MW WRESTLING: MW’s Walker finishes seventh at NJCAA tournament

WORTHINGTON — Minnesota West’s Philippe Walker finished seventh at the National Junior College Athletic Association Wrestling tournament over the weekend.

Walker finished the tournament going 5-2, wrapping up the All-American round with a 1-1 record on Saturday.

On Saturday, the 133-pounder started off the day getting pinned by Eric Hughes of Labatte (Kan.) Community College at the 2:35 mark of the quarterfinal round of the wrestlebacks.

Walker went on to defeat Josh Martinez of Colby (Kan.) Community College in an 11-6 decision in the seventh/eighth place match.

The win gave Walker All-American status.

Walker’s performance alone tied Itasca Community College, which had six wrestlers competing, for the team lead for Minnesota schools at the tournament. Ridgewater finished third with nine wrestlers and Rochester took fourth with eight wrestlers.

MW coach Bob Purcell was happy to have Walker the last two seasons, but understands it is time for him to move on.

“He works hard and is a great kid,” Purcell said. “He’s an example of how a community college can help a kid. His future is bright. I’d love to have him for another year, but he’s got to move on to bigger and better things.”

Walker has South Dakota State, Augustana and Moorhead State among a list of schools interested in him.

Tags: minnesota west sports, sports, wrestling