By: Omi Acosta | Men's Wrestling Head Coach
Tallahassee, FL. — The Life University NCWA wrestling team delivered a dominant performance at the SEC Conference Championships, securing the team title in commanding fashion while qualifying all 19 wrestlers for the NCWA National Championships set for March 26–28 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Running Eagles controlled the tournament from start to finish, compiling 353.5 team points, more than double the total of the runner-up program. The performance was highlighted by multiple individual champions, several all-Life U finals, and a lineup that consistently produced bonus-point victories throughout the event.
Life U crowned nine conference champions while placing wrestlers across nearly every weight class, demonstrating the program's depth across the entire roster.
At 125 lbs, Kolby Dempsey captured the conference championship, leading the charge for Life U's lightweight group and securing his qualification to the national tournament.
At 133 lbs, Adrian Morales claimed the conference title, while teammate Tristan Luna battled back through the bracket to secure a fifth-place finish, giving the Running Eagles two national qualifiers at the weight.
At 141 lbs, Life U placed two wrestlers in scoring positions as Ethan Sellers earned a runner-up finish and Peyton Hoskins finished fourth, both qualifying for the national tournament.
At 149 lbs, Camron Crump delivered a dominant run through the bracket, capturing the conference championship and punching his ticket to NCWA Nationals.
At 157 lbs, Life U controlled the bracket with an all-Running Eagles final as Jaden New emerged as conference champion while Nathaniel Santos secured a runner-up finish.
At 165 lbs, Enrique Santana continued his conference dominance, becoming a two-time conference champion, while teammate Diego Barron finished as runner-up to give Life U another 1–2 finish in the bracket.
At 174 lbs, Zion Smith and Connor Edwards both returned to the conference finals, with Smith securing the title in a 5–1 decision, while Edwards finished runner-up.
At 184 lbs, Connor Cooper added to his résumé by becoming a two-time conference champion, while Gilbert Marquez finished as the runner-up in another strong showing for Life U.
At 197 lbs, Payton Brooks delivered one of the tournament's most impressive runs. Entering the event unranked, Brooks defeated two top-10 opponents on his way to capturing the conference championship.
At 235 lbs, Life U once again placed two wrestlers in the finals as Ryan Krimpelbein claimed the conference title and Chipper secured a runner-up finish.
At 285 lbs, Devin Dudley earned his second conference championship, while teammate Zachary Bailey finished as runner-up to cap off another dominant bracket for the Running Eagles.
Across the lineup, Life University demonstrated depth and consistency, placing wrestlers in nearly every weight class while securing multiple finals appearances and conference titles. Additionally, Head Coach Jacob Laden was named the SEC Coach of the Year.
Head coach Jacob Laden reflected on the team's performance following the championship.
"First I want to thank God. I'm extremely proud of this group and the way they competed this weekend. Qualifying all 19 wrestlers for the national tournament is a testament to their commitment and the work they've put in all season. We controlled the tournament from top to bottom and showed the depth of this program. Now the focus shifts to Shreveport and preparing to compete for national championships."
With the SEC Conference title secured and all 19 wrestlers qualified, the Running Eagles now turn their focus to the NCWA National Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they will look to carry their momentum onto the national stage.
