MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Pacific junior TJ Turner reached rarefied air, becoming the first Boxer to qualify for the Division III Wrestling Championships in 10 years.

Wrestling in the NCAA Region VII Tournament Friday and Saturday at Augsburg University, Turner finished runner-up at 125 pounds to punch his ticket to nationals.

"I'm so excited," Turner said. "I don't feel like a lot of people get an opportunity like this one. Showing up every day to practice with a positive attitude and working with all of the coaches, I focused on nutrition and lifting and doing all of the stuff that it takes to be great. I spent a lot more time in the offseason wrestling. I spent a lot of time in the mat room." 

After winning his first match by a 10-1 major decision, Turner won by sudden victory to advance to the semifinals. 

"In overtime there was a big smile on my face because I knew I was about to win," Turner said. "I believe in my training and I believe in myself. One thing I pride myself on is having the best cardio. Just looking at the guy (Chris Kish), his body language was terrible. He was bent over, breathing super heavy. He didn't look like he wanted to wrestle and I was ready. I came out with the whole kitchen sink." 

Turner then pinned Milwaukee School of Engineering sophomore Jesse Johnson. 

"He (Johnson) had just upset the No. 1 seed and he came into the match going crazy," Turner said. "I finally got a takedown and put him on his back and he was done."

Turner was then pinned by Wisconsin-La Crosse sophomore Quintin Wolbert at the end of the first period of the 125-pound championship match.

"I need to learn how to protect myself from getting lifted off of the ground like that," Turner said. "I do that and I think I win the match the next time we wrestle."

Pacific freshman Sage Adie placed eighth in his first NCAA regional tournament, finishing 2-3, winning his two matches by a tech fall and pin.

Next: Turner will compete in the Division III Wrestling Championships on March 14-15 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

"The job isn't finished," Turner said. "The goal this year was to be a national placer (top eight). I feel pretty confident going into the tournament."

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