2023 NAIA The Season: York (NE)

 

Looks to be a good season for York (NE) as the Panthers return 3 out of the 4 NAIA qualifiers they had last season, with the hopes of getting even more qualifiers on through this year. 

125 lbs
Dezmond McSellers 

Junior Dezmond McSellers has big shoes to fill as he takes over as head honcho at 125 lbs for the Panthers now that Harley Williamson, KCAC champ has graduated. McSellers himself fnished in 4th at the KCAC tournament & looks to improve upon that finish. 

149 lbs 
John Fox 

Senior John Fox came within a mere point of winning a KCAC title as he settled for runner-up status last season. He will look to win a conference title this year and contend for NAIA All American status. 

149 lbs
Brayden Smith 

Smith entered the KCAC championships last year undefeated when he was upset in the quarterfinals by Oklahoma Wesleyan's Chad Sakamoto 6-3. He came back to place 3rd and earn a wildcard entry to the NAIA championships. He finished out the season 21-3, going 2-2 at the tournament. Should contend for a KCAC title this season as well as All American status. 

157 lbs 
Keegan Miller-Page 

Keegan Miller-Page took 3rd at the KCAC championships last season, ending his year with a 17-9 record. He should once again put together a respectable season in 22'-23'. 

165 lbs 
Tommy Wentz 

Going 26-16 on the year last season, Tommy Wentz nearly made the KCAC finals when he dropped a 3-2 decision to Jaden Weldon of Oklahoma City in the semi-finals. Wentz battled back to place 3rd. He had defeated Weldon in a dual earlier in the season. Should continue to be a good rivalry this year. 

174 lbs 
Lennorise Echols 

Senior Lennorise Echols showed a tremendous amount of heart last season when he took a losing record into the KCAC championships to earn a runner-up finish & a trip to the the NAIA's. He ended his season 14-23 and it'll be interesting to see if he can work his magic again this season.