Newberry and Wright compete at the 2006 NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championship

Olivet College senior 184-pounder Ryan Newberry (Grand Junction/South Haven) and junior 197-pounder Jeff Wright (Escanaba) competed today at the 2006 NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships at the College of New Jersey.

Newberry, who also participated in the 2005 National Championships, lost his first match by technical fall, 19-2, to Terry Madden from Hunter (N.Y.) College. In the consolation bracket, he fell to Michael Troutman from Ursinus (Pa.) College, 5-2.

In the first round, Wright dropped a 6-4 overtime decision to Dan Flecke from St. John’s (Minn.) University. He bowed out of the championships when Nicholas Calandrino from Ithaca (N.Y.) College pinned him in the consolation bracket match.

Newberry and Wright advanced to the national championships after winning their respective weight class at the 2006 NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Feb. 18.