KEARNEY, Neb. – Trevor Franklin was the first Unadilla Valley wrestler in school history to win a state title. Franklin can now add the title of “national champion” to his wrestling resume.

The Upper Iowa sophomore won four matches last weekend at the NCAA Division II championships winning a national title at 125 pounds. Franklin, who was not among the top three seeds, beating Augustana’s Alex Meger, the number six seed, 3-0 in the championship match.

“I’ve been dreaming about being a National Champion since I joined the sport… probably before high school,” said Franklin in an Upper Iowa press release. “I’m pretty pumped up, I can’t even describe how I feel right now. This is just awesome.”

Franklin used a first-period takedown and an escape in the third period to score his points against Meger. He advanced through the tournament with back-to-back 5-2 decision wins before pinning top-seeded John McDonald of Newberry in 6:59.