Johnson advances to nationals with automatic berth

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Chattanooga's Jared Johnson went 4-1 and earned a third-place finish in the Southern Conference Wrestling Tournament Championship, clinching an automatic berth in the NCAA Championships in the process.

Johnson, a graduate of Jefferson City High School, started the Championship by beating Davidson's Ed Isola by fall in 2:38. The sophomore then lost 4-2 to Denzel Dejournette of Appalachian State to fall into the consolation bracket.

Once there, Johnson responded with an 11-0 win against Justin Kozera of Gardner-Webb before beating Juan Adams of VMI 4-2 in the third-place match. Johnson then topped The Citadel's Joe Bexley 4-2 in the true second place match.

Johnson's efforts helped the Mocs win their 29th conference championship, as they racked up 89 points. Appalachian State was second with 70.5, followed by The Citadel (62), Gardner-Webb (54), SIU-Edwardsville (38.5), Davidson (29.5) and VMI (24.5). It was the fifth straight league title for Chattanooga.

The NCAA Championships will be held March 19-21 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.