Lindenwood University's wrestling season came to celebratory end Saturday night in Cleveland, Ohio at the NCAA Division II Championships with five Lions earning all-American status and a 7th place team finish.

Coach Chad Smith, who earlier in the season was named MIAA Coach of the Year, said he was proud of his team and its accomplishments in Lindenwood's first year as an NCAA member.

"We had team goals and we either met or exceeded them," Smith said. "We all wanted to finish better, but that's the nature of competition. We're always pushing one another to do better."

Although Lindenwood sent no one to the finals, the Lions had two third place finishers, Terrel Wilbourn at 141 pounds and Steven Butler at heavyweight. They, along with Marco Tamayo (125), Kyle Webb (133), and Derrick Weller (149) are Lindenwood's first NCAA wrestling all-Americans.

That's quite an accomplishment for a team that, in the preseason, was ranked 14th in the region out of 17 teams, Smith said.
"And we ended up second in the regional tournament," Smith pointed out.
There were many great individual contributions this season and at the nation al tournament, Smith said.

"Terrel (Wilbourn) battled through and injury the final day," Smith said. "Kyle (Webb) came through for us. Marco (Tamayo) made huge strides this season and helped the team, as did Derrick (Weller). And Steven Butler was….Butler. He did what he always does, day-in and day out."

Smith's list of praise didn't stop there. He was quick to mention John McArdle (184) and Kenny Breaux (197), neither of whom placed.
"John works so hard," Smith said. "I really wanted It for him. And where would we be without Kenny. He did a great job joining us a little later in the season and qualifying."

Smith said all his wrestlers are returning for next season.

"We all know what our goal is," he said..

Session One Recap
Two Lindenwood wrestlers, 149-pound sophomore Terrel Wilbourn and senior heavyweight Steven Butler, scored opening round victories Friday morning in the opening round of the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships at Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.

Wilbourn, now with a record of 12-4, defeated Jeremy Landowski of Mercyhurst 9-6. 

Butler pinned Chris Giddens of UNC-Pembroke in just 54 seconds. 

Senior Marco Tamayo (125) dropped a close one in the opening round, 4-3 to Matthew Turek of Gannon. 

Junior Kyle Webb (141) lost 11-6 in the opening round to Bradford Gerl of California Baptist.

Derrick Weller lost 6-0 at 157 pounds to Zak Vargo of Lake Erie. 

The biggest Lindenwood surprise of the day came at 184 pounds where John McArdle was upset by McKendree's Jon Vogt 12-6.

Session Two Recap
Lindenwood University sits in third place as the NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships go into the final day.

The Lions have five 0f seven wrestlers remaining--Marco Tamayo (125), Terrel Wilbourn (141), Kyle Webb (149), Derrick Weller (157) and heavyweight Steven Butler. John McArdle (184) and Kenny Breaux (197) both won a match early Friday, but were eliminated Friday evening.

Atop the standings is Notre Dame (OH) with 44.5 points. MIAA rival Nebraska-Kearney has 41, Lindenwood 36, St. Cloud State 35.5, Maryville 33, Ouachita Baptist 33, and Central Oklahoma 28.5.


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