The University of the Ozarks was able to pin down a third consecutive SLIAC Men's Wrestling Championship on Saturday, winning the 2026 title with 127.0 team points. The Eagles led all teams with 26 pins during the championship, with three of those coming in the championship round; where they captured five individual titles.
Ozarks led by just one point entering the championship round but with five wrestlers competing for a title including three weight classes boasting a pair of Eagles in the finals, their title was firmly in hand. Ozarks would go on to win all five championship weight classes they appeared in with Shelton Chastain starting the roll at 125 pounds, winning 5-1 in a decision. Javin Douglas followed with a pin in just nine-seconds at 133 pounds, setting a new championship record.
The 184 pound championship match boasted a pair of Eagles squaring off with Nawab Singh walking away the winner by pin at 1:02. Jadaan Anderson notched a win at 197 pounds, 15-7 and Ka'Ron Lewis closed out the event with a pin at 1:26 in the 285 pound class.
Huntingdon College finished second with 108.0 team points, making a strong showing in their first season with the SLIAC. Damion Jones goes down as the first Hawk to win a SLIAC individual title, claiming the 157 pound gold medal with a pin at 5:08 in the championship round. Cole Blalock, Brock Gross, Brady Nardella, Corbin Falgout, Thomas Seglio, Brock Johnson, Kevin Shaw, and Steven Flagg all took home medals as well.
Schreiner University was third with 65.0 points. The Mountaineers had two gold medal winners in Ashton Keller (141) and Jayden Bustillos (149). Bustillos was named the tournament's Most Oustanding Wrestler after going 3-0 on the day with two wins by technical fall and one by pin.
Coming in fourth was Eureka College with 60.5 points. Sargent Maubach claimed the Red Devils lone individual title, winning 174 pounds, while Alex Muhammad (157) and Trevor Hedges (141) each placed second in their weight class.
Westminster College totaled 54.0 points with three Blue Jays earning medals. Michael Roberts won his second career gold medal, taking the 165 pound title by winning all four of his matches by pin. Isaac Gawronski finished third at 133 pounds while Levi Casey was third at 174 pounds.
Lyon College finished the day with 14.0 points. Eli Lupton led the Scots with 6.5 points, placing third in the 197 pound class.
Blackburn College concluded the event with 13.5 points. Remington Hiser was their top performer, placing 5th at 285 pounds, recording two pins in his three wins on the day.
McMurry University, wrapped up its first SLIAC Championship experience with two placers. Aaaron Michaels finished 6th at 125 pounds and Tyler Gardner was 8th at 174 pounds.