SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - #1 Paul Wilson ran into some bad luck at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, suffering a pair of losses on the first day of competition.

In the first round against Upper Iowa's Ryan Parmely, Wilson led 6-0 on an early takedown and four-point nearfall before Parmely rolled through a second tilt to reverse Wilson to his back and earn the pin at 2:56. 

In the evening's consolation first round, Wilson faced off against Pitt-Johnstown's Jacob Hart. Wilson scored an early takedown before being reversed, but escaped to lead 3-2 at the end of the first period. Wilson escaped from bottom to start the second before Hart tied it with a takedown, but Wilson was quickly out to lead 5-4. Hart then caught Wilson with a takedown to his back to earn the fall at 4:46.

Wilson ends his Mines career fourth on the all-time wins list at 87-30 for his career, and will graduate as Mines' all-time falls leader with 48. He earned both RMAC and NCAA West Super Regional titles in his senior season. His 74.4% winning percentage ranks fifth all-time at Mines.

 

Photo courtesy Garrett Finke, Western State