MANHEIM, PA – After putting together an outstanding freshman campaign, University of Mary wrestler Reece Barnhardt was named the 2022 National Wrestling Coaches Association DII Rookie of the Year. This is the first time in program history that a UMary athlete has won this honor.

This is the second post-season honor for Barnhardt, as he had previously been awarded NSIC Wrestling Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

Barnhardt earned All-American honors after taking fourth place at the NCAA Division II Championships in the 133-pound weight class. The Bismarck, ND, native recorded the highest finish at Nationals that any Marauder athlete has had in the Division II era.

"Since day one of stepping on UMary's campus, it was very evident that Reece had the ability to become an All-American as a true freshman," said UMary head coach Adam Aho.

Barnhardt finished runner-up in the NCAA Division II Super Region V, which qualified the freshman for nationals.

"What really separates him from others that have had similar ability is his internal drive and desire to improve every day," Aho said.

Barnhardt finished his freshman year with a record of 24-10 overall and went 21-6 against NCAA Division II competition.

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