HR 115 (LSB 6952HH (3) 91)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 115

BY  GRASSLEY

A Resolution recognizing and congratulating the Wartburg College men’s wrestling team on winning the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III men’s wrestling national championship.

   WHEREAS, on March 14, 2026, the Wartburg College Knights men’s wrestling team captured the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III national championship at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, this victory marks the 17th national title in the storied history of the Wartburg wrestling program, further solidifying its status as the winningest program in NCAA Division III history; and
   WHEREAS, the Knights demonstrated overwhelming dominance by finishing with 110.0 team points, a staggering 42 points ahead of the national runner-up; and
   WHEREAS, individual excellence was highlighted by freshman Kade Blume (141 lbs.) and senior Kasey Ross (184 lbs.), who each claimed individual national championships; and
   WHEREAS, the Knights’ success was a total team effort, with seven student athletes earning All-American honors, including national runner-up Mitchell Williamson (285 lbs.), third-place finisher Charlie Dojan (157 lbs.), fifth-place finisher Patrick Mullen (133 lbs.), and seventh-place finishers Brett Birchman (125 lbs.) and Cal Dorota (197 lbs.); and Caleb Olson and Mike Slade contributing to the point total as well; and
   WHEREAS, head coach Eric Keller was justly named the NCAA Division III Tournament Coach of the Year, and the Knights’ coaching staff was recognized as the Tournament Coaching Staff of the Year; and
   WHEREAS, the team’s success on the national stage brings great pride not only to the Wartburg College community and the city of Waverly but to the entire state of Iowa; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives congratulates the Wartburg College men’s wrestling team, head coach Eric Keller, and the entire coaching staff on their 2026 NCAA Division III national championship and honors their commitment to athletic and academic excellence; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon adoption of this resolution, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives shall prepare an official copy of this resolution for presentation to Coach Eric Keller and the members of the Wartburg College men’s wrestling team.