Omaha Athletics

Wheeling, W. Va.-- Senior Chad Wallace (197) ended his career a national champion and freshman Les Sigman (285) began his career a national champion Saturday night as the Mavericks jumped up in scoring to finish third in the NCAA D II wrestling championships in Wheeling,W. Va.

Two other Mavs, Mitch Waite (133) and Zach Stalder (184) placed for the Mavericks to help give them a 2.5 point edge on North Dakota State. Central Oklahoma repeated as champs with a 14-point lead over Nebraska-Kearney. The Mavericks have now finished third three times in the last four years.

"They got a fire going," said Coach Mike Denney about his four wrestlers that placed on Saturday. "I'm proud of the guys and the character they showed," he said. "They're a good bunch."

2002-2003 Maverick All-Americans
133- Mitch Waite (1st-time)
184- Zach Stalder (3rd-time)
197- Chad Wallace (4th time)
285- Les Sigman (1st-time)

Final Team Scoring
1 Central Oklahoma 87.5
2 Nebraska-Kearney 73.5
3 Nebraska-Omaha 65.5
4 North Dakota State 63
5 Findlay 57.5
6 Adams State 56
7 Northern Colorado 52
8 San Francisco State 47.5
9 St. Cloud State 44
10 South Dakota State 40

2002-03 National Champions
125- Mark Dodgen, Central Oklahoma
133- Cole Province, Central Oklahoma
141- Shane Barnes, Adams State
149- Waylon Lowe, Findlay
157- Paul Carlson, North Dakota State
165- Shawn Silvis, Central Oklahoma
174- Frank Kuchera, Nebraska-Kearney
184- Mauricio Wright, San Francisco State
197- Chad Wallace, Nebraska-Omaha
285- Les Sigman, Nebraska-Omaha