WICHITA, Kan. – In the program's short four years, they have made amazing steps season after season in becoming one of the fastest rising teams in the NAIA. Today, they made their biggest jump as a program to date, as redshirt sophomore David Rubio defeated his opponent in the National Semifinal to advance to the program's first ever National Championship bout in the NAIA National Championships.
"History was made!" Warriors' Interim Head Coach Kary Hadden shared shortly after Rubio's final bout with enthusiasm. "First ever Corban finalist, now a two-time All-American, it was incredible watching him compete this week!"
Hadden continued his thoughts on Rubio by sharing, "David had a great mindset all weekend long, he fought hard and earned every point. He displayed great character in losing his final by a single point. He may have lost the match, but he certainly won the crowd and some future fans! He has been a great leader and inspiration for us all!"
Rubio kicked off his historic day with an unbelievable upset over the No. 1-ranked wrestler at the 165-weight class level, Jack Bass from Life University, defeating him in a narrow 3-2 decision in his second-consecutive semifinal appearance at the NAIA National Tournament. This was the 22nd head-to-head win for Rubio on the season, ranking him among the best the NAIA has to offer the entire season.
Following yet another upset in the other semifinal round, the stage was set for the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) rematch of the year, as the No. 6-ranked wrestler, Rysan Leong from Menlo College, eyed a round two with Rubio with the national title on the line.
Unfortunately to the Warrior Nation fans that tuned into ESPN3 earlier tonight, Leong was able to avenge his CCC Championship loss to Rubio by the skin of his teeth, as a 3-3 tie with time expired was broken with a single point of riding time in favor of Leong, providing him with the 4-3 championship victory over Rubio.
The full results from Rubio's day two at the NAIA National Championships can be found below:
165
David Rubio (22-2) placed 2nd overall and scored 16.0 team points.
Semifinals - David Rubio (Corban) won by decision over Jack Bass (Life), Dec 3-2
First Place Match - Rysan Leong (Menlo) won by decision over David Rubio (Corban), Dec 4-3
Rubio ends his season with an outstanding head-to-head record of 22-2 overall, earning All-American honors for the second consecutive season, and will almost certainly be making a return trip to the national stage once again next season with a crew of teammates alongside him. The Warriors as a team finished with 17.5 points at the National Championships, good enough for a 25th place finish out of 30 schools in attendance.
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