Harper claims second straight North Central District title, sends ten to nationals

UPDATE: Harper College sophomore Michael Foy won the NJCAA National Championship at 165 lbs with an 8-2 decision over Travis Willers of Iowa Central Community College. The Hawks finished ninth overall with 52.0 points, the most of any non-scholarship school. Triton College tallied 11.5 points to tie for 33rd overall, while Joliet Junior College was 40th with 5.0 points.

MUSKEGON, MICH. - For the second consecutive year, the Harper College wrestling team was the most dominant squad on the mats at the NJCAA North Central District Championship hosted by Muskegon Community College (MI) on February 17. The Hawks posted 142.0 points to finish 26 points better than the second place and host Jayhawks. Triton College finished third with 105.5 points, while Joliet Junior College placed sixth overall with 71.5 points. 

Harper College, ranked #8 in the latest NJCAA Wrestling Poll, qualified all ten of its wrestlers for the NJCAA Wrestling Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 1-2. Andice Martin (125 lbs.), Tristen Guzman (157 lbs.), and Michael Foy (165 lbs.) each won individual championships for the Hawks, with Guzman and Foy repeating as champs.

The Trojans, who entered as the #7 ranked team, claimed individual titles at 133 lbs. with Jordan Carson, 149 lbs. with Tyree Johnson, and at 285 lbs. with Christopher Colvin. Joliet Junior College's lone champion was Rodsean Graham at 197 lbs. In all, Triton qualified eight wrestlers and Joliet earned three trips. 

Harper's Dan Loprieno was tabbed the Region IV Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

Team Standings

1. Harper College (142.0)
2. Muskegon Community College (116.0)
3. Triton College (105.5)
4. Ancilla College (76.5)
5. Henry Ford College (74.0)
6. Joliet Junior College (71.5)
7. St. Clair County College (40.0)

2019 NJCAA North Central District Meet Results