Seibel takes seventh at NAIA nationals

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Bryan Seibel has done something his dad has never done.

Seibel (157) was named an All-American after his seventh-place finish at the NAIA National tournament in Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday, defeating Ryan Smith of Great Falls, Mont., 6-1. The Southern Oregon wrestler and Moses Lake native went 4-2 during the tournament to finish higher at the collegiate level than his dad, Ron Seibel, ever did.

Seibel opened the tournament with a 4-3 win over Brad Lies of Newman, Kan., before losing to Stryder Davis of Montana-State Northern. In the consolation third round and fourth rounds, Seibel picked up wins over Tyler Price of Embry-Riddle and teammate Rich Vigorito.

In the Consolation quarterfinals, Joe Casey of Great Falls, Mont. defeated Seibel 3-2 before Seibel picked up the seventh-place finish to complete the Cinderella story finish at the NAIA tournament at Sioux City, Iowa.

Seibel helped Southern Oregon University to an 11-place finish at the tournament and a No. 10 ranking in the final NAIA polls.

Also wrestling was Moses Lake native John Zamora, who lost his first two matches after coming into the tournament with an injury.