Wiechers Goes 2-0, Assured All-American Status After Nationals Day 1

Ashland University junior Drew Wiechers has assured himself of a first NCAA Division II All-American honor following a 2-0 day on Friday (March 11) at the 2022 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in St. Louis, Mo.
 
Wiechers went 2-0 on Day 1 of nationals, topping Pitt-Johnstown's Dillon Keane, 8-2, in the first round, and Gannon's Evan Fisler, 3-1, in the quarterfinal.
 
In Saturday's (March 12) semifinal round, Wiechers (23-8) will face No. 1-seeded Matt Malcom of Nebraska-Kearney.
 
WHAT HAPPENED

• The four other Eagles who were national qualifiers all bowed out on Friday.
• At 197 pounds, sophomore Walker Uhl defeated Maryville's Chase Stegall, 3-1, in the opening round, before losing two in a row. At 174 pounds, junior Daniel Beemer also went 1-2, beating Mercyhurst's Dillon Walker, 2-1, before losing two straight.
• Senior Chance Esmont, at 157 pounds, also won his opener, 13-10 over San Francisco State's Mason Boutain, before losing twice. Senior 149-pounder Carson Speelman went 0-2.
• In the team standings, the Eagles are tied for 23^rd with 11 team points.