ADA, Ohio – Joseph Langeman of the Trine University men's wrestling team clinched a spot at the 2024 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships with a third-place finish on the final day of the Central Regional hosted by Ohio Northern University.
Langeman needed three straight wins in the consolation bracket at 133 to earn his spot. He started off with a 14-4 major decision in his first match before winning a hardfought second by the score of 7-5, only taking the lead in the final period with a crucial takedown before securing the win with riding time. The senior led the third-place match from start to finish, scoring an early takedown and three additional nearfall points in the opening minutes of the match before cruising to the 14-7 victory.
Also reaching day two for the Thunder was Isaac Hawkins in the consolation side of the 149 bracket. He opened today with a pin late in his first match, before falling to the eventual winner of the third-place match by a 14-2 major decision. He finished the tournament with another win, securing fifth place with a pin in the second period.
The final member of the team to compete today was Lakin Webb in the 165 consolation bracket. He lost his opening match of the day in a 16-6 major decision. The battle for seventh place was a close one with Webb exchanging escape points in with his opponent to head to the waning moments with a 1-1 score. The sophomore's opponent got the final points to hand Webb a 4-1 loss and an eighth-place finish.
Langeman will head to the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis. for the championships. That final event is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 15.