Long Is on Track in his Pursuit of a National Title!

While the Five Knight wrestlers were competing at the Excel Energy Center this past weekend there was a graduated Knight Wrestler competing at the Augsburg College Field House for a Division III West Region Title at 149 pounds.  Jake Long was no stranger to the Excel himself.  It was only 4 years ago when Jake was competing at the state tournament.  He had made the finals and was looking for his second State Title.  Jake who had won his weight class at the state tournament his junior year, didn’t finish in first place his senior year.  Falling just a little short on his goal of being a 2x State Champion has given him extra drive and desire for his ultimate goal in wrestling…..to be a National Champion.

In order for a wrestler to qualify for the NCAA National Meet they must finish in first, second or third place in their weight class.  Jake Long kept his standards high pushing through the tournament and took home the 149 lb NCAA Division III West Region Title.  Jake was seeded second in the region tournament.  Jake was not going to let anyone get in his way; he didn’t care where he was seeded.  By the time the tournament ended Saturday evening, Jake was on top of the podium.  Once again….that’s just Jake not being satisfied. 

Jake’s mind is way beyond a regional title.  Since he started at Concordia four years ago he has wanted a National Title.  He finished in fifth place last season at the National Tournament.  That finish helped him become more aware of how close he was to a National Title.  He decided to stay in Moorhead over the summer so he could train and pushed himself to the max in preparation for the upcoming season.  Jake has had a great season and now has the team best with 27 wins on the season.  His hard work and efforts throughout the years, the past summer, and this season has led him to the top of his team and weight class.

According to the College News an article posted by the Concordia College, “Jake Long methodically made his way through the 149-lb bracket. He posted bonus-point wins in his first two bouts and then earned an 8-3 decision in the semifinals and a 5-3 victory in the championship match.”

Jake and six of his other Cobber Teammates qualified for the national tournament.  This is a new school record for Concordia.  Jake Long is a Captain on the Team and plans on leading his team in an excellent National Tournament.  Good luck Jake!

Results

149 – Jacob Long (27-8) placed 1st and scored 18.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 won by fall over James Warren (MBU) 1-9 (Fall 1:09)
Quarterfinal – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 won by maj. dec. Adam Woitalla (STO) 13-17 (MD 11-1)
Semifinal – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 dec. Jacob Maechtle (LC) 9-9 (Dec 8-3)
1st Place Match – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 dec. Will Keeter (AC) 27-15 (Dec 5-3)