SEWARD, Neb. – For the fourth time in 2016, a Concordia University wrestler has earned the distinction of GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports GPAC Wrestler of the Week. On Tuesday junior Ceron Francisco became the latest to be honored by the GPAC. It’s the first career weekly award for Francisco, a 2015 NAIA All-American.
In last week’s action, Francisco, ranked seventh in the NAIA at 285 pounds, edged No. 14 Dalton Presley of Briar Cliff, 6-4. In the process, the native of Fayetteville, N.C., improved to 5-0 in GPAC dual action while helping the eighth-ranked Bulldogs extend their conference win streak to 12. Concordia dominated the Chargers, 33-6, and tops the GPAC with a 5-0 mark on the season.
Francisco, who earned sixth place in the heavyweight bracket of the 2015 NAIA national championships, owns an overall record of 22-13 on the season and a mark of 66-48 in his career as a Bulldog. A key member of the 2015 GPAC and NAIA North Group championship team, Francisco garnered first team all-conference recognition as a sophomore.
Concordia (10-4, 5-0 GPAC) returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts Bethany College (1-7) in a dual slated to begin at 6 p.m. CT. Head coach Dana Vote’s program will use the night to honor former 11-year Seward High School assistant wrestling coach Jeramie Schoepf, who died tragically in March of 2014. Jeramie’s brother Josh will join the Concordia coaching staff as an honorary coach for the dual.
2016 Concordia GPAC wrestlers of the week
Feb. 2 – Ceron Francisco
Jan. 26 – Jr Lule
Jan. 12 – *Andrew Schulte
Jan. 5 – Andrew Schulte
*NAIA national wrestler of the week