Goebel Takes 3rd at National Championship

Junior Nick Goebel claimed third place at the 2016 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championship, which ended on March 12 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Goebelm the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at 149, reached the semifinals of the competition yesterday, but was upended in his first match on Saturday. He suffered a loss by pin fall to Nebraska-Kearney's Destin McCauley in 1:33 to end his hopes for a shot at the title in the 149-pound weight class. McCauley is ranked second nationally behind Goebel.

In the consolation bracket, Goebel scored a 7-2 win over sixth-ranked Jeremy Landowski of Mercyhurst to reach the third place match. He then claimed the bronze to earn All-American honors with a 5-3 victory over third-ranked Jay Hildreth of St. Cloud State.

Goebel, who went 4-1 at the national tournament, finishes the year with a 40-5 record. His 40 wins established a new single season school record at Findlay, eclipsing the mark of 39 set by former national champion Michael Lybarger during the 2011 campaign.