Matt Meuleners saved his best for last - again.
The NSU senior heavyweight defeated Andrew Tumlin of Findlay (Ohio) to win the Midwest Classic Tournament on Sunday. Meuleners, a two-time national champion, recorded a take down in the third overtime for a 5-3 sudden victory win over Tumlin. Meuleners recently recorded a pin in the Wolves dual against Chadron State, which ultimately gave NSU a 21-20 victory in the dual.
"Again, Matt just showed how consistent he can be and just find a way to win in a tough situation," NSU wrestling coach Pat Timm said.
And it was against a tough opponent on Sunday in the championship match. Tumlin was an NCAA Division II national qualifier last year and started his collegiate career at Division I North Carolina State.
"The kid was a very athletic heavyweight and he was a tough match," Timm said, "but (Meuleners) came through in the end."
The Wolves finished ninth at the prestigious event with 57 points. Newberry won the team title with 159 points and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference member Upper Iowa placed second with 118 points.
Chad Gibson had a solid showing with a third place finish in the 184-pound weight class. He began his day with a 6-0 setback against Mitch Brown of Newberry in the semifinals. Gibson responded with wins over Kyle Piatt of Western State 4-2 and Bryson Hall of Ashland University 11-6 in the third place match.
"Chad had a really good tournament," Timm said. "He had a minor setback in the semifinals, but his next two matches he wrestled extremely well."
Anthony Bruno finished eighth in the 125-pound weight class. The Wolves will be off for Christmas break. NSU will travel to face Minnesota State-Moorhead on Jan. 13 for an NSIC dual.
Team Scores: Newberry 159 , Upper Iowa 118, Findlay 110, Campbellsville 84 , Ashland University 81, UNC-Pembroke 73, Ohio Northern 72 , Maryville 63, Northern State 57, McKendree 56 , Lindsey Wilson 55 , Lake Erie College 53 , Western State 47, Indiana Tech 45 , Indianapolis 43 , University of Central Missouri 40, West Liberty 34 , Tiffin 31, Limestone 29 , Trine 14, Mt St Joe 13 , Brewton-Parker 12, Ohio Valley 9 , Shorter 7 , Manchester 5, Lincoln College 4 .
125-Pounds: Anthony Bruno, lost to Jarvis Elam, Campbellsville, 6-3; lost to Stephen Pastor, Tiffin, 6-2. EIGHTH PLACE.
184-Pounds: Chad Gibson, lost to Mitch Brown, Newberry, 6-0; def. Kyle Piatt, Western State, 7-3; def. Bryson Hall, Ashland, 11-6. THIRD PLACE.
285-Pounds: Matt Meuleners, def. Chris Giddens, North Carolina-Pembroke, 10-1, major decision; def. Andrew Tumlin, Findlay, 5-3, sudden victory. FIRST PLACE.