The Army West Point wrestling team continues to show it belongs among the nation's best. As was true Monday at the Midlands Championships, where the Black Knights set individual and team bests at one of the most premiere college wrestling tournaments in the country.
"This is a team that continues to raise the standard and expectations of what Army West Point wrestling is capable of," said head coach Kevin Ward. "Our highest team finish, most placers ever, and highest individual placer. All of that shows that these guys believe in themselves and believe in each other. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar."
Army placed six wrestlers on the podium over the two days of competition, doubling the previous academy record set last year of three. The Black Knights also finished seventh in the team standings out of 35 teams. Their 78.5 total points topped last years previous high of 68 points. Iowa took the overall team title this year with 196.5 points.
Yearling Markus Hartman led the way competing at 157 pounds. The Barrington, Ill native, having already scored upsets over the No.1 and No. 6 seeds on day one, began Monday with a thrilling 9-8 decision win over the No. 4 seeded Anthony Artalona of Penn in the semifinal. That set up a final versus the two seeded Kaleb Young of Iowa. Hartman hung toe-to-toe with one of the top collegiate wrestlers in the country, but came up just short in sudden victory, dropping a 5-3 decision. Read more.