The Red Raider wrestling team traveled to Marshall, Mo., on Saturday to participate in the Missouri Valley Invite.
Three Raiders placed in the tournament.
Freshman Tyler McWilliams placed fifth in the 133-pound weight class, sophomore Zach Fishman placed fourth in the 165-pound weight class and freshman Lupe Florez finished second in the 125-pound weight class.
NW participated in every weight class except for the 285-pound heavyweight class.
With 10 colleges participating in the tournament, the Missouri Valley Invite provided stiff competition for the Red Raider squad.
Missouri Baptist University, Oklahoma City University, Campbellsville University and the University of the Cumberlands were among the schools present.
“It was a difficult meet to place in because of the strong competition, so placing three guys was a success for us,” Fishman said.
Florez, who placed second in the 125-pound weight class, participated in his first collegiate tournament.
“For being his first one, it was great seeing Lupe have the success that he did,” Fishman said.
Much of the squad also spent Saturday wrestling at the Worthington Open in Worthington, Minn.
The meet attracted many NCAA redshirted wrestlers from South Dakota State, University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State. Morningside and Augsberg College also sent wrestlers to the meet.
No Raider placed in the top five at the tournament.
Part of every squad’s battle is to get back into shape after the lay-off over Christmas break. NW is no different.
The national qualifying meet is quickly approaching on Feb. 16.
“It is very important to be conditioning as hard as we can to get into top shape for these next upcoming and pivotal meets,” Fishman said. “It starts this Saturday here in our duel against Hastings.”
The Raiders return to action against conference rival Hastings at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Bultman Center. Waldorf and Dickinson State will also be at the tournament.
