PARK CITY, Kan. -- University of Central Missouri Wrestling's Damon Ashworth forced an upset against Ashland's No. 2-seeded Daniel Beemer to earn his way to the semifinals of the NCAA-II Wrestling Championships Friday, March 15 at Hartman Arena. 

Ashworth, a redshirt sophomore out of Excelsior Springs, Mo., defeated Cade Mueller of Augustana by a 6-4 decision in his first match. Seeded as No. 7, Ashworth then went on to face the No. 2-seeded Daniel Beemer of Ashland. Their match was tied 5-5 after three regulation periods and two overtime periods. During the third overtime, Beemer led 6-5 with 30 seconds left in the match. Ashworth shot and scored a last second takedown to secure the win (8-5), advancing to the semifinals and guaranteeing All-American recognition. He is the first All-American under Coach Cody Garcia, who is in his second year at UCM. 

Jacob Tangpricha and Anthony Erickson also competed at the tournament. Both Tangpricha, at 125-pounds, and Erickson, at 157-pounds, dropped their first round and consolation matches, bringing a close to their 2023-24 seasons. This was the first national tournament appearance for both. 

Quarterfinals and wrestlebacks will take place Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. followed by championship matches at 5 p.m.