It is half and half for the Duhawks this season on last year's top wrestlers. Gone is three time All American Jacob Krakow who was 8th-3rd-3rd at the NCAA Division III Championships his final three seasons. Also gone is two time NCAA DIII qualifier Daniel Ruiz who was 7th in the nation in 2021, as well as Brady Vogel as 2021 qualifier & Jared Hensley who was one match shy of qualification himself last season. Back however are four talented wrestlers who have all had success thus far in their careers.
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| 141 lbs Jalen Schropp |
I knew members of the Schropp family growing up that I would see during both the wrestling & baseball seasons. Not sure of the relation but Nick Schropp was a talent on both the baseball field and the wrestling mat, taking 5th place honors in 2002 at the Iowa High School State championships. Goes to show just how much of a family affair this sport is and how far back it can go as it keeps moving forward. Jalen, a junior barely missed out on qualification this past season taking 4th at the Lower Midwest Regional. The Williamsburg, Iowa native who was 6th in the nation in 2021 will look to regain his All American status this season.
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| 157 lbs Zeke Smith |
Senior Zeke Smith went 18-6 on the year with a runner-up finish at the Lower Midwest Regional. While he did not place at the NCAA Division III championships, he was an All American in 2021 with a 4th place finish. He will look to obtain that status once again this season.
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| 165 lbs Gabe Fiser |
Mirroring his teammate Zeke Smith, Gabe Fiser is another Duhawk that did not place at the national tournament after placing 4th in 2021. A 22-6 mark last season, he will look to win a regional title & regain his All American status.
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| 184 lbs Shane Liegel |
Senior Shane Liegel could very well make history as he enters his final season of eligibility. While the Duhawks have crowned eight NCAA Division III Champions since 1975, they have yet to ever crown a two time champion. Winning a title in 2021, Liegel could be their first if he wins a title this season. Last year he was 4th going 27-3 on the season.
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