Carlos Jacquez earned his first national championship on Saturday at the NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships in Cleveland, Ohio.  The standout for Lindenwood is now a two-time All-American and is the first national champion since current Lindenwood assistant coach Terrel Wilbourn went undefeated in his senior season in 2015-16.
 
No. 1 Jacquez advanced to the finals after he defeated No. 7 Cole Laya of Wheeling Jesuit in the semifinal round.  Jacquez won 4-1 to earn a shot at his first national championship, as he already earned All-American status.  The Aurora, Ill. native faced MIAA-foe No. 2 Josh Portillo of Nebraska-Kearney in the championship match.  Jacquez allowed Portillo to escape twice in the match, but two takedowns in the third period solidified the championship for the junior.
 
Head Coach Jimmy Rollins spoke with pride when asked about the success of his team.
 
"I'm very proud of this team and how they continue to climb this mountain," said Rollins.  "Carlos is a great example of the hard work and dedication this group shows beyond just the practice room.  We are truly a family!"
 
Danny Swan lost three matches on Saturday, including his semifinal match to open the day.  Swan lost to No. 10 Jose Rodriguez, then lost his next two matches to wrestlers he had already beat in the tournament to take sixth place.  No. 10 Gavin Londoff advanced to the consolation semifinal after a 3-1 win in his first match.  The Lake St. Louis native moved on to the third-place match after receiving a medical forfeit by No. 6 Kameron Frame of Newman.  Londoff scored a late takedown in the third period to defeat No. 2 James Pleski of St. Cloud State, earning third place.  Swan and Londoff each earned All-American recognition in their respective weight classes.
 
The Lions finished the tournament in seventh place with 48.0 points.  Regional opponent and future conference opponent McKendree took third place, while current MIAA rival Nebraska-Kearney finished in fifth.