CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- No. 3 Southeastern Wrestling closed out a demanding two-day slate at the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships with a fourth-place national finish on Saturday inside the UNI-Dome, facing two top-five opponents in the semifinals and third-place duals.
The Fire opened the day against tournament top seed Grand View in the semifinals. Grand View controlled the early portion of the dual with bonus-point wins at the lower weights, building separation quickly. The Vikings picked up a technical fall at 125, a fall at 133, and another tech fall at 141 to jump out front.
Southeastern found a breakthrough at 149 pounds, where No. 11
Raymond Cavey delivered the Fire's lone points of the dual. Cavey notched a major decision over Khyler Carstarphen, getting SEU on the board and briefly halting the momentum. From there, however, Grand View's depth and firepower showed through. The Vikings earned major decisions at 157 and 165, followed by a technical fall at 174. Close contests followed at 184 and 197, including an overtime decision and another major decision, before a pin at heavyweight sealed the 42-4 result.
With a national podium spot still on the line, Southeastern regrouped for the third-place match against Indiana Tech, producing a far more competitive showing that came down to the final weights.
Indiana Tech struck first with wins at 125 and 133, but the Fire answered at 141 when No. 2
Andrew Voiles secured an 8-2 decision over No. 10 Conner Kimbrough, narrowing the gap. Momentum continued to swing at 149 as No. 2
Mario De La Torre edged No. 16 Marlone Kirksy, 3-1, pulling SEU within one point.
After a setback at 157, Indiana Tech extended its lead with an overtime decision at 165. Southeastern responded again at 174, where
Anthony Federico—wrestling up from 165—posted a 7-3 decision over No. 15 Landon Buchanan. The Fire kept pressing at 184 as No. 14 August Batston delivered a 9-6 decision, trimming the deficit to just one point heading into the final two bouts.
Indiana Tech ultimately closed the door with a decision at 197 and another at heavyweight, earning a 19-11 victory and securing third place. Despite the result, Southeastern's resilience and individual performances underscored a strong national showing against elite competition.
The Fire concluded the championship weekend with wins over top-15 opponents and a fourth-place national finish, continuing to establish themselves among the NAIA's premier programs.
SEU returns home for Senior Night on Friday, January 16, hosting Brewton-Parker at 7 p.m. inside The Fire Pit.
