ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Bellarmine University wrestling team completed its first ever run in the Southern Conference Wrestling Championships this weekend. Redshirt senior Devan Hendricks was the highlight of the weekend, becoming the first Knight to win a SoCon Championship and punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

"There is a lot of back story that may never be written, but it doesn't go unnoticed by our team. From the people that started wrestling as a Division II program nine years ago to all of our administrators, current wrestlers, families, supporters, and fans - a lot of work and energy has been put in to help give Bellarmine's first athlete in D1 history the opportunity to compete in the D1 NCAA Championships. For that I am very grateful," Bellarmine head coach Ned Shuck had to say about the program's journey.

Overall, ten Knights tested their mettle in the SoCon Championships. As a team, Bellarmine scored 45.5 points to place sixth.

"I couldn't be prouder of our team and how they represent Bellarmine University! Post season is tough, and we definitely took some lumps in some tight matches that kept our team from finishing on top," Shuck added on his team's effort at their first SoCon Championships. "I'm thankful for the heart and soul they put into each of their matches. I'm so excited for this team's future."

Hendricks, wrestling in the 184-pound weight class, was the No. 1 seed in his division. He opened his championship run with an 18-3 tech fall win over Campbell's Brant Cracraft before defeating Appalachian State's Logan Eller by tech fall 20-2 to move on the finals. Taking on Chattanooga's Kamdyn Munro, Hendricks sealed the deal with a 4-3 decision, becoming the first SoCon Champion in program history.

"Devan Hendricks has been the rock of our program and has been through all the transition and years in waiting for this opportunity. It takes a lot of courage to step up to the challenge in this situation and pull through as the SoCon Champion," Shuck said. "Hard work, discipline, high level of skills, love and passion for competing came together for an outstanding performance this weekend. 'Can't Wait' to get to Philly with him. Thank God and Go Knights!"

In addition, Hendricks earned an automatic qualification to the NCAA Tournament, becoming the first Bellarmine athlete in the Division I era to do so.

"I'm very grateful to be in this position with this opportunity. I've waited a long time for this, sitting through all four years of the transition for this one opportunity. I couldn't be here without all the coaches I've had through the years, and all my teammates to push me in the practice room," Hendricks said. "It's an amazing feeling knowing I will always be Bellarmine's first Division 1 NCAA qualifier, and I hope I set a path for many more future Bellarmine Knights to do the same. I love this team!"

"What Devan did today at the SoCon championships is a landmark achievement for Bellarmine Athletics, and I couldn't think of a better person to represent our university. He is a tremendous athlete and has great discipline. Devan has worked hard, both in and out of the classroom, through the entire Division I transition, and it is very cool to see his dedication pay off," Bellarmine Athletic Director Scott Wiegandt said. "When we decided to make the jump to Division I, we knew it would be several years before one of our teams or student-athletes would have the opportunity to represent Bellarmine in an NCAA championship. Now that that moment has arrived, we couldn't be more thrilled."

Senior Daulton Mayer (285) and redshirt freshman AJ Rallo (141) turned in the next best finishes for Bellarmine, both coming in third in their respective weight classes. Mayer, also the No. 1 seed in his division, went 3-1 on the weekend earning two wins by pin, bringing his season total to 17 as he sits in second in the NCAA in wins by fall. Rallo turned in a 3-2 weekend as the four-seed and wrestled in a true second match for an automatic qualification to the NCAA Tournament but fell by 4-2 decision in a hard battle against Campbell's Shannon Hanna, the No. 1 seed in the 141-pound weight class.

Redshirt junior Jack Parker (125) and redshirt freshman Andrew Liber (197) both claimed fourth place in their weight classes.

Ultimately, Appalachian State came out as the team champion, scoring 79.5 points. The Citadel followed with 73.5 points, with Campbell rounding out the top three with 71.5 points.

The Citadel finished with the most individual champions, claiming the top spot in the 125, 149 and 165-pound weight classes. Gardner-Webb won the 133 and 141 divisions while Chattanooga took the 157 and 175. Campbell took first at 197 with App State claiming the heavyweight title.

Up next, Hendricks will represent Bellarmine wrestling at the NCAA Division I National Championships in Philadelphia, Pa. March 20-22.

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