Greensboro College’s Josh Wilson wins 3rd NCAA Regional Championship, earns tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler
Josh Wilson receives the NCAA Reginal Championship trophy.
Greensboro College men’s wrestler and Greensboro native Josh Wilson became a three-time NCAA Regional Champion on Saturday as he defeated two nationally ranked wrestlers in the 141-lb. weight class on his way to the title. Wilson was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Regional Tournament for the third time.
On day one, Wilson handily defeated Chase Kyler (Thiel) and Mauricio Reyes (Averett) to advance to the semifinals. On Saturday, Wilson wrestled longtime rival Mark Samuel from Roanoke, and the two put on a classic showdown to remember.
Wilson and Samuel would go all three rounds as Wilson took home the win by Decision, 13-10. The two most recently met at the ODAC Championships and at last year’s NCAA National Tournament, as Wilson won both matches.
In the championship round, Wilson took on No. 1 ranked Jacob Reed of Ohio Northern. Reed has been the #1 nationally ranked wrestler in the 141-lb. class almost all season long. Wilson last faced Reed in the NCAA Championship final round last season, as Wilson defeated Reed to win the National Title. Wilson would once again get the best of Reed on Saturday, winning by Decision, 7-3, to win his third NCAA Regional Championship.
Afterwards, Wilson said, “It was a great tournament and I’m proud of my performance. I’m grateful for my coaching staff, athletic training staff, and teammates for their support in helping me accomplish this feat. But my ultimate goal is to be the most dominant wrestler at the NCAA tournament and win another national title. My job is not finished.”
Wilson will now go for back-to-back national championships in the 141-lb. weight class in Providence, Rhode Island, March 14-15.
