COLLEGE: WYALUSING GRAD WOODRUFF QUALIFIES FOR D-III NATIONALS (March 3, 2026)

BY BRYAN SEYMOUR
Northern Tier Sports Report
Division III region conferences were held over the weekend. Top 3 earn the qualifying spot to nationals in two weeks. Wyalusing’s Nick Woodruff and Penn College were wrestling in Ithaca, NY. 
    
Woodruff took to the mats and, after the first night of action, made it to the semi-finals. A win here puts him in the finals and punches his ticket to nationals. For Woodruff, the win he needed would have to wait.  Dropping his semifinal match and needing to wrestle back, Woodruff dug deep to fight his way back to the Consi finals. One win away from qualifying for nationals. At the end of the day, Woodruff worked hard to finish in the third place and earn his spot as a national qualifier. 
    
Talking with Nick about his college journey following his qualification to nationals. Coming out of high school, Woodruff decided to be part of Division I Appalachian State University. Shortly after being there, he quickly realized this really wasn’t the school for him, and he transferred out. Deciding to go further south to a NAIA school in Florida. Even this school was not the right fit for him. Taking some time to look deep inside himself, Nick decided to transfer back close to home. This time to Division III Penn College. “I’ve moved around a few times, adjusting to new schools, new teammates, and new environments along the way,” states Woodruff. 
    
What is the meaning to qualify for nationals? “Today, punching my ticket to the national tournament made every transition, every setback, and every sacrifice worth it” per Woodruff. The many years of wrestling and finally breaking through must feel good. “This moment has been 18 years in the making, ever since I first stepped onto the wrestling mat as a kid with a dream. A dream to make it to dance,” Woodruff stated. 
    
Making the move from Division I to NAIA to Division III showed you the difference in wrestling, but still the need to compete to get where you wanted to go. “There were times I felt like I was due, like this sport owed me something. Today, it finally paid me back. I qualified for the national tournament,” per Woodruff. 
    
The seasons are long and grueling. How do you deal with all of that? “This season didn’t start the way I  wanted. I took a couple of losses I shouldn’t have, battling knee injuries, which sidelined me for a good portion of the year,” Woodruff stated. Your college career has been filled with injuries and having to deal with the mental and physical aspects to come back. “Dealing with injuries for multiple seasons starts to wear on you both physically and mentally. But I made a decision to keep a positive mindset. Through every rehab session, every tough practice, and every doubt, I kept thinking about this weekend and earning a spot at nationals,” Woodruff stated. 
        
Wrestling is a journey that takes you through many turns, hills, and valleys. “The journey has been long and far from easy, but today I can honestly say I’m grateful for all of it, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My coaches and teammates, and especially my parents, have been my glue this year. Having people in my corner to lift me up when I’m hard on myself has meant everything for my growth,” Woodruff explained. 
    
Asking him what he would say to the younger wrestlers, Woodruff had this to say, “College wrestling is hard, no matter the Division, I, II, III, NAIA. It is all tough. Find a place that truly values you, believes in you, and wants the best for you. I’m proud to say I finally found mine.” 
    
Back to practice with a little over a week to go to work out any kinks, dings, or whatever may be going on to get ready for the national tournament. Best of luck to Nick Woodruff at the Division III National Championships. 

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