February 25
Three Wolves qualified for the NCAA National Championships, led by Tyler Stenberg the 149 pound champion from Super Region Three. Joe Gomez notched a third place finish at 197 pounds, while Sean Havlovic finished fourth at 165 pounds. It is the first championships for both Stenberg and Havlovic. Northern finished eighth as a team with 46 points from the region tournament.
Stenberg opened the day with a 9-3 decision win over Damian Penichet of Upper Iowa in the semifinals. The senior came from behind to take the lead and secure his place in the finals.
Stenberg battled with James Krischke of Maryville in the finals, ultimately winning in a 6-2 decision. Things were tied at 2-all through the first two periods, however Stenberg rolled Krischke and notched a 4-point nearfall, which secured the championship. He is only the third Wolf to win a regional title.
Havlovic opened the day with a 7-4 decision victory over Jesse Resser of Central Missouri, advancing the senior to the third place match. Havlovic fell in the match by an injury default but secured his place in the national tournament with the earlier win over Resser.
Gomez opened his day with an 11-3 major decision victory over Dillon Archer of Lindenwood, to move on to the consolation semis. He then defeated Jared Rennick of Drury in a 5-2 decision, securing his spot in the third place match. It was a battle against Matt Blome of Minnesota State in his final match of the day as the two headed to overtime.
Gomez tallied a reversal in the second overtime period, taking the 7-5 lead, which would hold on through the third overtime period.
The Wolves return to action March 10 and 11 from Birmingham, Alabama. Three competitors are the most NSU has had at the championships since 2009.
NSU Sports Information
Wrestling
NSUWOLVES.COM
Photos courtesy NSU Sports Information.
The Exponent 