A Comprehensive Look at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships
The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships stand as a pinnacle event in collegiate wrestling, showcasing the talent and dedication of student-athletes from across the nation. This article delves into the history, format, and recent highlights of this prestigious tournament.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1963, the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships has a rich history spanning over six decades. For many years, through 1989, the Division II finalists had the unique opportunity to advance to the Division I championships, held the following week. This allowed exceptional athletes to potentially earn All-American recognition in both divisions during the same season, a testament to the high level of competition in Division II wrestling.
Tournament Format
The NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships is a double-elimination tournament, offering wrestlers a chance to battle back even after an initial loss. Each of the ten weight classes features 18 wrestlers, all vying for All-American honors and the coveted title of national champion. This format ensures that only the most resilient and skilled wrestlers emerge victorious.
2024 NCAA DII Wrestling Championships: A Recap
The 2024 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships saw Central Oklahoma Wrestling claim its ninth DII team title, racking up 110 points and surpassing Cal Poly to become the winningest program in NCAA DII Wrestling history. The Bronchos also saw two of their own, Gabe Johnson and Shawn Streck, crowned as NCAA DII Champions. In total, seven Central Oklahoma wrestlers earned All-American status.
2024 Team Results:
- Central Oklahoma - 110.0
- Lander - 86.5
- Nebraska-Kearney - 77.5
- McKendree - 73.0
- St. Cloud State - 64.0
- Pitt-Johnstown - 45.0
- Wisconsin-Parkside - 41.0
- Augustana (SD) - 40.5
- Indianapolis - 37.5
- Adams State / UNC Pembroke - 33.5
2024 Individual Results:
- 125: Christian Mejia (McKendree) 31-4, . over Jaxson Rohman (Augustana (SD)) 22-5, Jr. (Dec 5-2)
- 133: Gabe Hixenbaugh (Montevallo) 31-0, RS Jr. over Gavin Quiocho (Glenville State) 38-3, Jr. (Dec 4-1)
- 141: Zackary Donathan (Tiffin) 21-0, RS Jr. over Nick James (Nebraska-Kearney) 21-5, RS Fr. (MD 13-3)
- 149: Jacob Ealy (Pitt-Johnstown) 31-2, Sr. over Cody Thompson (Colorado School of Mines) 25-3, Jr. (Dec 12-7)
- 157: Gabe Johnson (Central Oklahoma) 26-4, Sr. over Nick Novak (St. Cloud State) 24-1, Jr. (Dec 10-7)
- 165: David Hunsberger (Lander ) 33-1, So. over Chase Luensman (Upper Iowa) 26-6, RS Sr. (Dec 8-6)
- 174: Josh Kenny (Grand Valley State) 32-5, . over Anthony Des Vigne (Central Oklahoma) 23-5, RS So. (Fall 4:47)
- 184: Ty McGeary (West Liberty) 33-0, RS Jr. over Matt Weinberg (Kutztown) 27-4, RS Jr. (MD 9-1)
- 197: Derek Blubaugh (Indianapolis) 34-2, RS Jr. over Dalton Abney (Central Oklahoma) 17-1, RS So. (Dec 5-1)
- 285: Shawn Streck (Central Oklahoma) 19-1, RS Fr. over Juan Edmond-Holmes (Lander ) 32-3, RS Sr. (Dec 7-4)
2025 NCAA DII Wrestling Championships: A Look Ahead
The 2025 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championship took place March 14-15 inside the Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind. Nebraska Kearney captured the national title with national runner-up finishes and eight All-American honors. Central Oklahoma, the defending back-to-back national champion, finished fifth at the 2025 national championship with 55.5 team points. Central Missouri’s Jakason Burks was crowned the Division II national champion at 125 pounds. Burks becomes the sixth Mules wrestler to win at least one national title and the first since former Mules standout Frank Cagnina in 2015. The senior from Omaha, Neb., defeated Nebraska Kearney’s Zachary Ourada 5-2 in the 125 national championship match. Central Oklahoma’s Gabe Johnson was the individual title at 157 pounds, giving the Bronchos an individual champion for the fifth straight year. Johnson fought off a takedown try by St. The MIAA’s 17 NCAA Division II Wrestling All-Americans are listed below. To view the final results from the 2025 NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championship, click here.
Read also: Comprehensive Overview of NCAA DII Wrestling
Watching the Championships
Each match of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships is broadcast LIVE on FloWrestling and the FloSports App, allowing fans across the country to witness the excitement and skill on display.
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Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile
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