Categories: College University AthleticsUniversity News

St. Cloud School Celebrates Wrestling Team’s Eighth National Title

The St. Cloud wrestling team celebrates their eighth national title win amidst a cheering crowd.

News Summary

The St. Cloud State wrestling team has secured their eighth National Dual title, triumphing over Central Oklahoma in a tense championship match. Celebrations are underway in St. Cloud as the team demonstrates their enduring spirit and skill. Key performances from wrestlers like Joel Jesuroga and La’Ron Parks were pivotal in clinching this prestigious victory. Fans eagerly await upcoming matches as the team pushes forward in their pursuit of further glory.

St. Cloud Celebrates Wrestling Team’s Glory as They Secure Eighth National Dual Title

The atmosphere in St. Cloud is buzzing with excitement as the top-ranked St. Cloud State wrestling team and their passionate fans are still riding high after their recent triumph at the NWCA National Duals championship held on January 7, 2025. The event took place at the Northern Iowa Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where our Huskies showcased their determination and talent, defeating the fourth-ranked Central Oklahoma team by a nail-biting score of 21-16.

A Closer Look at the Championship

This victory isn’t just another notch on the win board; it’s the eighth National Dual title for St. Cloud State, waving the banner high after previous wins in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023. The journey to the championship, however, wasn’t smooth sailing. The team faced an early challenge as Central Oklahoma took the lead, winning the first four matches and building a daunting 16-0 lead. It was a moment that could have rattled the nerves, but our Huskies have never been the type to back down easily.

Key Performances That Shone Bright

A pivotal moment occurred when Joel Jesuroga, ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II, stepped onto the mat against the reigning champion, Gabe Johnson. With grit and determination, Jesuroga scored a critical takedown in overtime, sealing the match 4-1. This momentum shift spurred a string of impressive performances from the team.

Nick Novak, ranked #2 in the 165-pound class, delivered an impressive performance, defeating his opponent Hunter Jump with an 8-0 major decision. Bryce Dagel, also showing his skills at 174 pounds with a solid 12-2 major decision win over Zane Coleman, further ignited the crowd. Another highlight was Bryce FitzPatrick at 184 pounds, conquering fifth-ranked Garrett Wells with a score of 12-6. Dominic Murphy, ranked #4 at 197 pounds, dominated his match with a decisive 20-11 win.

Finally, La’Ron Parks emerged as the hero of the day, clinching the title for SCSU with a fierce last-minute takedown that capped his match at 4-1. The crowd erupted in cheers, and it was a moment many will remember for years to come.

The Road to the Championship

Before reaching the finals, the Huskies displayed their skills throughout the tournament, defeating sixth-ranked McKendree with a score of 20-12 in the semifinals. Earlier in the weekend, victories over King University (33-9) and sixth-ranked Tiffin University (38-3) had already showcased the depth and strength of the team.

Future Matches and Upcoming Challenges

The excitement doesn’t stop here for the Huskies. Up next on the schedule are home matches against #7 Augustana on January 18 and #3 UW-Parkside on January 31 at Halenbeck Hall. The team will also hit the road for a match against #5 Nebraska Kearney on January 25, all while gearing up for the national tournament scheduled for March in Indianapolis. With all ten SCSU wrestlers holding national rankings, fans can expect even more thrilling action ahead!

A Spirit of Teamwork and Ambition

As the season progresses, the camaraderie among the wrestlers shines brightly. Senior Colby Njos, who holds the top position in the 149-pound class, underscores the immense significance of clinching a national title before graduation. Meanwhile, Nick Novak has shared aspirations of joining the coaching staff while completing his mechanical engineering degree, showcasing the blend of academic and athletic ambition in our student-athletes.

A Foundation of Success

Along with the wrestling team’s achievements, it’s heartwarming to see the volleyball team, currently ranked #2 nationally, further solidifying St. Cloud State as a powerhouse in collegiate sports. With both teams making waves, St. Cloud is truly a hub for athletic excellence.

So, whether you’re a wrestling fan or just someone who loves to cheer on our local teams, the excitement is palpable! Join us in celebrating the achievements of our outstanding Huskies as they continue their pursuit of athletic greatness!