PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Coast Guard Academy wrestling, ranked 10th nationally, will send a record six wrestlers; one being Fleming Island High graduate Paul Detwiler, to the NCAA Championship led by a trio of Bears won captured regional titles leading the team to a second place finish for the second straight season at the NCAA Division III Northeast Wrestling Regional at Rhode Island College.

“I think it’s kind like the young high school wrestler that gets his first state meet and it’s all new,” said Coast Guard wrestling coach Kevin Bratland. “This team is well prepared for the national meet after we return more wrestlers this year that have been there.”

Detwiler, a sophomore at 184 pounds, is a Fleming Island High School graduate and an undefeated 170 pound state champion in 2018, unbeaten and ranked third nationally, joined teammates Philip Rogers (165) and Jon Wagner (197) as regional champions. It was the second straight regional championship for Wagner.

“Having those quality guys in the room not only helps the team to have quality training partners, but also attracts other new people to come here to wrestle,” said Bratland. “There are guys in our room that train with these guys, but can’t get in the starting rotation because guys like Paul, Jon, A.J. and Philip are up front. Philip was with Paul last year and now is a region champion at 165.”

Top-seeded Detwiler, who placed third at the regional last season, wasted no time pinning Nathaniel Stemple from RIC in just 46 seconds to begin his day. He then advanced with an injury default at the 3:53 mark against Jason Hoffman from Castleton to advance to the semifinals.

“Paul is very workman about his wrestling and knows exactly what he can and can’t do,” said Bratland. “He better understands the college game and, I am sure, will have a better national meet than last year. There are not many wrestlers that can go seven minutes with him.”

Detwiler, who had beaten defending 184 national champion John Boyle earlier in the season, was a 10-4 winner over Josh Smith from Southern Maine in his semifinal Detwiler then beat Edwin Morales from Bridgewater State 9-3 to win the championship. Morales beat Boyle 5-4 in his semifinal to advance to the final. Detwiler had beaten Morales in a dual meet earlier in the season as well.

“Paul and Jon Wagner train against each other most of the time in practice and that helps both guys,” said Bratland. “Jon is bigger and pushes Paul who also goes up with A.J. who is able to get to Paul’s legs. By doing that, Paul is learning better to defend attacks on his legs in matches.”

Coast Guard will also send AJ Aeberli (174) and Patrick Irwin (HWT) who both placed second while freshman Noah Caskey (141) won three matches on Sunday to place third and earn an NCAA bid. The NCAA Division III Championships will take place March 13-14 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Johnson & Wales won the team title with 168 points, the Bears were second with 122.5 points while NYU was third with 122 points.

Last year, Coast Guard sent five wrestlers to the NCAA championship with Aeberli earning All-America honors. Detwiler was 0-2.