Clark makes nationals at 149 as Eagle wrestling takes part in MSC Championships

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Midway's Kaleb Clark secured a spot in the NAIA National Wrestling Championships at 149 pounds, highlighting Midway's day at the Mid-South Conference Championships on Friday.

The Eagles finished the loaded tournament in fifth place with 73.5 points. Cumberland (Tenn.) took home first with 162.5 points, 12.5 more than runner-up Campbellsville (Ky.).

Clark, who finished with an overall record of 4-2 Friday, landed the sixth and final qualifying spot via injury forfeit, as Westyn Moyer of Rio Grande was unable to compete in the qualifying match.

A junior from Kingsland, Ga., Clark will be competing at nationals for the first time. The tournament is set to take place in Wichita, Kan. from Feb. 29-March 2.

The Eagles hope he'll be joined by 141-pound teammate Kyler Adams, who didn't secure one of his weight class' four automatic bids, but still has a chance to get a spot at-large.

Already a two-time national qualifiers, Adams, who finished fifth on Friday, entered the day ranked 17th nationally in his weight class. A decision on his at-large status is expected to be made Tuesday.

The Eagles narrowly missed out on qualifying at 165, with Daylon Stafford and Jabril Williams placing third and fourth. The duo even wrestled in the third-place match with Stafford winning by a 10-2 major decision.

Unfortunately, only two spots were available in the class, with Stafford's hopes ending after a loss to Campbellsville's Shadrick Slone in the second-place match. 

Others to place for Midway were Tyrique Simms at 133 (fourth), David Emfinger at 197 (4th), and Noah Barclay at 184 (6th).

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