ROANOKE, Va. – The Adrian College men's wrestling team sent four wrestlers to the NCAA DIII National Championships. The Bulldogs were tasked a three preliminary rounds before making their way to the bracket. After a successful season for the team as a whole, and the four individuals who qualified for Nationals, the season came to an end on Friday night as all four wrestlers were eliminated.
 
At 165, Zach Altman finished 0-2 for Adrian. He wrestled the No. 5 see in the opening round where he lost 3-2 by tie breaker. He was then dropped to the consolation bracket where he lost by major decision.
 
Derick Duvall also finished 0-2 on the day with a loss by fall in his preliminary match. He then went on to an elimination match where he lost by fall.
 
At 184, Blake Williams lost his preliminary match by fall, but bounced back in the consolation bracket with a pin of his own. His pin took two minutes which landed him a spot in the blood rounds on Friday night. Williams went on to wrestle the No. 4 seed at 184 where he lost by major decision to end his postseason run.
 
At 197, Dylan Wellbaum was faced with a preliminary round which he won by an 8-4 decision. From there he was scheduled to face the No. 6 seed where he was defeated 7-0 by decision. Wellbaum dropped to the consolation bracket where he won 7-4 to advance to the night session. Wellbaum drew the No. 5 seed in the tournament and lost by major decision.
 
"The toughest part of my job is watching a student athlete's career come to an end," said head coach Bill Schindel after Altman and Duvall were eliminated after the opening session. "I'm incredibly proud of Zach and Derick. You bought into this program when it was just the beginning and put Adrian on the map. We are forever grateful for your leadership and sacrifices. Thank you for coming back. The best part of coaching is knowing your student-athletes are ready for the next chapter of life. Congratulations on amazing careers. You proved something!"
 
"Extremely proud of these two men," Schindel said Friday night. "Blake and Dylan both won matches today. They showed what it takes to compete at the highest level. I know they will continue to push not only themselves but others around them to continue to elevate this program. We will be back. Great job representing Adrian College."
 
Sending four wrestlers to the National Championships is the most wrestlers Adrian College has sent in program history. The National Championship appearances were a perfect way to cap off a season that consisted of the first MIAA Championship in 52 years, three MIAA Individuals Champions, three All-MIAA selections, and six top-8 regional finishes.
 
The Adrian College men's wrestling team will be back in action next season looking to make another run in the 2023-24 season.