Dom Serrano Triumphs at Southern Scuffle After Injury Setback

Dom Serrano, a sixth-year wrestler for the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Bears, made a remarkable return to competition by winning the 133-pound title at the prestigious Southern Scuffle held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, last weekend. This achievement comes after Serrano battled a back injury for much of the fall season, limiting his competitive matches. His performance earned him the tournament’s outstanding wrestler accolade, marking a significant milestone in his season.

Serrano’s journey to the title included tightly contested matches, with three of his five victories coming against nationally ranked opponents. He secured a dramatic sudden-victory overtime win against No. 17 Max Leete of American University in the semifinals, followed by a narrow 5-4 victory over No. 14 Braxton Brown of Maryland in the final. This marked the first time he wrestled five matches in a single event since early November.

Resilience and Recovery

Reflecting on his performance, Serrano acknowledged the importance of confidence. “I think that was just like a good confidence booster, for sure,” he stated. He emphasized the need for humility and a focus on the remainder of the season, which still holds many challenges ahead. The Bears are set to face the University of Pennsylvania, ranked No. 22 nationally, in a dual meet scheduled for January 8, 2026, at Bank of Colorado Arena.

First-year UNC coach Teyon Ware noted that while Serrano showed signs of rust, he fought hard throughout the tournament. With a current record of 7-0 this season, Serrano’s success has been a welcome relief after a series of setbacks due to injury. “He hadn’t sharpened his skills because he hadn’t had much competition,” Ware explained. “But he still kept himself in the game.”

Looking Ahead

Serrano’s path to recovery included a careful approach to training and competition. He had earlier competed against North Carolina State on November 8, where he achieved a sudden-victory overtime win but did not wrestle again until late December. His absence from the mat was challenging, as he found it difficult to watch teammates compete while feeling sidelined by his injury. “Watching my teammates compete, you know, it’s hard on the mind,” he admitted.

As a four-time Colorado high school state champion, Serrano’s expectations remain high as he pursues success in the latter half of the season. He is currently ranked 11th nationally and third in the Big 12 Conference, holding the title of defending Big 12 champion. Despite a disappointing finish at the NCAA Championships last year, where he was seeded fifth but did not place, Serrano is determined to secure a stronger performance this time around.

Looking back on his injury, Serrano recognized the importance of prioritizing his health. “That was a big thing for me too,” he said, acknowledging the need for patience during his recovery. With the season progressing, he remains focused on achieving his goals and is hopeful for a successful postseason.