Russell Competes at NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championships

WICHITA, Kan. (3/9/26) – Williams Baptist University wrestling freshman Matthew Russell became WBU's 60th NAIA individual qualifier in program history as he competed in the NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championships inside Heartland Credit Union Arena on Thursday.

Russell earned an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championships after placing second at the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships on Feb. 23.  He was WBU's first NAIA national qualifier since the 2021-22 season.

Russell competed in the 184 lb. weight class.  He lost his first match to the No. 13 seed Barrett Brandt (Concordia) by tech fall, then faced the same fate in his second match against Graceland's Chris Worhley to end his day.

"We are extremely proud of Matthew for becoming WBU's 60th national qualifier in program history," said head coach Erik Cooley.  "To earn his way to Wichita as a freshman speaks to his unbeatable work ethic and determination."