WARRENSBURG, Mo. - After coming up just a spot short of national tournament qualification a year ago, Sabian Russell made good on a year-long revenge tour on Saturday afternoon (Mar. 1) at the Super Region IV Tournament, taking the third-place match of the 141 division by 4-1 sudden victory to become the first Hawk to qualify for nationals since Phillip Sims earned Quincy's first national tourney bid back in 2023. 

Fresh off an opening round bye, Russell captured a hard-fought 9-7 decision over Hudson Hackbarth of Maryville in the quarterfinals. Next was the Yuma, AZ natives only loss of the day, a 10-1 major decision defeat at the hands of eventual champion, Brayden Lowery of UIndy in the semifinal. 

Russell faced a third-straight GLVC opponent in the consolation semifinal, dispatching Nathan Wishne of Drury by 13-3 major decision to reach the third-place match, just as he did last season. It would be a different story this time around though, as Russell would not be denied a second time, taking down Josh Taylor of Central Oklahoma 4-1 by sudden victory to book his ticket to Indianapolis, IN for the NCAA DII National Championship. 

Hunter Vernon was the only other placer for QU, using decision wins over opponents from Maryville and Drury, along with a loss to find himself a match away from wrestling for third and a spot at nationals in the 157 division. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, as Vernon was bested in a tight 4-2 decision by Nathan Conley of UIndy. 

Zachary Harrington picked up a pair of wins on his way to a third-round consolation exit while Callan Ivy and Maxim Ryner also picked up victories on the day as well. 

Next Up 

The end of the season has arrived as the Russell and the Hawks look forward to the final event of the season, the NCAA DII National Championship Tournament, hosted in Indianapolis, IN on Friday & Saturday (Mar. 14-15).