PELLA—Two losses on the first day of competition knocked Central College wrestler Gage Linahon (junior, 197 pounds, Newton) out of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Friday.

Making his second trip to the national meet, Linahon was drawn against the No. 8 seed Demitreus Henry from the State University of New York at Cortland in his opening match. Linahon was caught for a takedown in the first period and took the loss by fall.

"Our opponent was an explosive guy," coach Eric Van Kley said. "He caught our arm on a takedown and we couldn't get it free."

Due to a miscommunication by the coaching staff about the schedule, Linahon lost his second match to Braden Homsey of Ferrum College (Va.) by forfeit.

Linahon finished the season 23-8. It's his second consecutive 20-win season and he's now 52-19 at Central for his career.

"I couldn't be any prouder of Gage and the season he had," Van Kley said. "He's worked tremendously hard on and off the mat. He represents himself and Central incredibly well."