NIACC set to compete at nationals

COUNCIL BLUFFS - NIACC will send six wrestlers to this weekend's NJCAA national wrestling tournament at the Mid-America Center.

Competing for the Trojans at the national tournament will be Cruz Aguilar (125), Isaac Church (141), Cale Luthens (174), Ein Carlos (184), Drew Fox (197) and Jacob Leohr (285). Tanner Chase Warden (149) qualified for the national tournament but will not compete due to injury.

Carlos (6-3) claimed the 184-pound NJCAA North Central District title on Feb. 12. Church (16-6) placed second at the district tournament and Aguilar and Fox both placed fourth.

Carlos and Aguilar both will be competing in their second national tournament. Carlos placed fifth at 174 pounds a year ago, earning All-American honors.

At 125 pounds, Aguilar, who is ranked seventh and is 14-5, faces fourth-ranked Bridger Ricks of Western Wyoming in his first round match.

At 141 pounds, Church, who is ranked eighth, faces either Northeastern's Branson Richins or Iowa Central's Caleb Nadig in his first round contest. Richins and Nadig meet in a preliminary bout.

At 174 pounds, Luthens (3-6) takes on second-ranked Phil Smith Jr. of Iowa Central in his opening round bout.

At 184 pounds, Carlos, who is ranked eighth, faces North Idaho's Travis Waldner in his first-round contest.

At 197 pounds, Fox (6-5) faces third-ranked Curtis Ruff II of Triton.

At 285 pounds, Leohr (5-11) takes on Northeast Oklahoma's sixth-ranked Kale Schrader in his first-round contest.

NJCAA MEN'S WRESTLING SCHEDULE

Friday, March 3

9 a.m. - First and second-round preliminaries, first-round consolation round.

6:15 p.m. - Championship quarterfinals, consolation second and third round.

Saturday, March 4

9:30 a.m. - Championship semifinals, consolation quarterfinals, consolation semifinals, consolation finals (third/fourth, fifth/sixth, seventh/eighth place matches).

5:30 p.m. - Opening ceremonies.

5:50 p.m. - Parade of All-Americans.

6 p.m. - Championship finals.