Program Best Six Grapplers Headed to Nationals

The nationally ranked Heidelberg University team has qualified a program-best six wrestlers for the 2009 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Coe College, Cornell College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Conference are the hosts of the championships that will take place March 6-7 at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
 
Making a return trip for the Berg is 125 pound sophomore Jerrad Hoxie (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Northern) and 157 pound junior Zach Mizer (Canton, Ohio / Perry). Earning their first trip to the national stage is 133 pound sophomore Tony Lawler (West Jefferson, Ohio / West Jefferson), 141 pound junior Craig “Boomer” Fechko (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick), 165 pound sophomore Matt Curley (Brecksville, Ohio / Lakewood) and senior Tony Carothers (Bloomingdale, Ohio / Harrison Central) at heavyweight.
 
Hoxie earned a spot at the championships by virtue of an automatic bid following his second straight Ohio Athletic Conference Title. It is Hoxie’s second appearance at nationals and a year ago he posted a 1-2 record. Hoxie carries an overall record of 24-16 to Cedar Rapids and will face no. 3 seed Chris Sheetz (25-4) of Delaware Valley in the opening round.
 
Mizer went undefeated during the regular season in OAC duals, but was upset in the OAC finals by Ohio Northern University’s Luke Miller. Mizer earned his second trip to nationals by virtue of the OAC’s at-large bid that was voted on by league head coaches. A year ago Mizer went 1-2 at the championships. In 2009, Mizer boasts a team-best 32-10 overall record. He will face no. 3 seed Jason Adams (35-5) of Augsburg to open his championship run.
 
In his first year as a mainstay in the Berg lineup is Lawler. He won the OAC Championship to earn a spot at nationals and has an overall mark of 16-7. Lawler will take on Augsburg’s Travis Lang (31-1), the no. 1 seed.
 
After just missing a bid to nationals a year ago at 133 pounds, Fechko moved up a weight class and dominated the OAC en route to an automatic bid. He carries an overall record of 25-9 and will square off with no. 6 seed Chase DeCleene (26-11) of UW-Stevens Point in an opening round match.
 
Curley joins Hoxie and Lawler as members of a solid sophomore class of wrestlers at the Berg. Curley is also in his first year as the main grappler at 165 pounds and went on to boast an overall mark of 27-5, claiming the OAC Title in the process. He has drawn no. 4 seed Josh Terrell (20-6) of Dubuque in the opening round.
 
Coming into his own in his final season was Carothers in the 285 pound weight class. He recorded a takedown in overtime at the OAC Tournament to guarantee him an extension to his season. Carothers has put together a 31-8 overall record, which ranks second on the team. He will open things up with no. 7 seed Mitch Sander (24-7) of Coe.
 
Fans can follow the action at the official website of the 2009 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. Brackets are available, as are directions and information on the championships.