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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Wohrley Runner-Up, Nyberg and Fry Place 3rd as GU Finishes 4th at Conference

Wohrley Runner-Up, Nyberg and Fry Place 3rd as GU Finishes 4th at Conference

Results

Oskaloosa, Iowa — The Graceland men's wrestling team finished fourth overall (107.0 points) at the NAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships in a 12-team field.

The strong finish capped a milestone season for the Yellowjackets, highlighted by first-year head coach Evan Hansen being named Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, while assistant coach Owen Braungardt earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

Grand View (264.5) captured the team title, followed by Missouri Valley (172.5) and Central Methodist (150.5). Graceland placed fourth, finishing ahead of Dickinson State (99.5) and Baker (89.5).

The Yellowjackets were led by three podium finishers — Chris Wohrley (2nd, 184), Jeraimiah Nyberg (3rd, 174) and KJ Fry (3rd, 197) — while generating critical bonus points throughout the championship bracket.

Hansen credited the team's commitment to program standards following both the team performance and his individual recognition.

"This recognition really reflects the way our team has bought into our standard and the 'Be Water Lifestyle,'" Hansen said. "We emphasize giving 100 percent effort 100 percent of the time in everything we do, and our guys have committed to that. They wrestled through every position, created space and scored bonus points when opportunities were there. I'm very proud of the way they competed."

At 184 pounds, Chris Wohrley (19-4) finished as conference runner-up, scoring 16.0 team points.

Jeraimiah Nyberg (24-9) placed third at 174 pounds, producing a team-high 19.5 points, including multiple bonus-point victories.

KJ Fry (12-4) placed third at 197 pounds, contributing 14.5 team points.

Davion Wilson (23-15) placed fourth at 133 pounds, adding 14.5 team points.

Kazz Hyson (16-9) placed fifth at 285 pounds, totaling 16.0 team points with multiple bonus-point wins.

Additional scoring came from Lopez (6th at 141, 9.0 points) and Bella (7th at 157, 10.5 points).

Graceland recorded multiple falls, technical falls and major decisions, maximizing bonus-point opportunities and maintaining consistent mat pressure throughout the tournament.

"From day one, our focus has been on effort, development and striving to be our best in all aspects of life — not just chasing results," Hansen said. "The athletes have embraced that culture, and it showed at the conference tournament. We worked hard in every position, never stopped fighting and continued to score."

As a result of their conference performances, Graceland secured three automatic national qualifiers.

Davion Wilson (133), KJ Fry (197) and Kazz Hyson (285) each earned automatic bids to the NAIA National Wrestling Championships.

At-large qualifiers will be announced Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (5 p.m. CST), as Graceland awaits the possibility of additional national qualifiers.

Hansen emphasized that the program's trajectory remains process-driven.

"Nothing changes," Hansen said. "It's not about placing fourth or winning championships — it's about consistently striving to be our very best selves and giving maximum effort in everything we do. If we continue to develop on and off the mat and stay committed to our standards, great things will happen."

Graceland now prepares for the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament, beginning Thursday, March 5 (9:00 a.m. CST) at Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kansas.