Trojans' Celestin places 5th at nationals

NIACC's Emmanuel Celestin battles Northwest's Asadbek Fayzullaev during their 165-pound semifinal match Saturday.

March 9, 2025

COUNCIL BLUFFS - NIACC sophomore Emmanuel Celestin placed fifth at 165 pounds on Saturday at the NJCAA national championships at the Mid-America Center.

Celestin, who is from Cooper City, Fla., dropped his semifinal match 7-6 to Northwest's Asadbek Fayzullaev Saturday morning.

Celestin then dropped a 15-6 major decision to Indian Hills' Cinsere Clark in the consolation round. Celestin (18-10) capped off his NIACC career with a 10-3 win over Joliet's Paul Kadlec in the fifth-place match.

Celestin became NIACC's 86th all-American in the sport of men's wrestling.

On Friday, Celestin won three matches to advance to the semifinals.

Notes: In his two seasons at NIACC, Celestin recorded a career record of 37-21 with 9 falls, 9 tech. falls and 10 major decisions ... Celestin placed 2nd at the NJCAA North Central District championships (2-16-25).

Celestin's NJCAA national tournament (165 pounds)

Celestin dec. Cayden Felts (Carl Albert State), 4-1; Celestin dec. Joseph Mattei (Nassau), 7-2; Celestin dec. Jackson Wilkins (Northeastern Oklahoma), 4-2; Asadbek Fayzullaev (Northwest) dec. Celestin, 7-6; Cinsere Clark (Indian Hills) major dec. Celestin, 15-6; Celestin dec. Paul Kadlec (Joliet), 10-3.

2024-25 record: 18-10 with 5 falls, 6 tech. falls, 4 major dec.

Career record: 37-21 with 9 falls, 9 tech. falls, 10 major decisions.