BURNSVILLE, MN – After becoming the first Marauder to win an NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship at 133 pounds, Reece Barnhardt was named NSIC Wrestler of the Year.

Barnhardt helped lead the UMary wrestling team to a sixth-place finish at nationals, the highest finish in program history. The Bismarck, ND, native became the first UMary wrestler to become a four-time NCAA All-American.

Bernhardt opened the NCAA tournament with a pinfall victory over James Wright (Central Mo.). He followed up with an 8-3 decision over Sam Spencer (St. Cloud St.) in the quarterfinals.

The Bismarck, ND, native won a thrilling match in the semifinals, defeating Christian Davis (Lander) by an 8-5 sudden victory. Bernhardt claimed gold at 133 pounds when he took down Peter Rolle (Central Okla.) by an impressive 10-4 decision in the finals.

The four-time All-American went undefeated in duals, going 13-0 overall and 9-0 in conference action. His third-place finish at NCAA Super Regional V earned him a spot at nationals.

Barnhardt also finished runner-up in the 45^th Midwest Classic, the largest NCAA Division II wrestling tournament.

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