Eureka Men's Wrestling Places Third at SLIAC Championship

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – The Eureka men's wrestling team competed at the SLIAC Championship on Saturday, finishing third overall with 65.5 points. The Red Devils landed five wrestlers on the SLIAC All-Conference team. The University of the Ozarks won its second consecutive team title with 137.5 points, while Westminster placed second with 90 points.

Jacob Kaminski (285 pounds) won his first match by fall in 0:30 and followed with another pin in 2:57 to advance to the final. He finished as the runner-up after a 9-1 major decision loss in the final.

Gaige Owens (141 pounds) dominated early, winning 17-2 by technical fall and securing a pin in 3:48 to reach the championship match. He also took second place after an 11-4 loss by decision.

Nathan Berta (149 pounds) advanced to the final with a 15-0 technical fall victory but was pinned in 4:34 in the final, finishing as the runner-up.

Thomas Culp (184 pounds) earned a 7-5 decision victory in the semifinals before falling in the final 20-4 by technical fall, claiming second place.

Alex Muhammad (165 pounds) won his first match by fall in 1:24 but lost in the semifinals 19-3 by technical fall. He rebounded with a 15-0 technical fall win and a pin in 1:03 to secure third place.

Isaac Smith (133 pounds) opened with a win by fall in 0:44 but lost in the semifinals by fall in 3:24. He then dropped his third-place match by fall in 3:54.

Jake Adamson (157 pounds) started with a loss by fall in 4:28 but responded with a win by fall in 2:31 before falling 13-0 by major decision to end his day.

"The men's team overall saw a lot of wins on the mat," Head Coach Erich Biehl said. "We know where we want to be and we have the potential to get there. I'm excited to polish up and improve."

SLIAC All-Conference

Jacob Kaminski – Second Team

Gaige Owens – Second Team

Nathan Berta – Second Team

Thomas Culp – Second Team

Alex Muhammad – Third Team

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The Red Devils will return to action at the NCAA Division III Region VI Regional tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, Mar. 1.