CEDAR RAPIDS, Ia. –
Trent Mahoney and
Danny Metzler both represented Albright College and the men's wrestling program on the national level on Friday afternoon opening competition in the 2026 NCAA Division III National Championships. Mahoney advanced to day two earning All-American status after securing a top eight finish.
The 2026 Division III National Championships got underway on Friday afternoon (Mar. 13) on the first of two days of competition.
Trent Mahoney wrestled in the 157-pound bracket and Metzler wrestled in the 141-pound bracket. Both days of competition are being held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the Alliant Energy Power House.
For Mahoney it marked his third overall appearance in the NCAA Championships qualifying twice before in the Division II National Championships. Metzler is in his first collegiate season making it one for one in qualifying for nationals.
Mahoney was seeded #2 in the 157-pound bracket. Mahoney opened his tournament facing Ursinus's Braden Kmak who was seeded #15 advancing to face Mahoney beating unseeded Thomas Wagner from Case Western Reserve by fall.
The win set up a showdown between Mahoney and #7 seed Ryan Smith from Stevens. Kmak got the better of Mahoney in the rematch winning 13-6.
With one bout remaining on day one, Mahoney looked for a win to lock up All-American status. Mahoney beat Gavin Pascoe of Gettysburg by major decision 17-6. With the win Mahoney can finish no worse than eighth meaning Mahoney becomes the first All-American wrestler in Albright program history.
Mahoney will face the #3 seed Charlie Dojan from Wartburg when competition resumes tomorrow morning.
Metzler went on a run to qualify for the National Championships after being the #15 seed in the regional tournament. On his way to the regional final, Metzler beat the #18, #10 and #2 seeds to advance to the 141-pound title bout.
Today, Metzler faced tough competition wrestling tough in each bout. Metzler saw his time end at nationals dropping bouts to Kaden Ware (Penn Tech) and Cole Becker (Augsburg). Metzler made it to nationals as a first-year solidifying a stellar season.
The Championship semifinals & consolation wrestle-back quarterfinals; consolation semifinals; seventh-, fifth- & third-place matches will begin at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. Championship finals will begin at 8:00 p.m.
Up Next:
Mahoney will return to action tomorrow March 14 on day two of the National Championships. Day two starts at 11:00 a.m.
