The University of the Cumberlands men's wrestling team wrapped up their spectacular season placing third in the NAIA National Championships. That third place finish was the highest honor a Patriot team has received since the men’s wrestling program was begun in 1996.

In the NAIA National Tournament, the Patriot team placed third, with 115.5 points total. In the 125 lb weight class, Delrico Choates (Ft. Pierce, FL) placed second earning wins against his opponents from Missouri Valley, Embry-Riddle, and Dickinson State. Ernie Spreitzer (Pembroke Pines, FL) placed fifth in the 149 lb weight class advancing past his opponents from Morningside, Dickinson State, Campbellsville, Missouri Valley, and Montana Stae-Northern.

Todd Allen (Larue County, KY) placed third in the 174 lb weight bracket after he secured W’s against his opposition from Northwestern, Montana State-Northern, Southern Oregon, Lindenwood, William Penn, and Morningside. Matt Juncal placed third in the 184 lb weight class beating athletes from Dakota Wesleyan, Embry-Riddle, Dana, and Mary while teammate Chris Wilkes (Dalton, GA) placed eighth gaining victories against Jamestown, Waldorf, and McKendree.

Eric Flinchum (Crestview, FL) placed second in the 197 lb weight class as he advanced past Northwestern, Dickinson State, and Menlo. In addition to those who placed at the national tournament many others did qualify and compete at the tournament including: Brad Cooper (133- Morningview, KY), David Bertsch (141 – Lowndes, GA), Tommy Hutchison (157- Branden, FL), Earl Waller (165 – Homestead, FL), Ken Prophete (197 – Riviera Beach, FL), Matt Bishop (285 – East Paulding, GA), and Renwick Richardson (285 – Hampton, VA).

The season had many wins in duals and in the individual arena. Delrico Choates, Todd Allen, and Matt Juncal all placed first at the Lindenwood Open. Many members of the team placed in the Patriot Open that was held at home. Ken Prophete, Josh Boggs, Cornelius Wiggins, Earl Waller, Dan Muncy, Eddie Hernandez, Robert Jablonski, and Chris Wilkes, all placed first, while Nick Newton placed second. Mikeal Brooks, Jose Medrano, Nate Jolly, Travis Lovett, Bryan Reed, and Ethan Baker all placed third in the Patriot Open.

The team dismantled Campbellsville University in the two duals that were held, as well as gaining “W’s over head Coach Jess Wilder's alma mater, Carson Newman.

Other valuable wins for the Patriots came from the Ohio University Dual and the Cumberland University Dual. The year was solidified at the last tournament, Ed-South. The Patriots slammed their competition to the mat and won the open. Choates, Cooper, Bertsch, and Flinchum all received first place. In addition, Juncal, Allen, Waller, Spreitzer, and Wiggins all received second place accolades.

The team had a tough and grueling schedule as they faced off against many NCAA teams to prepare them for their ultimate battle at the NAIA National Championships. The year ended with a bang as the team placed third in the NAIA, the highest place a Patriot men’s wrestling team has ever achieved. Imagine the possibilities that are ahead as the Patriots regroup and get ready to hit the mats again this fall.