Junior wrestler Chris Healy (Jasper, IN/Jasper) saw two close matches in the second and third rounds of the NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championship take away an opportunity to earn All-American honors for the second consecutive season. Healy won his opening bout on Friday, but two losses in the next two rounds eliminated him from competition at the season-ending meet.
Healy opened the tournament on Friday with a pin against Lon Welsh from Luther College to advance to the quarterfinals for a bout against defending national champion Cody Koenig from Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Koenig came away with a 3-1 victory, sending Healy to consolation bracket.
On Saturday, Healy faced John Carroll's Mark Hawald for a chance to advance in the bracket. But it was Hawald advancing after picking up a 6-4 decision. Hawald won his next two matches, including a 4-2 victory over the fourth seed in the tournament for a chance to wrestle for third place on Saturday night.
Healy finished the season with a 44-5 record, giving him 114 wins for his career. He trails Wabash Athletic Hall of Famer Chris Ervin '91 for the career victories total. Ervin finished with a lifetime mark of 119-33-2 in four seasons as a Little Giant grappler.