March 17, 2008

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Three Carson-Newman wrestlers saw their runs at a national title come up shy at the NCAA Division II National Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa over the weekend.

Sophomore Kody Pierson, who entered at 29-12 on the year, dropped his two matches, after beginning with a tough draw. The Cincinnati native lost to eventual-national champion Cody Garcia of Nebraska-Omaha by fall in the opening round at 125 pounds. He followed with a tough 4-3 loss to Lucas Huffman (WLSC) in the consolation bracket.

Junior Kent Pierson, who entered at 37-11 overall dropped his opening match to eventual semifinalist Brandon Reasy of Pitt-Johnstown, 5-1. He also suffered a tough one-point loss in the consolation bracket, falling 4-3 to Josh Williams of (SCSU).

Sophomore heavyweight Tom Minwell also dropped both of his matches in Cedar Rapids.

Minwell suffered a technical fall to Brady Wilson (MSUMA) in the opening round, and then dropped his consolation match to Steve Franklin (SFSU) 13-2.

All three wrestlers return next season. Each will be among the favorites to return to the national tournament.

Full Brackets