#2 Lopers Runners Up at National Duals

 The second-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team fell to top-ranked Central Oklahoma, 22-12, in the National Dual finals Saturday evening in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Mult-Division National Dual Meet Championships were hosted by Northern Iowa at the UNI Dome.
 
The Lopers (7-2) were aiming for their first NWCA Duals title since 2007, but UCO (9-1) got off to a fast start and never looked back. The two meet again Feb. 6 at Buckle Court. In the semifinals, UNK blasted third-ranked Wisconsin Parkside, 28-6, with the 'Chos taking care of sixth-ranked Lander (S.C.), 30-6.

Against UCO, only 10th-ranked Joseph Airola (141 lbs.) won among the first seven bouts. Airola used a takedown in overtime to win 4-1 with the 'Chos building an insurmountable 16-3 lead. Later, ninth-ranked Kaden Hart (174 lbs.) dominated second-ranked Branson Britton, 11-2. 

Against Parkside, Bennington graduate Caleb Coyle (125 lbs.) stunned second-ranked Shane Carrigan, 8-2 with fourth-ranked Trenton Munoz (165 lbs.) recording a late reversal to win 2-1. Finally, top-ranked Crew Howard (285 lbs.) went 2-0 on the day by a combined score of 21-3.

UNK hosts Sioux Falls, Newman and NAIA juggernaut Grand View (Ia.) next weekend.