Kearney, Neb. – The 5th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team wrapped up its second MIAA regular season title thanks to a 31-9 win over the 10th-ranked Lindenwood Lions Saturday night on the Buckle Court at the Health & Sports Center.
 
UNK (14-2, 6-0) ends the dual season with eight straight wins. This is the Lopers first regular season crown since 2014; the team has won the last three MIAA Tournaments.
 
On "Senior Night", junior newcomer Calvin Ochs (Hoxie, Kan.) started things off on the right foot for UNK as he had 10 near fall points in the first period to tech fall Batchka Zulkhuu, 17-1, at 174 pounds. 
 
Next, redshirt freshman Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) recorded seven points in third period to win 10-6 at 184 pounds with top-ranked Romero Cotton (Hutchinson, Kan.) making the team score 14-0 thanks to a second period fall.
 
The two-time national champion improves to 13-1 with eight falls.
 
UNK secured the dual victory by winning each match between 125-149 pounds. At 133 pounds, senior and top-ranked Daniel DeShazer (Wichita, Kan.) used an escape and takedown in the second period to beat fourth-ranked Hunter Haralson, 4-3.
 
Finally, seventh-ranked Keith Surber (O'Fallon, Ill.) had a first period fall at 141 pounds. 
 
"Things are starting to click a bit and the guys are feeding off each other, "said UNK head coach Marc Bauer. "We got off to a quick start and then Connor started it up right back again and we were rolling. When you get that momentum in a dual, it's tough to stop."
 
The Lopers head to Lindenwood (St. Charles, Mo.) for the MIAA Championships on Valentine's Day.