MOORHEAD – The 2023-24 wrestling season has concluded, but senior Gabe Zierden had a historic year placing him among the all-time great Cobber athletes.
Zierden made it to the final match of the NCAA division III wrestling tournament on March 16. It was only the sixth time a Concordia wrestler has appeared in the NCAA championship match.
Zierden ultimately lost in the final 12-4 to Massoma Endene, a junior from Wartburg College. Despite the disappointment of losing his final match, Zierden still had a lot to be proud of.
“I’m really grateful for how I finished off my career, the run I went on from regions all the way to nationals… A great sense of pride for what I was able to accomplish even though I didn’t quite get all the way to the top of the podium I’m still fairly happy with how I finished up,” Zierden said.
Zierden’s efforts this season were rewarded as he was named an All American for the second time. That accomplishment tallies the 40 time a Concordia wrestler has been selected as an All American going all the way back to 1962. Zierden’s place in the record books doesn’t stop there though. His 38 wins this year are tied for the most a wrestler has recorded in a single season in Concordia history. Additionally, he has the fourth most wins of all time at Concordia with 105 throughout his career.
“It’s been a long time coming to finally get to this point and I don’t take it lightly, Concordia’s got a great tradition, and it means a lot to be along all the other All Americans at the school,” Zierden said.
Success on the mat means a lot to Zierden, but he also enjoys the moments of comradery that came with being a part of the wrestling team.
“Going down to the hot tub after regions and just kinda sitting… talking with the coaches and the guys after the season,” Zierden said.
Zierden’s time at Concordia is almost up, but he hopes to continue being involved with Cobber wrestling in the future while putting his exercise science major to good use.
“Hopefully sticking around Moorhead to be a part of the Cobber wrestling program and also working at Total Balance,” Zierden said.
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