ECC wrestlers finish strong at National Tournament
This past weekend Ellsworth Community College took 10 wrestlers to the NJCAA National Tournament in Des Moines, and wrapped up the event celebrating the achievement of three All-Americans, one being a National Champion, and a 12th place team finish.
Head Coach Cole Spree said that the tournament didn’t go as he expected, but he is proud of the team’s efforts and pleased with the final results. “Coming off our Regional Tournament victory, I really felt like we could be in the race the whole way. This isn’t the way it went, but things played out and that is okay. As a team and a coaching staff, we have goals and our ultimate goal is to be national champions. We feel like we are heading in the right direction to make this a reality.”
Joshua DaSilveira of Deerfield Beach, FL, was able to wrestle his way to the 197 pound National Championship after going undefeated during the tournament against wrestlers from Pratt Community College, North Idaho Community College, Iowa Central Community College, and Western Wyoming Community College. Josh became Ellsworth’s 5th ever National Champion.
Eric Franklin of Tampa, FL, earned a 7th place finish and All-American status in the 133 pound division. Tyler Lashbrook of Wellsburg, IA, earned a 6th place finish and All-American status in the 141 pound division.
Other ECC wrestlers competing in the National Tournament were Da’Wayne Robertson of Mesa, AZ (125), Jeff Lyon of Holt, MI (157), Nate Woodard of Miami, FL (165), Edward Mora of Doral, FL (174), Edwin Wilson of Miami, FL (184), and Josh Lambrecht of Fairfax, IA (heavyweight).
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The
ECC Wrestling Team and coaches celebrated at the end of the national tournament awards ceremony