COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - Xavier Arner (Schnecksville, PA/Whitehall) and Luke Velekei (Pen Argyl, PA/Pen Argyl) competed at the NJCAA Wrestling National Championships on Friday, becoming the first two Spartan wrestlers to participate at the national tournament. 

Arner (149) finished 1-2, falling to Silas Thompson (Northeastern - Division I), 9-3, in his opening match, defeating Braxton Preacher (Iowa Western - Division I), 10-7, and then dropping a tightly contested match, 4-3, to Eric Streeter (Labette - Division I). 

Velekei (184) went 0-2, dropping his opening match 10-0 to Kaleb Cooper (Otero College - Division I) and then falling to Aidyn Wolfe (Minnesota State - Division III), 12-8.

"What a great experience for our guys," remarked Head Coach Shaun Lally, "I can't wait to get back here next year."