2013-14 Stories of the Year (No. 3): Wrestling sends three to nationals

2013-14 Stories of the Year (No. 3): Wrestling sends three to nationals

MEQUON, Wis. - The 2013-14 athletic year at Concordia University Wisconsin saw many inspirational moments by student-athletes and countless victories on a variety of levels. The initial list of top stories was long, but was eventually narrowed after several difficult decisions (honorable mention and top five).

The list was compiled by the Athletic Communications Department and a committee of coaches, and like all lists is subject to debate. The list of top stories will be revealed over the next six weeks with a story being released each Tuesday.

No. 3
Wrestling sends three to national tournament

The Concordia University Wisconsin Wrestling program has made a habit of extending its season into the NCAA Division III Championship over the past several seasons.

In 2013-14 the Falcons once again had student-athletes appear at the NCAA Division III Championship, this time sending a program-best three wrestlers. Juniors Sean Ambrocio (San Antonio, Texas) and Jake Reuteler (New Berlin, Wis.) and senior Marcus Lubner (Fredonia, Wis.) earned spots at the championships after a strong showing at the Midwest Regionals tournament.

Ambrocio, who was making his third-consecutive appearance at the championship, had the strongest showing of the trio. He wrestled his way to a top-eight finish in the 125-pound weight class, earning All-America honors for the first time in his career.

Lubner posted a 2-2 record in the 141-pound bracket and just missed out on All-American status, while Reuteler dropped a pair of matches in his first appearance at the NCAA Championship.

Ambrocio and Lubner also received recognition for their work in the classroom while at the national championships as both grapplers were named NWCA Scholar All-Americans. Both athletes qualified for those honors by competing at the NCAA Championship and posting a GPA of 3.20 or higher.

The Falcons trio were leaders on a squad that dominated the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament, winning six of 10 weight classes at the meet. Ambrocio was the NWA Outstanding Wrestler, while head coach Corey VanGroll was named the NWA Coach of the Year for the second straight season.

The 2013-14 season was another successful one for the CUW Wrestling program. The Falcons will look to continue to build off of that success as they look towards another strong season on the mats in 2014-15.

2013-14 Top Stories:
Honorable Mention: Lacrosse breaks nearly every record
No. 5: Women's Golf continues recent success
No. 4: Baseball makes run to NACC title game