Tough Opening Round at Nationals

The Heidelberg University wrestling team had a rough opening session at the 2009 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Berg qualified a program-best six wrestlers and after the championships preliminary round Heidelberg went 0-6
 
The day began with two-time national qualifier Jerrad Hoxie (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Northern) at 125 pounds. Hoxie suffered a 21-8 major decision to no. 3 seed Chris Sheetz of Delaware Valley.
 
At 133 pounds, sophomore Tony Lawler (West Jefferson, Ohio / West Jefferson) drew the no. 1 seed, Travis Lang of Ausgburg. In Lawler’s debut at nationals he fell in a major decision 17-5.
 
Also in his first year at nationals is Boomer Fechko (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick). He led 7-6 as the finals seconds ticked off, but UW-Stevens Point’s Chase DeCleene had a takedown as the whistle blew to win the bout 8-7. DeCleene is the no. 6 seed.
 
Zach Mizer (Canton, Ohio / Perry) has returned for his second year at nationals and had a hard fought battle in his first bout against no. 3 seed Jason Adams of Augsburg. Adams pulled out a win late, 7-6.
 
At 165 pounds,Matt Curley (Brecksville, Ohio / Lakewood) suffered a 6-2 setback to no. 4 seed Josh Terrell of Dubuque. Curley will look to bounce back and post a win in his first trip to the championships.
 
Rounding out action in the first round was heavyweight Tony Carothers (Bloomingdale, Ohio / Harrison Central). Carothers dropped a 10-1 major decision to Mitch Sander, the no. 7 seed from Coe College in his first trip to the championships.