The unkwrestling secured the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship Saturday night in Sioux Falls, winning back to back titles. Junior Otgonbayar Batsuuri won the 174-pound national title to help ensure the championship.
UNK finished with 83.0 points while Wisconsin-Parkside (78.0), McKendree, Ill. (76.5) and league rival Central Oklahoma (76.0) were very close behind. The Blue & Gold previously placed first in 2025, 2022, 2013, 2012 and 2008.
The Lopers entered the finals with a 79.0-72.0 edge over UCO. To secure a second straight and a sixth overall national title, UNK needed to win one of three title matches or see the Bronchos lose one of two.
The Lopers had six All-Americans with this title race the closest since 2021 when St. Cloud State (107.0) nipped the Lopers (105.05) thanks to a win in the 285 lbs. match. Finally, head coach Dalton Jensen, part of UNK’s 2012 and 2013 title teams, was tabbed as the National Tournament Coach of the Year.
randysilvertv 🎤🎥 for ntvnews...