Bueno, Hamblen earn NJCAA National Tournament bids
MUSKEGON — The MU ancilla Chargers wrestlers took to the mat this weekend at the NJCAA Great Lakes District Championship with high hopes of qualifying individuals for the NJCAA National Championship.
at the end of a long day filled with high-level competition, that goal was achieved as both Sergio Bueno and Reese Hamblen punched their ticket.
Sergio Bueno had the strongest day of the Chargers wrestlers, earning a 3rd place finish to earn an automatic bid to the national meet. Reese Hamblen continued his excellent season, competing in the deepest weight class (149) that featured multiple nationally ranked wrestlers and five wrestlers who advanced to the national meet last year.
after a strong day on the mat, Reese was awarded a wildcard ticket to the NJCAA National Championship.
Head Coach Mark Line was very pleased to have two guys earn their bid.
“It was a really deep field of wrestlers as it always is, so for us to get two guys to the National Championship is a big achievement,” he said. “Sergio had a fantastic day. To finish in 3rd place in the 285 lbs division says a lot about the hard work he has put in. He is very deserving of his opportunity to advance. Reese was in the toughest weight class. There were eleven guys in the class and eight of them are advancing to the national meet. For him to earn that wildcard in such a stacked class shows the kind of season he has had.”
The NJCAA National Championship will take place on March 3rd and 4th in Council Bluffs, Ia at the Mid american Center. Brackets and schedules will be updated as they are released.