CEDAR FALLS, Ia. — The Life University men's wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 NWCA National Duals, finishing as national runner-up after a grueling tournament that saw them defeat several of the top NAIA programs. Led by Head Coach Omi Acosta, the Running Eagles showcased resilience, skill, and a combination of wrestlers to win pivotal matchups and advance to place Grand View University in the championship.

Round 1: Life University vs. Oklahoma City (36-9)

The Running Eagles began their campaign with a commanding win over Oklahoma City, taking seven of ten bouts. Adrian Morales opened the dual at 125 lbs with a thrilling 10-7 sudden victory over Garrett Johnson, setting the tone for the match. At 133 lbs, Thaddeus Long extended Life U's lead by dominating his opponent, Cooper Evans, with a 12-3 major decision. While Oklahoma City claimed wins at 141 and 149 lbs, Life U regained momentum at 157 lbs, where Fabian Padilla earned a hard-fought 8-5 decision over #25 Hayden Brown.

The middleweights carried the team to victory, beginning with Reese Jones at 165 lbs, who delivered a clinical 5-0 decision against Alex Wilson. Steven Villalobos followed at 174 lbs, overwhelming Daxton DeFrange with a 19-3 technical fall. Jesse Perez continued the dominance at 184 lbs, pinning Omari Smith in just 2:27. The upper weights sealed the dual, with Khalil Abdushshakur delivering a lightning-fast 45-second pin at 197 lbs and Nate Glass securing a forfeit win at heavyweight.

Quarterfinal: Life University vs. Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) (20-19)

The quarterfinal against Embry-Riddle proved to be one of the most intense matches of the tournament. Life U found themselves in a tight battle, with each team trading victories throughout the dual. After an early loss at 125 lbs, Thaddeus Long provided a critical boost at 133 lbs by dismantling Jaren Kimura with a 20-3 technical fall, earning valuable points for the team. Embry-Riddle responded with wins at 141 and 149 lbs, but Life U stayed in the fight with Alexander Couto grinding out a crucial 5-1 decision at 174 lbs over #7 Daniil Gorshkov.

The match then turned in Life U's favor when Kendall Norfleet earned six crucial points with a forfeit win at 184 lbs. Next, Jesse Perez then stepped up for the Running Eagles wrestling above his weight class at 197 lbs, pinning Trenton Blomquist in 4:51, securing the decisive points Life U needed to edge out Embry-Riddle by a single point and advance to the semifinals.

Semifinal: Life University vs. Campbellsville (Ky.) (30-15)

Life U delivered a dominant performance in the semifinals against Campbellsville, winning seven of ten matchups. Adrian Morales set the tone with a masterful 15-0 technical fall over Caleb Thomas at 125 lbs. Thaddeus Long followed at 133 lbs with a 10-2 major decision, while Kaden Ramos claimed a narrow 4-2 decision at 141 lbs over #11 Nick Moore to keep the momentum firmly in Life U's favor.

At 157 lbs, Fabian Padilla delivered another strong performance, earning an 8-2 decision over Tyler Muldrew. Reese Jones was outstanding at 165 lbs, where he racked up an 18-3 technical fall against #10 Jasitin Kubwimana. Though Campbellsville earned wins at 149, 174, and heavyweight, Jesse Perez and Khalil Abdushshakur ensured the team's victory. Perez earned a decisive 17-8 major decision at 184 lbs, and Abdushshakur added a pin in 1:37 at 197 lbs, sealing the dual and punching Life U's ticket to the finals.

Championship: Life University vs. Grand View (32-3)

The championship match against top-seeded Grand View University proved to be a challenging finale for Life U. Grand View controlled most of the dual, showcasing their depth and talent across the weight classes. Despite the team's best efforts, Life U managed only one victory, coming from Kendall Norfleet at 184 lbs, who earned a hard-fought 9-4 decision against his opponent.

Grand View secured wins at 125, 133, 141, 149, and 157 lbs to build an early lead. Despite close matches at 133, 165 and 285 lbs, where Thaddeus Long, Reese Jones and Nate Glass all battled hard, the Running Eagles could not overcome Grand View.

The men's second-place finish at the 2025 NWCA National Duals saw standout performances from wrestlers from a multitude of wrestlers. The team's journey to the finals showcased depth and determination. Up next, the Running Eagles quickly regroup before traveling to compete in the Southeastern Open this upcoming weekend.