3/11/09

Lincoln College Wrestler Wins National Title

James Nakashima

Lincoln, IL - March 11, 2009- Dwight high school graduate and Lincoln College sophomore wrestler James Nakashima is a National Champion. Nakashima was ranked third in the nation heading into the Jr. College National Wrestling Tournament held recently in Rochester, MN.

Nakashima earned his way into the finals by upsetting number one ranked Celic Bell of North Idaho College in the semi-finals with a 9 to 6 win. In his final match as a Lynx, Nakashima defeated Bradley Banks of Iowa Central College with an exciting 3-2 overtime victory. Nakashima finished the season with a 32-4 record and ended his Lincoln College career with a 54-17 record. In addition to Nakashima’s wrestling accomplishments, he is a two-time Academic-All-American maintaining a 4.00 grade point average.

Lincoln College Head Wrestling coach Dave Klemm said he is happy that Nakashima achieved this feat. “I am very proud of James for his accomplishments, James has worked very hard and he deserves all the rewards. His accomplishments should catapult him on to the next level,” said Klemm. According to Klemm Nakashima’s name will appear on the wrestling room wall at Lincoln College along with his Dwight High School coach Chad Eimer. Eimer was also a National Champion for Coach Klemm at Lincoln College.

As a team Lincoln College finished the season with a 9-6 record. The Lynx won the Central District Regional and placed 10th overall in the National Tournament.

Back

Lincoln College was founded in 1865 as Lincoln University, the only institution of higher education named for Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. It is a selective, two-year, private, liberal arts college located in Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln College is designed to prepare a student for university study through a structured, supportive approach to learning. Approximately 89% of Lincoln College graduates transfer immediately to a four-year school where they succeed as well as or better than the native student. Student-teacher ratio at Lincoln College is 13:1 and the average class size is 16 students.