Lewis Qualifies for Nationals

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Baldwin City, Kan.–Max Lewis (So., Duchesne, Utah, Biology) was a probable national qualifier, but guaranteed his spot Saturday with a strong showing at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships.

The sophomore finished 3-2 to take fourth in the heavyweight class. He won his first two matches, including one by fall, to reach the semifinals. Unfortunately, he dropped to the consolation bracket, but locked up a top-four spot with another victory.

Lewis’ day concluded with a close 3-2 setback in the third-place match. The nation’s #7 grappler will make his first trip to nationals in two weeks, traveling to Des Moines on March 2-3 for the NAIA National Championships.

125-pounder John Altieri (Jr., Warwick, R.I., Sports Management) may also join Lewis at nationals, but unfortunately did not help his cause by winning just one match. He placed sixth overall.

Altieri will now have to wait a couple days to find out if her has earned an at-large bid from the NAIA’s National Rating Committee.

As a team, WPU was eighth with 17.5 points. #1 Grand View won the championships title with 211.5 points.