Former West wrestler named to SoCon All-Freshman Team

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestler Nate Higgins, of Millstadt, was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team.

Higgins secured his position in SIUE's starting lineup at 165 pounds. He finished the season with a 14-14 record, wrestling at both 157 and 165 pounds. He was 7-5 as a 165-pounder. For the season, Higgins recorded two falls, one technical fall and three major decisions.

Higgins is expected to be in SIUE's lineup Saturday at the Arby's SoCon Championships in Asheville, North Carolina.

As a senior at Belleville West, Higgins was 47-4 and was the runner-up at 152 pounds in the IHSA State Tournament. He placed third at state his junior season, during which he established a new Maroons’ record with 49 wins.

Denzel Dejournette, a 285-pound junior from Appalachian State, was voted the Southern Conference’s wrestler of the year.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 5:28 PM with the headline "Former West wrestler named to SoCon All-Freshman Team."