Looks to be a very respectable year for Viking wrestling as I predict as many as six qualifiers for the NAIA championships in what will be Coach Machholz's 31st season.
141 lbs Joseph Rice |
The four time state champion out of Idaho qualified for the NAIA championships in 2021, but missed out on a second qualification last season when he finished 3rd in the Heart of American Conference tournament. It'll still be a chore to get back to the NAIA's this season as a junior, but it is more than doable.
141 lbs Donovan Parn |
Donovan Parn was 4th in a tough Heart of America Conference tournament last season, where he actually lost to teammate Rice in the consolation final. I'll be anxious to see if both stay at 141 lbs this season or if one will potentially go up or down a weight class.
149 lbs Jovon Mitchell |
Two time NAIA qualifier Jovon Mitchell was the Heart of America Conference champion last season, as he returns looking for a third qualification and another conference title.
184 lbs Karim Shakur |
Karim Shakur showed a tremendous amount of tenacity last season when he came all the way back from a first round loss to a round of twelve finish at the NAIA championships. He will contend for All American honors this season.
HWT Joshua Isaac |
Technical, limber and incredibly quick for his massive size, Joshua Isaac enters his senior season as a Viking looking for a fourth NAIA qualification and a third NAIA All American honor. 5th in 2021 as a sophomore and 8th in 2022 as a junior, he looks to have his best finish this season. Expect to see him in the Heart of America Conference finals as well.
HWT Brooks Baker |
Right behind Isaac in the lineup is Brooks Baker, who qualified for the NAIA championships last season where he went 1-2. He should again qualify for nationals again this season.
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