Rutledge Named NCAA All American Wrestler

Knox College junior heavyweight Jaran Rutledge, from Mundelein, Illinois (Carmel High School), became the school's first All-American wrestler by placing third at the NCAA Division III Championships Saturday night.

After losing his opening-round match, Rutledge won four consecutive matches, including two straight over seeded opponents. After a heart-breaking 3-2 first-round loss to the seventh seed Friday, Rutledge earned a bye in the opening round of the consolation draw. Later that afternoon, he defeated Ryan Bowers, from Heidelberg College, 8-5 to secure All-American honors. The top eight in each weight class earn All-American recognition.

Saturday in the consolation quarterfinals, Rutledge defeated Wade Hammen, from Buena Vista University, 3-2 in overtime. Rutledge then defeated the draw's second seed, Arkadiy Levitin from Hunter College, 4-3 in the consolation semifinals.

In the third-place match, Rutledge ended his season in fine fashion, pinning fifth seed Trevor Hiffa (Oneonta State) in 4:01. The tournament was held March 2-3 at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa.

Besides becoming the first Knox College wrestling All-American, Rutledge was the first Knox wrestler to compete at the National Wrestling Championships in 27 years. Tom MacMillan was the last Knox wrestler to reach nationals. He did so as a sophomore in 1979 and again as a junior in 1980. MacMillan lost in the first round both times.

Rutledge qualified for nationals by winning the individual heavyweight championship at the Great Lakes Regional on February 17. Rutledge, a five-time Knox College Prairie Fire Performer of the Week, finished with a 36-5 record and won individual titles at the Central College Invitational and the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament to go along with his regional championship this season.

Rutledge was an alternate qualifier for last year's national tournament after a third-place showing at regionals.

Tournament Action

Jaran Rutledge, above right and below left, wrestles Wade Hammen of Buena Vista University. Rutledge won the match 3-2 in overtime. Photos by Darren Miller, courtesy Cornell College.

Below, Rutledge, third from left, on the award platform.