Venz, Sjomeling, Hardy Named NWCA Scholar All-Americans

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) recognized three Husker wrestlers as 2021 Division I Scholar All-Americans.
 
Now a two-time NWCA Scholar All-American, senior Taylor Venz (184) highlighted an impressive 2020-21 season with his second-place finish at the 2021 Big Ten Championships. His performance clinched an automatic bid to his fourth NCAA Wrestling Championships, where he recorded two wins as the No. 8 seed. The NCAA All-American also recorded three match wins in the Nebraska Triangular, defeating Northwestern's Jon Halvorsen by 16-0 technical fall in 4:57, Jack Jessen by fall in 1:57 and Maryland's Kyle Cochran by 4-2 decision. The Farmington, Minn., native is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, 2020 NWCA First Team All-America member, plus a five-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. 
 
Junior Tucker Sjomeling (133) was also recognized by the NWCA. Sjomeling recorded a career-best ninth-place finish at the 2021 Big Ten Championships, defeating Michigan's Jack Medley by 11-6 decision in the final match. The Delano, Minn., native is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten Honoree, eight-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and the 2021 recipient of the Nebraska Outstanding Scholar Award.

Rounding out the 2021 Division 1 Scholar All-Americans is Brock Hardy (149). The freshman from Brigham City, Utah recorded a 5-3 overall record (3-3 dual record) and won his first match as a Husker in the season opener against Minnesota. Majoring in animal science, Brock is a two-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll.