WRESTLING STORMS NATIONALS

Dana College wrestling earned their best performance in school history as they placed 6th in the NAIA National Championships Feb. 27–28 in Great Falls, Mont. The Vikings brought home six All-American honors on the mat and two Academic All-Americans in the classroom.

The Vikings were led by Jason Lozier ’05. Lozier finished as the National Runner-up at 141 pounds as he lost by decision to defending National Champion, James Guizar, Menlo College (CA), 6-2.

In addition, Dana had outstanding performances from Wynn Fangmeier ’04, third at 197 pounds; Leister Bowling ’05, fourth at 165 pounds; Terrence Almond ’07, sixth at 141 pounds; Brian Tsutsumi ’05, sixth at 133 pounds; and Chris Egan ’06, eighth at 184 pounds.

The Vikings were led by outstanding Academic All-American performances in the classroom by Scott Taylor ’06 (157 pounds), 3.8 G.P.A. and Trent Leichleiter ’06 (157 pounds), 3.5 G.P.A.
Terrence Almond earned the team Champion of Character Award for demonstrating the quality character traits, as an athlete, that are identified by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“This was a special season for Dana College wrestling,” said Dana Coach Steve Costanzo. “We have made huge strides over the past few seasons and have really stepped into the national scene. I am very lucky to have such a great staff and bunch of fantastic student-athletes to work with. They have responded in everything that I have asked from them all year. I look forward to what’s yet to come from this program.”