ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Central Missouri tied their highest team finish in program history, taking 11th place. Frank Cagnina (149) and Archie Williams (174) combined for 32.0 team points during their All-American performances. Cagnina became the second Mule in program history to win two national titles. Williams also finished in the top eight, at No. 5 in Division II.
Cagnina beat No. 5 Nick Goebel (Findlay) in the semifinals without allowing a point, for his ninth major decision (9-0) of the season.
In the championship match Cagnina faced a familiar foe, No. 3 Terrel Wilbourn of Lindenwood. Neither wrestler scored through the first period, but Cagnina picked up the first point of the title round a few seconds into the second period with an escape. He lead 3-1, going into the third period, and would get another takedown with seconds remaining on the clock to expand the final score to 5-2.
Cagnina ends his college career with the Mules at 63-3 overall, and 24-1 this season. He has the best career winning percentage in UCM history (.955). Cagnina lead the Mules in team points earned (84), major decision (9), and technical falls (3), and was undefeated in duals both last season and this season.
On the consolation bracket, Williams beat Randy Boerner (Colorado Mesa) with an 11-8 decision in his first match, to advance to the consolation semifinals. He then fell to No. 5 August Mizia (Mercyhurst) by fall in 0:29. In his final match of the National tournament, Williams secured a fifth place finish, with a 8-5 decision against John Blankenship (Pittsburgh-Johnstown).
Williams will finish the year at 26-14 overall. He will take second in team points earned (73.3), wins by fall (10), and technical falls (2).
