PARK CITY, Kansas - In a emphatic run in a Panther uniform,
Manuel Leija set Davenport University wrestling history as the program's first-ever All-American recipient.
Leija competed in the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships between March 15-16 and secured a top-ten finish in eighth overall. Going into the tournament as a top-ranked wrestler for the 125-weight class, Leija showcased grit against top-ranked opponents in his respective bracket.
Matched up against who would ultimately be the 125 title champion, Leija faced third-seeded Christian Meija (McKendree) and fell in an 8-1 decision to the national champion. Even so, Leija managed to shake off a less-than-desirable start to the tournament by piecing together a victory over Zach Schupp (Newberry) in an 11-4 decision and followed it up with an 8-5 sudden victory over Dayson Torgerson (Colorado Mesa).
Leija's rally to a third-place finish in the 125 bracket ended following two losses in a 4-1 sudden victory and a 7-2 decision, respectively. However, the junior still claimed a top-ten finish in a grueling weight bracket, backing his preseason national ranking (No. 12) as a nationally-ranked competitor.
"We coaches couldn't be happier for him," said head coach
Scott Lucas. "He did everything we asked of him, and much, much more. He earned it! Ranked 12th in the most recent DII rankings, and placed eighth (in the tournament)... To become DU's first All-American. It's huge for him and our program!"
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