Mount Union sophomore wrestler Nick Nettleton is coming off a signature career victory at the Messiah Petrofes Invitational. He claimed victory over the seventh-ranked wrestler in the nation, Alvernia's Jason Rezac. Nettleton secured the 157-weight class championship, an impressive achievement and a great start to the young season. Nettleton finished with a record of 32-14 (69%) in his first year, ranking 34th in the nation. This year, Nettleton has a record of 8-1 (88.89%), currently ranking 25th, as he is bound to continue his domination on the mat.
 
"My experience here has been good," said Nettleton, reflecting on his Mount Union experience. "In my first year, I had a good season with wrestling and took fourth place in the region. I came up short of my goal of qualifying for the national tournament. This year, it is going good so far. I took out the number seven (wrestler) in the country this past weekend, so it felt good. I am just excited to keep going throughout the season."
 
In the Messiah Petrofes Invitational, Nettleton had to secure five victories to become champion. He faced off against two ranked opponents, including the 20th-ranked wrestler in the nation, Messiah's Garret Cornell. He defeated Cornell in a 6-2 decision and faced 7th-ranked Jason Rezac for the Championship. In a 3-2 decision, Nettleton secured the victory and handed Rezac his first loss of the year, and more importantly, secured the Messiah Petrofes Invitational Championship.
 
"My strategy going into the tournament was just to go out there and use my muscle memory," said Nettleton. "I've got months of training behind my back through this year, so I just have to rely on that. The win this weekend felt really good. That was the highest-ranked dude (Jason Rezac, 7th in the nation) I've taken this season or really in my career, so it felt good. Last year, I took out the number 12th ranked wrestler in the country at this tournament, and taking out the number seven this year just feels better."
 
In Nettleton's victory over Rezac, he had key moments that helped him overcome the challenge in Rezac and secure the win.
 
"There were a couple of key moments in that match," said Nettleton. "I got on top and rode him out for like 2 1/2 minutes, and I secured the ride point, which ended up securing the match. A couple of times, he almost escaped, and I mat returned him. Those were the biggest points in the match. Taking out someone of this caliber really fuels my confidence because it shows I can be on the podium in March and be an All-American. It just kind of proves that I belong."
 
Nettleton has accomplished significant achievements at Mount Union. Still, he credits the important people in his life who have helped shape him into the great wrestler and person he is today.
 
"My coaches and teammates, the guys in there every day practicing with me, make me better," said Nettleton. "Also, my family is there to support me, and not just my blood family but family on the team; we are a part of a brotherhood."
 
The wrestling season is just getting started, and Nettleton has many matches ahead of him. He's already off to an amazing start and proving he's one of the best wrestlers in the nation. It will be an exciting journey for him as he continues to solidify himself among the best.