EDMOND, Okla. - Wrestling competed in its biggest day of the season, the NCAA Super Regionals which were held in Edmond, Oklahoma.

5 Jets placed within the top 6 in their weight classes - Dylan Sheler, 4th (125), Jevin Foust, 6th (133), Hunter Dietrich, 6th (149), Jace Fisher, 2nd (157), and JD Johnson, 5th (174)

Dylan Sheler received a bye into the quarterfinal and took the quarterfinal match by decision (6-5) over Aidan Sprague of the University of Indianapolis. He'd lose to top ranked Stud Morris in the semi final match but would earn himself a spot in the 3rd place match with 2-1 decision win over Maryville's Aidan Haggard. Sheler would fall just short of placing top 3 and moving onto the national tournament, losing by decision (6-3) against Caden Howard of Drury.

Jevin Foust would overcome a round 1 5-2 decision loss to Indianapolis's Breyden Bailey by earning a major decision win (12-0) and 4-3 decision win in his next 2 matches. He'd end up finishing in 6th place.

Hunter Dietrich placed 6th in the 149 weight class after earning back to back victories, the first being by fall over Drury's Trevor Christian and the second being a 5-2 decision over William Jewell's Leslie Davenport. Dietrich would lose by fall in the 5th place match.

Jace Fisher became the first Newman Wrestler since Kameron Frame in 2020-2021 to punch his ticket into the NCAA tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fisher placed 2nd in the 157 weight class after winning by a 6-2 decision in his first match and by sudden victory in the semi-finals. He'd finish 2nd after a 6-0 decision in the finals. The sophomore has had an impressive season and will look to make noise in Cedar Rapids for the Jets.

JD Johnson had a memorable day. In what could of been his last match, the 5th year went out on top. JD took 5th place behind 4 wins on Sunday. His first 3 wins of the day all came by fall. In potential last match Johnson defeated Maryville's Bret Mitchell by a 4-2 decision.

"The emotions of a regional tournament are all over the board for a coach. When you watch a kid potentially wrestle their last match of their career it is very difficult not to get emotional, especially when you start thinking about the hours that they have invested and all the sacrifices that have been made." Smith said looking back at today's potential final match for JD. "I was extremely proud of JD as he actually beat a kid to take 5th that I don't believe we ever beat in our career. If he decides to retire the shoes I know JD is going to do some phenomenal things in his life and the coaching staff is honored that he chose Newman University to spend the last 5 years with us."

Coach Ryan has seen the growth with Johnson over the last 5 years.

"JD has been that guy this year that everyone leans on.  He has always been a silent leader throughout his career, but this year was different. He had to get out of his comfort level a little bit and be more of that vocal leader.  We have had some incredible individuals over the years that have achieved some incredible accolades.  JD may have not reached his goals this year on the mat, but he ranks up there with the best in our minds. We have one goal when a kid enters our program and that is to be a better man when you leave our program and JD fits this example perfectly."

The decision for Johnson to return has yet to be made but one thing is for certain and that is the season continues for Jace Fisher who will be wrestling at Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa when the NCAA D2 Championships are held on March 10th and 11th.