HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- The Adrian College wrestling program earned its first Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship title for the first time in 52 years.

Wrestling became an MIAA championship sports in 1968-69 and Adrian served as the first champion.  Wrestling was dropped as an MIAA championship sport after the 1983-84 season and re-added in the 2018-19 academic year.

The Bulldogs captured the conference title after sweeping their opponents, 4-0.  Adrian opened the 2022-23 regular-season campaign with a 22-13 victory over Albion.  On the road, the Bulldogs blanked the Scots, 51-0.  The third win was against league foe Olivet, where Adrian earned a 23-18 victory.  The Bulldogs wrapped up the season with a 35-12 win at Trine.

Two Bulldogs concluded the conference schedule with a 4-0 record, including sophomore Zachary Phifer at 125 pounds and classmate Blake Williams at 184 pounds.  Williams was selected the MIAA Wrestling Athlete of the Week on January 30 following his performance against the Comets.

Olivet finished second with a 3-1 record, followed by Albion in third place (2-2 MIAA), Trine in fourth place (1-3 MIAA), and Alma in fifth place (0-4).

All five teams will compete in the MIAA Individual Wrestling Championships this Saturday, February 4, at Adrian College.

2023 MIAA Standings