Fire's Jacobs Earns NAIA Wrestler of the Week Honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Gabe Jacobs of Southeastern is the NAIA Men's Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday.

In just his second tournament with the Fire, Jacobs won the 285-pound title, becoming the first individual champion in program history at the event. Sixth-ranked Jacobs picked up three first-period falls to reach the quarterfinals where he was an 11-5 winner over 20th-ranked Ethan Deroche of Providence. Jacobs then pinned seventh-ranked Joshua Isaac in 1:48 to advance to the final. Riding time was the difference for Jacobs defeating Grand View's Tommy Mommer, who finished fifth at nationals last season, in the final by the score of 2-1. Jacobs finished second in the field for most pins in the least time with four in a total of 7:01, missing out on the top spot by 1:05. His 29 team points scored was also second in the field.

Nominees: Dillon Witt, Missouri Baptist; Elliott Rodgers, Marian (Ind.); Byron Pierce, Midway (Ky.); Cade Manion, Oklahoma City; Malachi Karibo, Baker (Kan.); MaQuoia Bernabe, Cumberlands (Ky.); Hunter Sparks, Eastern Oregon; Jesse Daniel Perez, Ottawa (Kan.); Gabe Jacobs, Southeastern (Fla.)