Sean Seefeld - Dickinson State Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Oskaloosa, Iowa - The Blue Hawks delivered a strong performance at the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament, with multiple athletes securing podium finishes and a team effort led by heavyweight Seth Suvak's title-winning run, and highlighted by head coach Justin Schlecht winning Heart of America Conference Coach of the Year. The Blue Hawks placed 3rd securing 138.5 points.
Suvak dominated the 285-pound bracket, pinning his way through the semifinals before capturing first place with a decisive 13-3 major decision in the championship match. Teammate Juan Camacho also impressed, battling through the consolation rounds to finish fourth at heavyweight.
At 125 pounds, Jose Gonzalez placed third, showcasing resilience in the consolation rounds. After an early setback, he stormed back with key victories, including a 16-1 tech fall over fellow Blue Hawk Wyatt Engwicht and an 11-6 decision in the third-place match. Engwicht secured a seventh-place finish after a hard-fought 9-8 decision victory.
The Blue Hawks had a strong showing at 141 pounds, with Edrich Nortje earning a runner-up finish. Nortje put together a solid tournament run, including a semifinal win over Missouri Valley's Donavan Parn before falling in the finals. Kavika Aholelei added to Dickinson State's point total with a fourth-place finish, recording a first-period fall in the consolation semifinals.
In the 149-pound division, William Sprenger battled through the backdraw to secure fourth place, racking up multiple wins, including a key 9-8 decision in the consolation semifinals. Caleb Nielsen also contributed to the Blue Hawks' efforts, earning a seventh-place finish.
At 184 pounds, Jackson King reached the finals after an impressive semifinal win over a top-ranked Grand View opponent but ultimately settled for second place. Jack Simons added to the Blue Hawks' depth at the weight class, finishing in seventh place.
The Blue Hawks' performance was rounded out by a gritty effort from Kale Corley (8th at 165) and an unfortunate injury default for Donivan Giangregorio at 197.
The qualifiers for the NAIA National Tournament include at Jose Gonzalez, Edrich Nortje, Will Sprenger, Jackson King, and Seth Suvak. There is still a chance that other athletes will be selected Tuesday, February 25th.
UP NEXT
The Blue Hawks will head to the NAIA National Tournament hosted on March 6-8th in Witchita, Kan.