Chargers compete at Natls
DONALDSON — Marian University at Ancilla College wrestling head coach Mark Line and his two national qualifiers headed to Council Bluffs, Iowa for the NJCAA National Championships and finished up their season with an impressive showing.
For Sergio Bueno, his season ended after a defeat in the third round of the tournament. Bueno finished his MU Ancilla career as the first ever two-time NJCAA national qualifier in program history.
“I saw first-hand all of the work that Sergio put in to wrestling and training to be able to advance to the NJCAA National Championships two years in a row,” said Line of the sophomore. “He sets a new standard for future MU Ancilla wrestlers and he shows what is possible with talent, dedication, and a lot of hard work. I am so proud of him.”
Reese Hamblen also saw his season end in the third round of the tournament. Hamblen ended his season as a National Wrestling Coach’s Association Academic All-american.
“Reese was in the absolute toughest weight class this season at the NJCAA level,” Line added. “His class sent eight guys to the national tournament which means there were very few, if any, easy days on the mat for Reese. He pushed through and earned his bid to the nationals. To be named an NWCA Academic All-american is a huge honor for him and our program. Reese has also raised the bar for what is possible as both a wrestler and a student.”
The NJCAA National Championships showcased the top wrestlers in the country at the JUCO level and proved to be as high-level as ever.
“We ended up with a smaller group of guys this year than maybe we planned but the guys who wrestled this year gave it their all, supported each other, and had some amazing individual matches and accomplishments this year,” said Line. “I am really proud to coach these guys and look forward to getting back to work with them as we continue to grow our program. Having two national qualifiers and an Academic All-american will certainly help us gain name recognition at the regional and national level.”