WICHITA, KS - Reece Barnhardt and Luke Tweeton continue their excellent seasons as they received All-American status for the University of Mary wrestling team on day one of the 2024 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.

This is Barnhardt's third time earning All-American status and Tweeton's first time becoming an All-American. Both compete on day two of nationals on Saturday, March 16, with matches scheduled to start at 10 am.

Barnhardt entered as the fifth seed and won both of his matchups to advance to the semifinals of nationals. Tweeton came in as the seventh seed but fell in his first match before rallying back to win his next two contests.

Barnhardt (133) opened his day in dominant fashion, pinning Colorado Mesa's Oran Huff at the 4:40 mark. The Bismarck, ND, native earned All-American status and advanced to the semifinals after winning a 9-3 decision over #4 seed Millersville's Devin Flannery. Barnhardt will face #1 seed Gabe Hixenbaugh (Montevallo) on Saturday.

Tweeton (285) dropped his first match of the tournament by a 4-1 decision to Notre Dame's (Ohio) La'Ron Parks due to a last-second takedown. The Frazee, MN, native won his consolation matchup by a 13-4 major decision over Glenville State's Gavin Shamblin. Tweeton received All-American honors after he defeated #8 seed Taniela Feliciano-Takafua (Simon Fraser) by a 4-2 decision. He faces #5 seed Nebraska-Kearney's Crew Howard on Saturday.

Overall, the Marauders earned 15 team points and sit in 19th place after the first day of nationals.

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