KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Once again, the Southeastern University wrestling team will send seven wrestlers to compete in the NAIA National Championship in Des Moines, Iowa.
The field of 240 wrestlers in 10 weight classes was officially released by the NAIA National Office Tuesday.
Five Fire wrestlers automatically qualified by their finish at the Mid-South Conference Championships on Saturday. Returning All-Americans Ethan Owen (141) and Dylan Chatterton (157) finished second in their respective weight classes, as did Kyle Kirkham (165) and Luis Peguero (197).
Junior Jaaziel Santana earned an automatic bid by finishing fifth at 125 to earn his first trip to nationals.
At 149, Jake Watters earned a Region Wild Card determined by the coaches in attendance to make his second consecutive nationals appearance. Jason Davis earned a National At-Large bid to wrestle at 184 in Des Moines. The sophomore will make his first appearance at nationals.
Preliminary brackets will be announced on Friday with the first bouts taking place on March 1.
