FOR HUB CITY TIMES

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — University of Wisconsin-La Crosse senior Nolan Hertel of Marshfield earned a 3-1 victory in two tiebreak periods at 157 pounds over Nick Novak of St. Cloud State University (MN) Nov. 21 at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Star Classic at Rec Hall on the campus of Penn State University. 

Hertel is the first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III wrestler to earn a win at the NWCA All-Star Classic. 

“An amazing opportunity and the chance to represent UW-La Crosse and NCAA Division III,” said Hertel. “We had to show the nation how tough we are in La Crosse.” 

The NWCA All-Star Classic began in 1967 and was a staple of the college season until 2017. After a four-year hiatus, the All-Star Classic made its return in 2022 in Austin, TX, due in large part to the support of the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Hertel, ranked first in NCAA Division III, is the returning national champion at 157 pounds. He went 4-0 at last year’s NCAA Championships, winning by sudden victory (2-0) over Zeke Smith of Loras College (Iowa) in the semifinals and by decision (6-5 in overtime) against Tyler Shilson of Augsburg University (MN). Hertel became the first wrestler in school history to win the 157-pound national title. He also earned NCAA III All-America honors with a fifth-place finish in 2022. 

Novak is the defending NCAA Division II champion.

“A great match for Nolan as he had to show grit and never stopped attacking,” said UWL head coach Dave Malecek. “Nolan did a great job of representing UW-La Crosse and NCAA Division III.”