The 2001 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship was determined in the last seven seconds. After dominating the first two periods of the match, leading nine to two, Nick Ackerman was getting tired. Knowing it was time to “take his shot,” the 174-lb. wrestler grabbed his opponent’s leg and held on, bringing him down and claiming the title by 1311. The packed audience rose to their feet and applauded for over two minutes as Ackerman lay on the mat and savored the moment. Ackerman, also voted the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler, finished his season with 38 wins and only four losses.
