Jordan Rasof, a physical education major from Deerfield, Illinois, contributed to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team’s victory at the 2026 NCAA Division III Region V championship. This win marks the Warhawks’ first regional team title since 2015.
The tournament took place in University Heights, Ohio, over two days on February 27 and 28. The Warhawks scored 163 points and finished nearly 20 points ahead of the runner-up team. Seven out of ten UW-Whitewater wrestlers reached the semifinals after Friday’s matches, with five advancing to their respective championship bouts.
Following the competition, Coach Zwaschka was named Regional Coach of the Year. His coaching staff also received recognition as Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.
The Warhawks had five runner-up finishes in individual weight classes. Justin Fortugno at 141 pounds won his semifinal match but lost in the final by decision. Dominik Mallinder competed at 149 pounds and fell in sudden victory during his championship bout. Luke Swan (157), Brayden Peet (165), and Jermaine Butler (174) each secured second place after winning their semifinal matches but were defeated in their finals.
Other notable performances included Tyler Haydon finishing fourth at 197 pounds and Jordan Lewis taking fourth at heavyweight after winning five consecutive matches following an early loss. RJ Samuels placed sixth at 184 pounds.
Brady Phelps (125) and Jordan Rasof (133) both achieved fifth-place finishes, each recording four wins and two losses over the weekend. Rasof secured three pins during the tournament. The results highlight a strong overall showing for UW-Whitewater’s lineup across all weight classes.
Coach Zwaschka said he was proud of his team’s performance as they captured their first regional title in more than a decade.
Information from this story was sourced from MeritPages.com
