Three Bees qualify for NAIA Nationals at Heart Championships
The St. Ambrose University wrestling team placed 10th overall with 46 team points at the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, highlighted by three wrestlers advancing to the NAIA National Championships. Guiseppe Guerra, Josh Zeman, and Georgino Moraga each secured automatic bids to nationals after strong performances.
National Qualifiers
Guerra | 141
Guerra battled through a loaded 141-pound bracket to punch his ticket to nationals. Competing against nationally ranked opposition throughout the day, Guerra's consistency and advancement wins secured his fifth-place finish and qualification, and continued his standout season.
Zeman | 149
Zeman delivered one of the tournament's key moments for SAU, earning a 6–5 decision victory in the placement round to clinch his spot at nationals. His poise in tight matches proved pivotal in securing sixth place and the automatic berth.
Moraga | 149
Moraga fought through the backside of the bracket with multiple consolation victories to secure seventh-place and a national qualification. His resilience and ability to string together wins in elimination rounds were critical to his advancement.
Brody Schmidt | 174
Schmidt added important team points with advancement wins in the wrestlebacks, remaining competitive deep into the tournament.
Jean-Luc Guerra | 165
Guerra secured consolation victories after an early setback, contributing to the Bees' overall team total.
Mitchell Murphy (133 pounds), Tyler Clarke (133 pounds), Kayden Marolf (157 pounds), Nicolas Makwala (184 pounds), Colin O'Grady (184 pounds), and Tyler Casey (285 pounds) wrestled for the Bees.
With three wrestlers advancing, St. Ambrose now turns its focus to preparation for the NAIA National Championships, where Guerra, Zeman, and Moraga will represent the Bees on the national stage.
NAIA Nationals will take place March 5-7 at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Wichita, Kan.