After sitting out the 2009-10 season, NIU wrestler Brad Dieckhaus bounced back to win the MAC Championship at the 184-pound weight class.

After redshirting for the 2009-10 season, any doubts of his potential were erased when he came out stronger than ever. The redshirt junior went 16-10 overall and 4-1 in the MAC, which almost matched his win total in his first two seasons, with a combined 17-23 record.

Dieckhaus entered the MAC Championships with a four-match win streak before advancing through the bracket with tough wins in each of his matches.

In the championship match, Dieckhaus rode Kent State’s Casey Newburg out for the entire third round, something that is rarely accomplished, to earn a 3-2 victory over the top seed.

Dieckhaus’ goal entering this past season was to become an All-American. After falling short of his objective at the National Championships, Dieckhaus has his eyes on a more significant feat.

During the offseason, the Northern Star’s No. 4 Athlete of the Year will make any adjustments necessary to achieve his goal.

“My goal isn’t All-American anymore; it’s to win a national championship,” Dieckhaus said. “I need to work on my turns on top and being a little faster on my feet. I’m focused now on staying in really good shape. I want to try to take my mat wrestling to the next level.”