Gannon University Athletics

Budd was one of three Golden Knights to qualify for the national championships with top-three finishes at the 2015 NCAA Division II Wrestling Super Regional One hosted by West Liberty last weekend. The sophomore advanced to the finals of the heavyweight division, earning his first career trip to nationals. After receiving a first-round bye, Budd posted a 4-3 victory against sixth seed Aaron Silvero of West Liberty in the quarterfinals on tiebreaker two. He began the final day with a with a 2-0 victory against unseeded James Louison of LIU Post who upset the seventh seed and second seed during his two matches on Friday. Budd used an escape during the third period, before adding a riding-time point after riding Louison out the entire second period. Budd's run came to an end with a 7-2 setback in the finals to the nation's top-ranked heavyweight Ziad Haddad of Kutztown. Budd increased his team lead in victories to 25 with his weekend success.