Grand View Athletics
Kelsey Redmond
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – No. 1 Grand View competed in the NWCA National Duals the past two days, taking home the championship after defeating No. 5 Reinhardt and No. 2 Life today, January 7.
This is the Viking’s 10th-consecutive NWCA National Duals Championship, “The weekend wasn’t perfect but it doesn’t need to be,” said Head Coach Nick Mitchell, “There’s always adversity behind the scenes and this weekend was no different. Regardless these guys stepped up and got the job done. I’m looking forward and seeing how much better we can get between now and the end of the season.”
SEMI-FINALS
In the semi-finals, Grand View faced off with No. 5 Reinhardt. Starting the dual off was No. 2 Justin Portillo (SR/Clarion, IA) who recorded a decision of 7-5 over No. 6 Koby Milner at 125. Also collecting victories by decision were Marty Margolis (SR/La Plata, MD) at 165 lbs, Casey Randles (SR/Coeur D Alene, ID) at 174 lbs, and Ben Lee (SR/Cambridge, IA) at 184 lbs. Teammates Giovanny Bonilla (SR/Kissimmee, FL), Owen Braungardt (JR/Rock, KS), and Greg Hagan (SO/Des Moines, IA) recorded pins bringing the team total to 34 points, holding Reinhardt to 12 to advance to the championships.
FINALS
Facing off with the defending NAIA National Champions and No. 2 ranked team in the country, Life University, Grand View was ready for redemption. Setting the tone for the dual, No. 4 Esco Walker (JR/Charlotte, NC) downed the No. 1 ranked Brandon Orum by decision 6-4. Bumping up a weight class, Portillo was showcased at 133 lbs, defeating his opponent Hunter Sparks by decision 3-2. No. 4 Shea Ruffridge (JR/Pocahontas, IA) continued the trend at 141 lbs as he won by decision over No. 9 Jacob Ruiz. Holding the Running Eagles to three victories at 149 lbs, 165 lbs, and 197 lbs. Nine of the ten matchups were won by decision with the only major decision at 165 lbs.
The Vikings will host Graceland University in Des Moines, Iowa next Friday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m.