Graceland Sends Six Wrestlers to NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship
LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University wrestling team is set to send six wrestlers to the 2025 NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championship, held March 6-8 in Park City, Kansas. After a season of rigorous competition, the Yellowjackets have positioned themselves on the national stage, ready to battle for All-American status and national titles.
Graceland, ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA team rankings, saw four returners qualify for their second consecutive national tournament, while two others will make their championship debuts. The Yellowjackets finished the regular season with a 7-3 dual record and demonstrated depth across multiple weight classes.
Head coach Zack Mullins emphasized the significance of the team's preparation and the hard work that led them to this opportunity.
"I'm honored to be along this journey to nationals with these young men," Mullins said. "They have worked incredibly hard for this moment and sacrificed a lot to have this opportunity. I'm pumped for John Schuttler, Juan Lopez, Joseph Teguia, and KJ Fry to find their way back to Wichita, and I'm excited to see Clemente Delgado compete in the first of many in his young career and for Nick Foster to get his first chance as a senior. Until then… we have work to do!"
Yellowjackets to Watch at Nationals
125 – Clemente Delgado (7-4) | National Rank: #21
A sophomore from Yuma, Arizona, Clemente Delgado will make his national championship debut after an impressive inaugural season in the Graceland lineup. He posted a 7-4 record and earned a No. 21 national ranking at 125 pounds. Delgado has shown strong technical ability and quick finishes, and he will look to make an immediate impact on the national stage.
133 – Nick Foster (8-10)
Senior Nick Foster (Sparks, Nevada) will be competing in his first national championship, earning an automatic bid to nationals. Despite an 8-10 record, Foster's resilience and mat awareness make him a dangerous competitor in a deep 133-pound bracket.
165 – Juan R. Lopez III (5-3) | National Rank: #22
Senior Juan R. Lopez III (Fontana, California) heads into the national tournament with experience and a No. 22 national ranking at 165 pounds. Although limited in matches this season (5-3 record), Lopez has made the most of his opportunities, securing key victories against ranked opponents. His physicality and ability to dictate pace will be crucial in his path through the bracket.
184 – Joseph Teguia (13-7) | National Rank: #16
At 184 pounds, senior Joseph Teguia (Pine Hill, New Jersey) brings veteran experience into his second consecutive national tournament. Teguia compiled a 13-7 record and earned a No. 16 ranking, proving his ability to compete at an elite level. With a grinding style and strong top game, he looks to make a deep run in the championship bracket.
184 – KJ Fry (9-2) | National Rank: #10
Also at 184 pounds, sophomore KJ Fry (Osceola, Iowa) boasts the highest ranking of any Graceland wrestler at No. 10 in the country. Fry posted an impressive 9-2 record this season and has shown dominance in scrambles and riding positions. After earning his second straight national qualification, Fry will aim to establish himself among the elite at his weight class.
197 – John Schuttler (11-11) | National Rank: #25
Rounding out the Graceland qualifiers is senior John Schuttler (Manson, Iowa), a returning national qualifier at 197 pounds. Schuttler fought through a challenging season to finish 11-11, earning a No. 25 national ranking. With valuable experience in high-stakes matches, Schuttler looks to capitalize on his return trip to nationals.
Graceland's National Outlook
The Yellowjackets enter the national tournament as a balanced and battle-tested squad, featuring a mix of seasoned competitors and new qualifiers eager to make their mark. Last season, Graceland sent four wrestlers to nationals; this year's six qualifiers show the continued growth of the program under Coach Mullins.
With a national team ranking of No. 24, Graceland will look to exceed expectations and push multiple wrestlers onto the podium. The NAIA National Championships begin on March 6, with early-round matches determining who advances in the championship bracket and who fights through the wrestle-backs.
For live updates and full coverage of Graceland Wrestling at the 2025 NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championship, visit GUjackets.com.