PREVIEW | Diggs Heads to Wisconsin for NCAA DIII Nationals

LA CROSSE, Wis.  – For the second straight season, Desmond Diggs of your Mount St. Joseph University wrestling team is set to compete at the NCAA DIII National Tournament. The championships will be held on March 15^th and 16^th at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will serve as the host.  

A total of 180 participants will compete in the championships. Student-athletes qualified for the championship by placing in the top three of their respective weight classes at one of the six NCAA regional tournaments held February 29, March 1, 2 and 3.

Diggs earned his spot at Nationals following a 2^nd place finish at the DIII Central Regional in the 133lb weight class. The Senior looks to build on his experience from a year ago, hungry for a chance at a National Championship.

Diggs enters the tournament with a 45-20 record over the last two seasons. This season, Diggs has posted a 21-10 record including 7 major decisions, 4 technical falls and 4 pins. The Senior is battled tested and has been a leader for this young Lions squad. Here is what Head Wrestling Coach Charles Mason had to say about Diggs' leadership, "Diggs is a lead by example type of guy. He is the first guy in and the last guy out. His effort at practice and discipline in the classroom sets an example."

We also spoke to Head Coach Charles Mason about Diggs' experience at Nationals. Diggs has been to Nationals three times as he was there to witness Cornell Beachem Jr.'s National Championship, "He's done being nervous about the tournament. Having seen your teammate have success, it motivates you. He drew the #1 seed last year, so he has wrestled the toughest guys in the country before. He is very battle tested and when you take away the nerves from that, it gives you the opportunity for a lot of success.

Diggs is set to begin his National tournament run on Friday, March 15^th when he faces off against Alfred State's Zach Levey. For continued coverage of Desmond Diggs' run in the NCAA DIII National Tournament follow us on Twitter/X @MSJ_Lions!