Dreams of wrestling immortality came to an abrupt end for Bryan Deutsch and Brad Dieckhaus over spring break at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

NIU’s Deutsch and Dieckhaus both fell in the fourth round of wrestlebacks at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Both were relegated to wrestlebacks after dropping first-round matches on Thursday morning.

Prior to the 2010-11 season, NIU head coach Dave Grant announced he would retire at season’s end. Even after coaching his last meet as head coach, Grant kept the focus on his wrestlers.

“[Dieckhaus and Deutsch] wanted to come in here and be All-Americans,” Grant said. “But overall, these guys wrestled really tough all season. I’m proud of their effort and the leadership they provided for the team.”

Coming off a MAC Championship in the 184-pound weight class, Dieckhaus met Steve Bosak of Cornell in Thursday’s first round. Bosak took down Dieckhaus with ease, besting the junior with a 16-0 technical fall win.

Later that evening, Dieckhaus beat Richard Shafer of Iowa State 11-2 in the third round of wrestlebacks. The junior saw his weekend come to an end in the fourth round against Kevin Steinhaus of Minnesota. Dieckhaus lost an 11-2 decision.

“My performance was not what I wanted and there are definitely areas I can get better in, but there were some good things that happened,” Dieckhaus said. “I’m not satisfied by any means, but it was a good learning experience.”

Going into the championship bracket, Deutsch had an even tougher road ahead than Dieckhuas. After earning one of three MAC bids in the 157-pound weight class, Deutsch had to wrestle in a play-in match against Corey Mock of North Carolina. The departing senior suffered a pinfall loss to Mock.

Following two wins in wrestlebacks, Deutsch fell in the fourth round to Northern Iowa’s David Bonin. Deutsch finished his career with a 3-6 record in NCAA Championships.

“Bryan ended his career with a MAC Championship and as a three time finalist,” Grant said. “Not a lot of guys have credentials like that coming out of NIU wrestling. I am really proud of what he’s been able to do.”