Grand View's Eric Thompson has been named the NAIA National Wrestler of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Thompson was selected based on his performances from Jan. 23 - 29. He is the first wrestler from Grand View to ever receive the national honor.

Thompson, a 6-foot, 285 lbs., sophomore from Shell Rock, Iowa, went 6-0 last week in the heavyweight class at two separate events. His highlight came with a 5-2 decision over NCAA Division I Iowa's Bobby Telford in the championship match of the Grand View Open on Jan. 28. He also was victorious against Brian Rodas of NCAA Division II Southwest Minnesota State.

The Viking wrestling team hosted 215 wrestlers from 32 teams at the Grand View Open Saturday in Des Moines. GV crowned five champions in the event that had participants representing NCAA Div I, II, and III, the NAIA, and the NJCAA.

TJ Moen went through five opponents with two pins and three decisions to capture Grand View's first title at 149. Moen defeated Hayden Zillmer of North Dakota State 8-5 in his final match.

Chad Lowman and Dallas Houchins each won three matches to make it to the title match at 157. Lowman collected two pins and a major decision and Houchins a pin and two decisions to make it the final round where they shared the title.

The No. 1 Viking wrestling team took down another ranked opponent in dominating fashion Tuesday night in Des Moines. GV recorded three pins, a tech fall, two decisions and two forfeits in its 41-9 over No. Missouri Valley.

The program recognized its twelve seniors prior to the match. Five seniors competed against Mo Valley - #2 Travis Evans won a decision over #12 Brian Bitney at 133 followed by a 21-6 tech fall by Nick Coffman over Dylan Ykimoff at 141. #5 T.J. Moen pinned Tyler Zimmerman in 4:27 at 149 and #2 Brad Lower took an 8-4 decision over #9 Damon Jackson at 165. #2 Ty Knowler received a forfeit at 174.

The Viking wrestlers competed in two events over the weekend. GV took select wrestlers to the Missouri Valley Invitational in Marshall, Mo., and also to the York Open in York, Neb.

Grand View scored 132.5 team points at Missouri Valley for second place, finishing behind Midland (Neb.) with 147 points.

Nine Vikings placed in the top seven in their weight classes: Alex Peitz (2^nd-125), Omi Acosta (1^st-133), Travis Evans (3^rd-133), Gustavo Martinez (2^nd-141), Ryan Hand (5^th-149), Chad Lowman (3^rd-157), Cody Swim (5^th-174), Tyler Pullin (6^th-184), and Spencer Bauer (6^th-Hwt).

The Grand View wrestling program was featured in Wednesday's edition of the Des Moines Register sport section. Click here to read article by Andy Hamilton.