CORALVILLE, Iowa— A few days before the start of wrestling practice last fall, Zoey Haines and Savannah Witt ran a marathon in Columbus, Ohio. Eastern's standout first years felt like a 26.2 mile run would be a good test of preparedness for the journey ahead. It probably was. Eastern Women's Wrestling made it to the last day of the season and finished 17th at the first NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships. In earning spots ont he podium, Witt and Haines each earned All-America honors.

While the day did not go exactly as planned, the duo battled to the finish. Each dropped their first match of the day to slip into the seventh place contest. Witt earned an 11-4 win by decision, just her second six-minute win of the year.

In her seventh place match, Haines had her opponent in a bad spot with a four-point move, and she applied heavy pressure toward a pin, but the period ended before she could finish the move. With the reprieve, the wrestler from Grand Valley State took control of the score with a couple early takedowns and held on for a 15-7 win. With her 24 wins by fall this year,  Haines is the national pin leader at 145 pounds.

The Eagles, who brought five wrestlers to the National meet, will look to build on this experience as the roster continues to grow. McKendree edged out Iowa for the team title. North Central College finished third and Grand Valley was fourth.