All-American Wrestler

Nicholas Meck, a junior from Topeka, Kans., took his perfect 17-0 season to the NAIA National Championships on March 3rd with the full expectancy of returning to York as an All-American, the seventh in Panther history. His perfect season included winning the conference championship as well as the NAIA South National Qualifier. Ranked fifth in the nation at 174 pounds, Meck beat the No. 2 wrestler at the NAIA qualifying event, Jose Alvarez of Wayland Baptist, to earn the championship and was named outstanding wrestler of the meet.
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Meck won his first match at the national tournament over Tanner Borror of Oklahoma City University. Up 8-2 in the match, Meck hip tossed Borror to the fall at the 3:21 mark. Meck then faced former #2 Alvarez again and won a 3-2 decision to advance to the semifinals, guaranteeing him a spot on the All-American stage.

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Meck took his first loss of the season in an 8-18 decision to #1 ranked Lawton Benna of Grand View who eventually went on to win the title. Meck then had to face the #2 ranked wrestler, Dylan Blackford also of Grand View. Nick battled hard and scrapped together a 4-1 victory to advance him to the consolation finals to compete for 3rd place. Nick finished strong representing the Panthers in historical fashion with a 3-2 decision over Hunter Smith of Life University and a 3rd place finish!

Head Coach Ramon Diaz commented, “We are so proud. God is good and He has done a great work this year in Nick's life on and off the mat, with great measurable results all the way around.”
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Congratulations Nick on a job well done!