PARK CITY, Kan. - Seniors Benjamen Mitchell and freshman David Rapp represented the Red Hawks and concluded their season at the NAIA National stage.
Benjamen Mitchell competed in the 165lb class and drew the #10 seed in the tournament, Justin Windauer (MSUN), a competitor he had traded victories with in the past. This time, it was Windauer who would come out on top after a well-executed plan of attacking low to score points as he defeated Mitchell 14-4. Mitchell took on Eric Hodge (Central Methodist). Hodge took the same approach as Windauer, but Mitchell countered and subdued Hodge with a third-round pin.Â
Benjamen's last match of the tournament came against returning All-American and #12 seed Dylan Witt (Grand View). A familiar face from last month's Missouri Valley tournament, where Mitchell ended on top. Mitchell trailed for the entire match and had to chase his opponent to score points; however, Witt scored early and defended against Mitchell's aggressive attack, giving Witt the win. Â
Benjamen finished his season with two Simpson University Wrestling records: Â "Most Wins" in a season with 32 and "Most Pins" in a season with 29.Â
"Congratulations, Benjamen Mitchell, for an outstanding year," - Coach Forseth.Â
David Rapp (Fr) competed in the 197lb weight class and drew the #10 seed Jaren Jackson (Doane). Jackson caught Rapp in a cradle early in the match and was pinned, forcing him into the consolation round. Rapp faced Rodney Trotter (Avila) next, and after a high-scoring match, Rapp came up short, 16-10, eliminating him from the tournament.Â
"Rapp had a great Freshman year with many victories over top-ranked wrestlers across the Nation. David finished the season as the #24-ranked wrestler in the Nation. Many good things are ahead for this young wrestler," - Coach Forseth.Â
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