Coker’s Akins Ready for Historic Run at NCAA National Championships

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – For the third consecutive season the Coker College wrestling team will have a representative at the NCAA Division II National Championship. This year it will be Austin Akins's turn to do what his two predecessors came just one win short of becoming, an All-American. For third-year head coach Cy Wainwright, who has been at the helm since the beginning, having a national qualifier every season so far is something he and his wrestlers take great pride in.

"To have guys representing our institution and our conference for three consecutive years says a lot about how we prepare our team to reach this tournament," said Wainwright. "It says a lot about the strength of this team, the conference and wrestling in the southeast."

Akins, who is a senior from South Chesterfield, Va., transferred to Coker via Columbia University and picked up 25 wins and advanced to day two of the regionals in his first season, before redshirting last year. This season, he has compiled a 20-11 record, but it was a defeat earlier this season that Akins marked as a turning point.

"My loss in the dual meet against UNC Pembroke was devastating," said Akins. "It was hard to get past at first, but I refused to let that loss define my season and career. As far as wins go, I defeated Chris Giddens last season, who was an All-American the year before and they really opened my eyes as to what I was capable of."

In Akins nearly three years here at Coker, he has compiled nearly 50 wins, but it was the adjustments he had to make during his first season that have led him to this stage.

"When Austin arrived as a 184-pounder from Columbia University he had to do a lot of adjustments growing into the 285-pound weight class," said Wainwright. "Like most kids, Austin had some adjustments to college, however, his ability to learn and mature so quickly is what has made him successful." 

When asked about the changed he has made over the past three seasons, Akins gave senior-like answer realizing this was his last shot at accomplishing a goal that every athlete who laces them up dreams of.

"Over these past three years, I have really learned how to mange my time and prioritize," said Akins. "I have realized that there is a limited opportunity to accomplish my goals and that time is now."

In terms of experience, what Akins may lack in National Championship experience, his coaching staff more than makes up for. Wainwright, who was a two-tome All-American at Newberry College, won the national championship in the 285-pound weight class back in 2009 and was runner-up for Division II wrestler of the year. Assistant coach Jeremy Bommarito was an All-American at Limestone College back in 2012 and was a NJCAA National runner-up in 2011.

"It is definitely nice to have an experienced support group around me for advice and guidance," said Akins. "I am just trying to keep it simple for now by preparing the same way I did for regionals. It felt great so I want to recreate that feeling as best as possible."

In his first round, Akins will take on Jacob Mitchell of Colorado State-Pubelo, who finished his season 16-1. But for Akins, his own execution will be the key to picking up wins.

"He has a loss, so he is beatable," said Akins. "I just have to focus on mistake-free wrestling. I have a game plan going in and I believe that if I execute with perfection, every match is winnable."

Wainwright has been a first-hand witness of the hard work and dedication Austin has pour into reaching this stage and he could not be prouder of what his senior has accomplished and even more excited that he is on the cusp of greatness.

"I am just glad that all of Austin's hard work is coming to fruition," said Wainwright. "A chance to represent Hartsville, S.C., Chesterfield, Va. and Coker College is a honor and I am excited to see how he performs."

Although many of his fellow qualifiers may get caught up in the lights and big stages that are often associated with national championship, this is a business trip for Akins and just being called a qualifier will not do. 

"It is a great accomplishment, but it is not what I set out to do this season, so I am not satisfied with simply being a qualifier," said Akins. "Wrestling for this program these past three years has been such a blessing. This weekend is about coaches, my teammates, family and myself. I am forever thankful those that have believed in me and I wish my mom could be here to watch me compete one last time, but I know she will be watching somewhere."

Competition from Sioux Falls will begin tomorrow (Mar. 11) at noon ET.