At the NAIA Central Region Qualifying Tournament at Baker University in Baldwin, Kan., Jose Alvarez was Wayland's top finisher as the junior from Hereford took second place in the 174-pound class. WBU's first-ever all-American, "Chino" posted a 3-1 record. Coach Johnny Cobb said Alvarez "doesn't settle for second" and is "motivated to go to nationals and prove what he can do. We feel like Chino can win the national tournament. We're counting on him to be an all-American again (by placing in the top eight at nationals) and our first-ever national champion at Wayland. He's not been able to compete much this year due to an injury, so he had an excellent tournament, all things considered.” Alvarez and five other Pioneer wrestlers will compete at nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, beginning March 1.
