Larsen Crowned National Champion as Grand View Wins Again in NAIA
- BVM Sports
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
By BVM Sportsdesk, 03/12/2025
Elijah Larsen from Wasilla claims the national title in the NAIA Championships at 149 pounds, securing victory as an eighth seed with a decisive 12-0 major decision. He overcame major competition, including an upset of the top seed, Nicholas Yancey. Bradley Antesberger of North Pole made history by earning All-American honors for the fourth consecutive year, leading his team to a historic fourth-place finish at the same championships. Meanwhile, Evan Bockman and Levi Hopkins have qualified for the NCAA national championships, making significant marks in their respective divisions.
By the Numbers
Elijah Larsen won the 149-pound title with a 12-0 major decision in the finals.
Bradley Antesberger became a four-time NAIA All-American, placing fourth, third, and seventh in previous years.
Evan Bockman finished sixth at the Big 12 Championships amid injuries, while Levi Hopkins captured his third Southern Conference title with an 8-5 OT win in the finals.
State of Play
Grand View University set a record with six individual champions at the NAIA Championships.
Antesberger’s performance secured Doane University's highest ever team finish at fourth place.
The NCAA Division I championships are approaching, with brackets to be released shortly.
What's Next
The NCAA Division I championships are set to take place soon, with the release of brackets expected to provide insights into matchups and potential challengers for Bockman and Hopkins. Their performances could further elevate their standings among Alaska's wrestling greats.
Bottom Line
Elijah Larsen's triumph and Antesberger’s consistent excellence underscore the growing prowess of Alaskan wrestlers at national competitions, while Bockman and Hopkins represent the potential for future success at the NCAA level. Their achievements not only honor their hard work but also inspire the next generation of wrestlers from Alaska.
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