Hastings College is sending four wrestlers to compete in the NAIA national championships Friday and Saturday at the Jacobson Exhibition Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Head coach Shawn Kelley feels the Bronco wrestlers can make a push for some recognition, as all a grappler has to do is make the semifinals of their respective weight class to earn All-American status.
Only two Broncos in program history have been able to reach that honor, including current assistant coach Jameon Rush. He was the last to do it when he finished fifth in the 174-pound weight class in 2010.
Looking to change that is freshman standout Blake Fruchtl.
Also heading to the meet are sophomores Alec Chanthapatheth (133), Jared Leithead (149) and Steadman Wang (165).
Fruchtl, wrestling at 141 pounds, is the only Bronco heading into the tournament with a national ranking. He is 10th in the nation, coming into the tournament with a record of 30-12.
To read more, see Thursday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
