March 7, 2008

Sioux City, Iowa - Lindenwood University (Mo.) kept a firm grasp of first place after session three of the National Association of Intercollegiate wrestling championships. The Lions finished with 116 points, 15.5 better then second place Great Falls (Mont.). Mckendree (Ill.) slipped to third place while Dickenson State (N.D.) and Dana (Neb.)remained at their earlier positions and rounded out the top five.

Lindenwood coach Joe Parisi has been impressed with the level of competiton at this year's tournament.

"My team has battled the past two days," Parisi said. "It seems like someone dropped us off in the middle of a battlefield with all the whistles and action going on here. This has been a fantastic tournament and we realize we have to finish strong to meet the goal we set when we started this jouney."

One of the more entertaining matches of the night took place in the 184 lb. semifinals bracket. Great Falls (Mont.) Mike Kummer defeated defending champion Jake Stevenson from Morningside (Iowa).  With the match locked at 6-4 in overtime and under 10 seconds remaining, Kummer scored two points with a takedown and advance. The Argonauts senior will face Oklahoma City sophomore Mitchell Eichenauer for the title.

"It was a tough match and to come out on top is a wonderful feeling," Kummer said. "This is my last year and I want to leave it all on the mat. I can enjoy this for tonight but will be ready and focused tomorrow."

At the 197 lb. bracket senior Justin Schlecht of Dickenson State University had a much easier time defending his 2007 title. Schlecht pinned Hastings College (Neb.) freshman Brandon Hudiburgh at 2:29. Schletct will attempt to win his third consecutive individual championship when he squares off against McKendree University freshman Andrew Sanchez.

"It was a good win for me but I realize I have more to do," Schlecht said. "What happened last year and the year before doesn't matter.  I have a tough match tomorrow against a McKendree kid who is a great athlete and wonderful competitor. "

Action will resume Saturday at 10 a.m.  The championship finals will take place at 7 p.m.

For more information and updated results, visit the NAIA Wrestling Championship Page.