Gator wrestling concluded one of its most successful seasons ever with a fine showing at the Division II National Championships and several post-season awards. A record-tying seven wrestlers qualified for Nationals. The team placed eighth in the competition, held March 14 and 15 in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Senior Mauricio Wright won his second national individual title in the 184-pound category and was named an All-American for the fourth year in a row. Wright made Gator sports history by being the first wrestler to defend a national title.

Three other Gator wrestlers also made it on to the All-American team by finishing in the top eight in their weight class. Pacifico Garcia, a 141-pound freshman from Fresno, placed fifth; Drew Dunbar, a 197-pound senior from Lafayette, placed sixth; and Luke Santos, a 149-pound sophomore from Torrance, placed seventh.

In addition three wrestlers were named to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American team: Michael Cordsen, a senior 174-pounder from Paso Robles, Donald Lockett, a sophomore 133-pounder from San Francisco, and Jared Waller a senior 133-pounder from Santa Rosa. Waller became the first four-time Academic All-American in SFSU history.

The Academic All-Americans qualified by maintaining a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average. Honorees also had to be a varsity member or a key reserve and demonstrate a degree of skill.

For more on the Gator wrestlers, see the Athletics Web site.