PRESCOTT, ARIZ. – The Embry-Riddle wrestling team had an excellent weekend hosting the 2023 Cascade Collegiate Conference Men's Wrestling Championships, hosted by U.S. Bank. Carson Coy won the Cascade Championship at 141 pounds, Keller Rock earned all-conference honors at 165 pounds, and the Eagles qualified six wrestlers for the NAIA National Championships.
Coy continued his excellent freshman season, this time earning the conference title at 141 lbs. Coy defeated Rico Robles of Arizona Christian in the final, taking a 6-3 decision to earn the championship and all-conference honor.
Keller Rock had an excellent tournament at 165 pounds, reaching the finals on Saturday evening. Rock battled with David Rubio of Corban in the final, and Rock earned all-conference honors with his top-two finish.
Another great freshman earned his spot in the NAIA National Championships, as Landon Smith will be heading to Wichita in two weeks. Smith finished fifth in the conference tournament, and won four matches on his way to earning an automatic qualifier.
At 149 lbs., Jonah Chew earned the Cascade's last automatic bid in the weight class as he finished third. Chew worked hist way to the semifinals, and was able to win the third place match in a 4-1 decision.
Beau Blackham will be going to the national championships, as he finished third at 157 pounds. Blackham grabbed the last AQ spot for the Cascade at 157 lbs., winning the third-place match with a 7-3 decision.
Michael Densmore was the sixth Eagle to earn an automatic bid to the national championships, as he finished fourth in the 184-pound bracket. Densmore made it to the championship semifinals after a pair of big wins to start the tournament, and finished with a total of three wins over the two days to earn the right to chase a national title.
The Eagles will find out if any other of its athletes make the national championship early next week, but for now, the six are guaranteed a shot. The 66th Annual NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championships are scheduled for March 3rd and 4th at the Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kan.
