Another Bronze for Bonds

William Penn University Athletics

Topeka, Kan.–In a mirror image of last year’s top meet, Scottie Bonds (So., Chicago, Ill., Physical Education) once again claimed third place at the NAIA Wrestling National Championships Saturday.

The sixth-ranked sophomore won both of his 141-pound matches on Friday, but could not advance to Saturday night’s final as he fell 7-1 to #2 Kyle Wilson of Great Falls (Mont.) in the semis. Bonds was down just 2-1 late, but gave up a five-point move as time expired.

Just like last March, though, Bonds responded with two more wins to claim the bronze. He first picked up a 15-4 major decision over #9 Steele Escobedo of Menlo (Calif.) to get into the third-place match and then defeated #5 Daniel Leonard (Lindsey Wilson-KY) for the second time in two days with a pin in 6:57.

The sophomore finished 4-1 at nationals to end the year at 29-5. He becomes the 11th Statesmen grappler to earn multiple All-America laurels.

174-pounder Ishmael Rempson (Sr., Olympia Heights, Ill., Industrial Technology) and 197-pounder Kyle Soderblom (Sr., Newton, Iowa, Biology) each went 1-2 at the national event. Rempson finished his final collegiate season at 24-16, while Soderblom was 24-18.

Angel Villa (Fr., Deming, N.M., General Accounting) was unable to come away with a victory and ended his freshman season at 18-21.

WPU placed 19th as a team, while Grand View wrapped up another national title Saturday night.