Wildcat Wrestlers Hold Their Own On Big Stage

By Laura Burtwistle 

The Wayne Stater

Seven wrestlers represented the Wayne State College Wrestling Club at the National Wrestling Championships in Allen, Texas, from March 14-16. 

WSC seniors Matthew Peter and Rob Peter and junior Jon Mullen led the Wildcat wrestlers to 15th place in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Tournament. 

“Wayne’s final rank of 15th in NCWA’s 47-school Division-II category shows the strength of the program against much larger schools like champion Massachusetts Institute of Technology and runner-up South Carolina,” said head coach Greg Vander Weil. “Our ability to compete so strongly with such a small school enrolment shows the quality of our wrestlers and the ability of Coach Aaron Schuett.” 

The Peter brothers from O’Neill finished their college wrestling careers in the top 24 in the nation at their respective weights of 149 pounds for Matthew and 197 pounds for Rob. Matthew finished as a four-time national qualifier, going 2-2 in his final meet as a Wildcat. Rob was 1-2 at the national meet, his second appearance at the highest level. 

“It was a great season,” Rob said. “Overall, I think it was one of the best seasons with people sticking it out. The program is going in the right direction. I wish the best of luck to all the guys carrying it on when I’m gone.” 

Jon Mullen, a senior from Laurel, and in his third year of wrestling, improved on his third appearance at nationals going 2-2 and making it into the top 16 in the 285-pound weight class. 

“We took seven down to nationals. We didn’t bring home the hardware, but being able to go as far as I did was great,” Mullen said. “Doing it for the team gave me more motivation. Rob Peter has been a great captain this year. He’s been an inspiration for our team. Hopefully we’ll do even better next year and continue our success.” 

The WSC Wildcat Wrestling Club will build off of strong performances by sophomore Jon Williams at 174 pounds from Glenwood, Iowa, who went 1-2 and made it to the round of 24. Joining Williams at the same level of achievement was freshman Matt DeGarmo at 184 pounds from Seward High School.  

Gaining experience at the National meet were Wayne’s two 235-pound sophomores, Ryan Burnison from Louisvill and freshman Travis Schmitz of O’Neill.