As far as North Idaho College wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb is concerned, the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament essentially begins Saturday at the Region 18 Tournament.

The top-ranked Cardinals, who will host the NJCAA Tournament at the Spokane Convention Center in two weeks, hope to position themselves favorably with a strong showing at regionals at Southwestern Oregon College in Coos Bay.

“We told our guys this is an extension of the national tournament,” NIC coach Pat Whitcomb said. “If you win a regional title it puts you on a bracket where you don’t wrestle another regional champion until the quarterfinals (at nationals). If you don’t, you could hit a regional champ in the first or second match.”  More. Jim Meehan, SR

Let's just hope they don't stop to pick up any raccoons along the way. Do you follow college wrestling?

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