ARTICLES

KANSAS CITY - Colton Gonzalez of the Marian wrestling team has been named the NAIA National Wrestler of the Week as announced by the NAIA Wednesday afternoon.

Gonzalez continued his strong season at the 184 class at the Missouri Valley Invitational. He zipped through his first two matches of the weekend, winning both by fall. In round one, he earned the pin over Benedictine's Eli White in just 1:38, and then he topped himself with a pin in 1:15 in the second round over John Bentley of Lyon. Gonzalez went the distance in the third round against Santino Gee of Ottawa and earned an 8-2 win by decision. His win sent him to the quarterfinals where he defeated No. 13 Eric Vermillion of Indiana Tech by a 4-3 decision. In the semifinals, Gonzalez upset fourth-ranked Tyler Hall of Embry-Riddle, winning 8-7 in overtime. The win set him up with Anthony Orozco of Menlo, the top-ranked wrestler at the 184 class in the nation. Gonzalez battled, but fell by a 5-4 decision to claim second place overall.

He and the Knights host the Marian Duals Saturday at 9 a.m. on John Grimes Court.