Gannon University Athletics

Hertel posted a perfect 4-0 record at last week's prestigious National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The true freshman 133-pound wrestler helped Gannon finish fourth at the 16-team tournament which featured 14 nationally-ranked teams. He gained six points via a forfeit as the Golden Knights opened a 21-0 lead en route to a 24-13 victory against fourth-ranked California Baptist. Hertel followed with a 2-1 victory against Jaylen Hill of 24th-ranked Wheeling Jesuit, giving Gannon a 9-0 lead in what eventually turned into a 27-15 win. Ranked fifth in the NCAA Division II Super Regional One, Hertel opened the second day with a 2-1 victory against Rodney Sunday of 25th-ranked Seton Hill in a battle of regionally-ranked grapplers, tying the semifinal meet at three. Sunday is ranked seventh regionally. Hertel concluded the event with a 6-5 decision against Bryce Shoemaker of 12th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney, tying the third-place bout at three. Shoemaker is ranked eighth in NCAA Division II. Hertel improved to 8-3 during his first collegiate season.