MANHEIM, Pa. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced 2021 DIII Scholar All-America Awards as
Brian Shermeyer,
Matt Pangle,
Asa Brunk, and
John Sumner were all honored as Scholar All-Americans. The four Falcons representing Messiah wrestling coupled its pursuit of excellence on the mats while maintaining consistent academic achievement in the classroom.
Shermeyer, on top of having a successful senior season, earns his third academic accolade of his career. The senior wrestler was named as an NCAA Scholar All-American in 2019 and 2020, adding his third honor this season with acknowledgement from the NWCA. On the mats, Shermeyer closed out his career as a Falcon in a firm manner. Competing in the NWCA National Tournament (Mar. 12-13), Shermeyer had a perfect 3-0 opening day, placing himself in the Championship Bracket for Day Two of the national event. Falling in the opening match against a formidable opponent, Shermeyer won his last match of his career in the fifth-place match, topping Averett's George Moseley for the third time of the season by major decision (12-0). The senior earned an NCAA All-American non during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, earning his third All-American recognition from the NWCA this season.
Pangle, Brunk, and Sumner all earn their first-career academic honors.
Pangle had a 6-5 record during the 2021 campaign, registering 12 takedowns. In the Falcons' opening competition of the season at home against Shenandoah University (Feb. 5), the senior wrestler contributed a fall in just 1:55. Pangle notched Messiah's only major decision of the match in a road match at No. 13 The College of New Jersey (Feb. 10), adding to his season-total 18 team points. Competing in the NWCA National Tournament, Pangle registered two-straight decisions before falling in the Championship Quarterfinals to Coast Guard's Phillip Rogers, ranked second overall in the 165-pound weight class.
Brunk, competing in first season as a Falcon, rattled off four victories to contribute a total of 15 team points on the season. At 125 pounds, Brunk issued a key victory in Messiah's 21-17 win over visiting Stevens Institute of Technology (Feb. 20). Earning a 7-4 decision, Brunk maneuvered three takedowns, besting Andrew Finateri. Brunk competed in the NWCA National Tournament, but not overcome a tough draw against a top-five opponent from Wartburg. The first-year wrestler, gaining experience on a national stage, was topped in the consolation match.
Sumner also competed in his first season with Messiah wrestling. Sumner ended the 2021 season with a 5-3 record, beginning his career as a Falcon on a strong note. Sumner earned a quick fall (1:33) over Stevens' James Snyder on Feb. 20, while using a strong opening period to earn a 7-4 decision against Delaware Valley's Chris Richardson (Feb. 23).
The four wrestlers being honored for their academic work were all integral members to Messiah wrestling's 2021 pandemic-shortened season.
