PARK CITY, Kan.—Southeastern picked up its third NAIA Wrestling National Champion Saturday night when junior
Sal Silva won the 157-pound title with a thrilling 3-1 win in sudden victory.
Silva, the No. 5 seed in the bracket, defeated second-seeded Israel Casarez of Grand View after defeating the top seed Giovanni Bonilla of Grand View in the semifinal.
"It feels awesome," said Silva. "I came to this tournament last year and didn't do as well as I wanted to so I was happy to come back and win it."
After a scoreless first period, Casarez picked up an escape five seconds into the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Silva answered with an escape six seconds into the third period to send the match to overtime.
Silva got in on a shot just nine seconds into the sudden victory period and finished it six seconds later to claim the title.
"I just stayed calm, didn't get stressed out and wrestled confidently," said Silva. "I knew I was the best wrestler here and just needed to wrestle the way I do."
Silva finished the season 16-5.
