Get ready for an action-packed weekend as Iowa Western hosts the 2025 NJCAA National Wrestling Championships at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on March 7th and 8th. This two-day event will showcase the nation's best wrestling talent and promises to deliver intense competition, unforgettable moments, and plenty of local pride.
The tournament kicks off with twelve mats running simultaneously, giving fans the chance to watch a wide array of exciting matches before culminating in the thrilling final-round bouts on a single mat. For Iowa Western supporters, this is a prime opportunity to cheer on the Reivers as they aim for a strong finish.
Iowa Western’s men's team has been a consistent powerhouse, finishing in the top ten every season since 2014-2015. Last year, the team earned a fifth-place finish, and they've crowned at least one national champion in each of the past five seasons. This year, they are ranked 24th nationally and qualified all ten wrestlers for the National Championships. With athletes like Gabe Ferreira (District Runner-Up at 141 lbs) and Matteo Nikolov (District Runner-Up at 174 lbs) leading the charge, they’re poised to make another deep run at the title.
Other teams vying for the men's team title include top-ranked Western Wyoming, followed by Indian Hills, Clackamas, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, and Iowa Central. With such fierce competition, Iowa Western must bring its A-game to secure a top finish.
Reivers Head Coach Korbin Meink, a four-time Nebraska state champion at Omaha Skutt Catholic, is in his first year at the helm after serving as an assistant for two seasons. Meink’s leadership and the team’s depth make Iowa Western a serious contender on the national stage.
On the women’s side, Iowa Western’s program, which began in 2021-2022, has already made waves with three national champions and seven national runners-up in just a few years. The women’s team ranks 2nd heading into the championships, and they have a roster full of talented athletes ready to compete for the top spots. Sophomore Mia Siqueiros (Region 11 Champion at 103 lbs) will look to improve on her third-place national finish from last season, while other Region 11 Champions like Molly Sek (110 lbs), Hailey Medina (117 lbs) and Ayana Fletcher (160 lbs) aim for the podium. Nineteen Reivers, several of which are ranked in the nation's top ten, will compete in the two-day tournament.
Other challenging teams for the women's team title include top-ranked Indian Hills, Snow, Iowa Central, and Southeast. With such talented competition, Iowa Western’s women will bring their best to the mats to pursue individual and team goals, including adding to the trophy case with a National Championship.
Head Coach Monica Mendoza is in her first year leading the Reiver Women after serving as associate head coach for the past two seasons. With local talents like Sek, a freshman from Sioux City, and Zeriah George (7th at 207), a sophomore from Winnebago, Nebraska, the team has a true homegrown flavor to add to its strong national presence.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of the NJCAA National Wrestling Championships and support the Iowa Western Reivers as they go for glory. It’s sure to be an unforgettable event for fans of all ages! Adult tickets are $65 for all four sessions or $23 per session. Students are $45 for all four sessions or $18 per session. Children under 3 are free. Purchase online or at the Mid-America Center Box Office.
Looking for grub between matches? Check out our latest blog, Dining Near the Mid-America Center & Local Sports Facilities!
