Iowa Wesleyan’s Scorpil heading to NAIA Nationals

Iowa Wesleyan men’s wrestling competed in the Heart of America Championships on Saturday, with the chance to punch its ticket to the NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship Meet.

For the Tigers, just one competitor achieved that distinction and that was freshman Lane Scorpil who was a second-place finisher at 125.

Scorpil, who is formerly of Columbus/WMU wrestling, began his day with the pin of Graceland University’s Riece Graham in 2:06, moving him into the quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinal match, Scorpil got yet another fall victory, pinning Brayden Bradley of Missouri Valley College in 5:57 to earn a spot in the semifinals.

With a trip to the nationals on the line, Scorpil did what he needed to do.

The freshman, downed Colton King of Central Methodist University by 6-5 decision, to clinch a place in the 125 final, along with the national tournament.

In the final, Scorpil suffered his first loss of the competition, an 18-1 tech fall from Esco Walker of No. 1 Grand View University.

In high school, Scorpil was a three time state tournament qualifier.

He made the podium three times, following an injury that derailed his freshman season, finishing 6th at 106 as a sophomore. As a junior, he finished 3rd at 113 and as a senior Scorpil finished 4th at 120.

The NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship meet will take place on March 3-4 in Wichita, Kansas.