Nicholas Mason made Tiffin University history at the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships.
Mason became just the second Dragons grappler to win a national championship, coming up with two clutch points in the third period to win the 197 pound title 5-2 over previously unbeaten Vince Dietz of St. Cloud St. It marked an amazing finish for Mason, who won three of his four matches by fall.
Mason reached the title match with a pin of Colton Dull of Millersville in 2:39. The win finished Mason's season record at 27-7, and gave TU their first ever champion at 197 pounds. Garrett Gray was also national champion at 285 pounds in 2017.
Trey Grine also had a stellar showing at the national championships, taking second overall at 149 pounds. He defeated Kameron Frame of Newman by fall in a blistering 45 seconds, setting up a title match against Chris Eddins Jr. of Pitt-Johnstown. Eddins was unbeaten coming into the match and quickly showed why, edging Grine 7-2 to finish his season 23-0. Grine also finished his season with an impressive 20-2 record.
Grine had made two prior appearances at nationals, never placing at the event before this season. This was Mason's first appearance at the national championships.
Overall Tiffin finished 8th, the highest finish the Dragons have had as a team in their history. They had finished 9th in 2015 and 2017.
