CEDAR RAPIDS— Wrapping up his career as a two-time All-American with Central College wrestling, Shandon Akeo (fifth year, 125 pounds, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kapolei HS) earned third place at the NCAA Division III Championships Saturday.

After winning his quarterfinal match in overtime Friday, the extra time wasn't as kind to Akeo Saturday morning as No. 7 Carlos Champagne (Wabash College [Ind.]) notched a takedown for a 5-3 semifinal victory.

"It was an unbelievable effort," coach Eric Van Kley said. "He went after it in after overtime. We just came up a little short."

Akeo rallied in a big way to finish with a pair of falls to close out his time in the red and white. He pinned Riley Parker (Washington & Lee University [Va.]) in 6:45 and No. 2 Samuel Braswell (Averett University [Va.]) in 4:12.

"He's pretty banged up but his heart carried him through," Van Kley said. "We talk about toughness all the time in our program and he epitomized that today."

Winning three matches by fall and one by technical fall propelled them to the top-20 finish. Akeo had two of the falls and the technical fall. Rob Areyano (senior, 149 pounds, Selma, Calif.) registered the other fall yesterday.

"As competitive as this tournament, it's a testament to guys buying in and putting in the line," Van Kley said. "It was a special weekend for Central wrestling all around."

As a team, Central finished tied for 21st with 20.5 points.