WRESTLING PROVES IT'S ONE OF THE BEST

The Dana College wrestling team earned their best finish at NAIA Nationals in school history and brought home an all-time high of four All-American wrestlers in a single season.

The Vikings finished in 11th place at Nationals with 51 points, 2 points behind ninth place Bacone College of Oklahoma. The Missouri Valley College Vikings won their third National Championship, finishing with 139.5 points to outdistance defending National Champion Lindenwood University with 134.5 points.

Dana’s Leister Bowling ’05 (165 pounds) finished third to lead all Viking wrestlers. He won his 44th match of the season by beating defending National Champion Pat Cadwallader 4-2 in the consolation championship.

Jason Lozier ’05 (141 pounds) finished sixth, defeated in the fifth place match by Oscar Frias of Southern Oregon University 5-2. Ed Schmitt ’03 (184 pounds) earned a fourth place finish, losing to Mario Thomas of Missouri Valley College 5-4 in the consolation championship. Wynn Fangmeier ’03 (197 pounds) finished in the eighth place spot as he was defeated by Jess Alford of Cumberland College (Ky.) 10-1.

“It was a big step for the program to earn it’s best finish in school history,” said Coach Steve Costanzo. “We are getting better every year and that’s all you can ask of the kids. I had a great time with these guys this year. They are a very coachable team and showed a good work-ethic character for me. The future looks real good as we only lose three seniors. I look forward to next season and I will be hitting the trail hard to bring in another good recruiting class.”