Grine dominated on the mat in Louisville, earning four impressive victories at the 157-pound weight class vs. No. 1 St. Cloud State, No. 10 Newberry and No. 13 Limestone.
Grine accounted for three Dragons points against the top-ranked wrestler at 157 (InterMat), SCSU’s Jake Barzowski. The senior came out on top in a final of 3-1 in sudden victory.
He also scored a major decision in the first match of the NWCA National Duals, 12-3, vs. Newberry’s Nick Giantono. Tiffin would win that dual match by a final score of 24-14.
Grine also blanked his opponent in the consolation portion of the bracket with a 7-0 decision recorded against Limestone’s Avery Dinardi.
The reigning Great Midwest Wrestler of the Year Grine has forced himself into the national championship conversation at 157 with his weekend showing. Last year, he was at 149 pounds and combined with a late start to the season, is not reflected in InterMat’s individual rankings yet.
This is Grine’s third conference athlete of the week award in just less than two full seasons of wrestling being a conference championship sport in the Great Midwest.