Redshirt junior heavyweight Nick Gwiazdowski claimed his second national championship in two years after defeating Michigan sophomore Adam Coon 7-6 at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.
Gwiazdowski, who posted a perfect record this season going 34-0, holds a program record with 54 victories in a row and only has two losses in his time with the Wolfpack. He is also the first wrestler in NC State program history to win back-to-back national championships.
The Delanson, New York native dominated the competition he faced early on in the tournament, winning an 8-2 decision over redshirt junior Billy Smith from Rutgers University in round one. He followed up by winning by major decision in round two, 14-1, against North Dakota State junior Evan Knutson.
Gwiazdowski didn’t stop his impressive performance there, as he won another match by major decision in the first semifinal round, defeating senior Jimmy Lawson from Penn State University 11-3. In the final match leading up to the championship, Gwiazdowski was able to notch a 6-3 victory over Wisconsin redshirt junior Connor Medbery.
Gwiazdowski was able to put on an impressive offensive performance in the championship round, scoring takedown after takedown to secure the victory. The heavyweight was able to put on a barrage on blast double shots that proved to be effective for the entirety of the match.
Coon proved to be a lot better than his number six seeding though, as his long, lanky size posed a significant threat to the two time champion. Koon was able to get up after Gwiazdowski’s takedowns and score points of his own.
Gwiazdowski’s experience proved to be too much in the end however, as he was able to stay inside of Koon to negate his length and score just enough to secure his second national championship.
The victory for Gwiazdowski also allows him to avenge one of his two career losses, as Coon was able to defeat him 3-1 last year.
Gwiazdowski was able to notch yet another impressive feat this tournament season, earning All-American honors for a third season in a row, dating back to his time as a member of the Binghamton Bearcats.
Freshman Kevin Jack was able to put together an impressive run in his own right, finishing fifth in his first tournament appearance. Jack also received All-American status this season and marked the second time that NC State was able to send a pair of wrestlers to the national semifinals.
The Pack placed 16th as a team overall.
