By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The Life University men's wrestling team capped a strong run at the 2026 NAIA National Duals on Saturday, securing a national runner-up finish after a semifinal victory over Indiana Tech before falling to top-seeded Grand View in the championship dual.
Semifinal: Life University vs. Indiana Tech (25–10)
Life University punched its ticket to the championship dual with a decisive 25–10 semifinal win over Indiana Tech, leaning on clutch performances throughout the lineup and key bonus-point efforts in the upper weights.
At 125 lbs, Mikey Doerr set the tone early with tightly contested upset, earning an 11–8 sudden-victory over #3 Tyler Hisey to give Life U an early edge. Indiana Tech responded with wins at 133 and 149 lbs, but the Running Eagles answered back through the middle of the order. Mauro Michel claimed a 10–6 decision over #10 Conner Kimbrough at 141 lbs, followed by Douglas Terry's 9–4 decision at 157 lbs over #5 Vinnie Abbey to keep Life in control of the dual.
After another narrow setback at 165 lbs, Life University surged late. Reese Jones delivered a hard-fought 4–1 decision over #15 Landon Buchanan at 174 lbs. Tre Morrisette added critical separation with a commanding 16–4 major decision at 184 lbs. Gio Jackson then followed with a clutch 4–1 sudden-victory win over #6 Nathan Critchfield at 197 lbs, and Gabriel Jacobs sealed the dual in emphatic fashion with a fall at 285 lbs (4:47), sending the Running Eagles to the title bout after a pin over #13 Johnny Cruz.
Championship: Life University vs. Grand View (7–37)
Facing powerhouse Grand View in the championship dual, Life University ran into a deep and experienced lineup, falling 37–7 to finish the tournament as the national runner-up.
Grand View built an early lead with victories in the lower weights, including bonus-point wins at 125, 133, and 141 lbs. Life University's first win came at 157 lbs, where Douglas Terry turned in a strong 5–2 decision over #6 Bryce Boumans. Tre Morrisette also delivered a standout performance at 184 lbs, earning a 14–5 major decision over #10 Lucas Hageman to account for Life's remaining points.
Despite the final result, Life University's weekend included a semifinal win, multiple statement victories, and a place on the national podium, finishing second overall at the 2026 NWCA NAIA National Duals and reinforcing the program's position among the nation's elite.
