Grimm has been named Coach of the Year, the first came after the National Runner Up finish of 2002.
Finals Recaps:
Travis Eggers vs. Josh Shields of Mercyhurst Championship Final at 165 Pounds
Eggers nearly ended his Championship Finals match nineteen seconds in when he was able to lock up with Josh Shields and use a hip toss to throw him to the mat. Eggers was only inches from a pin, but picked up three near fall points to pick up an early 5-0 advantage. Shields finally escaped as the second period closed and added a second escape in the second period, but Eggers racked up nearly two minutes of ride time midway through the period. A double leg shot gave the UIU senior a five-point lead, but Shields was able to set the score at 7-3 heading into the final period. Neither wrestler added a point during the period, but Eggers tacked one final point on thanks to 2:25 in ride time to win by decision 8-3.
Tyler Mumbulo vs. Seth Wright of New Mexico Highlands Championship Final at 125 Pounds
Mumbulo wasted no time in registering a quick takedown, but Wright reversed the UIU senior and scored two near fall points to claim a 4-2 lead. Wright added an additional three-point near fall as the first period closed to take a 7-2 lead into the second period. The wrestlers started in the neutral position in the second period and the New Mexico Highlands grappler scored a takedown and continued to add to his ride time advantage. A Mumbulo escape cut the margin to six, 9-3, midway through the period. Wright continued to control the match adding another takedown in the waning seconds to bring an 11-3 lead into the final period. Wright added a reversal and two more back points to push his lead beyond reach. In the end, Mumbulo lost the match by major decision 17-4 to finish as the National Runner Up at 125 pounds.
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