Alexander Breaks Single Season Win Record and Becomes the First HLGU Wrestler to Earn a Seed at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships!

Hannibal, MO - Bryce Alexander a sophomore from Maryville, MO has surpassed the Hannibal-LaGrange University Wrestling’s most wins in a season and also becomes the first HLGU wrestler to earn a seed at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships. The record of 27 single season wins was held in a three way tie last year between Alexander, former HLGU wrestler, Jobi Hambrick (2009-10 Lexington, MO) and current HLGU wrestler sophomore from Kansas City, Dan Capp. After the Central Regional Qualifier tournament Alexander had earned 32 wins so far for the 2011-12 season. HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes says, “Alexander has wrestled the top two wrestlers in the nation in the NAIA. Although he did not beat either of them he took away valuable experience which will help prepare him for his future success. Alexander had a decent college record last season with 27 wins at 157 lbs, and now he has 32 wins at a tougher weight class at 165 lbs.” When Coach Hawes was asked which one of Bryce’s wins this season stuck out in his mind, he replied, “ Well, two wins specifically. One was a win in the finals of the Harper College Open over a University of Illinois wrestler, and secondly was this last weekend when Bryce had to wrestle a match to challenge him for true fourth in our regional tournament. What was significant was Bryce had already wrestled tough for five matches, including a fall over the NO. 8 in the NAIA Rashad Moss from Waldorf, and out of the blue the challenge match came up against Brandon Perkins from Missouri Valley. Perkins medical forfeited to his teammate and then received a forfeit so he was fresh not having wrestled for two rounds. Alexander wrestled a tough consolation finals match and now had to wrestle this challenge match. If Bryce won the challenge match he would become the first HLGU wrestler to be seeded at the national tournament. Also if he wins Perkins doesn’t qualify for the national tournament because he didn’t qualify earlier in the season. There was a lot at stake in this match and Bryce demonstrated the heart of a champion to finish the tournament with a win and he did so in the face of adversity.” Alexander will be joined by red shirt sophomore Nathan Downs (Troy, MO) and sophomore Dan Capp at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships hosted by Grandview University in Des Moines, Iowa, March 1-3, 2012.