Former Tiger Ashworth Leads Division II at 184 Pounds, 12-1 Record

Warrensburg, Mo.– The success on the mat continues for former Tiger wrestler Damon Ashworth at the collegiate level.

Ashworth, a 2021 graduate of Excelsior Springs High School, is currently ranked No. 1 in the 184-pound weight class in NCAA Division II. He began the season ranked second at 184 pounds before moving into the top spot in the December 18 rankings.

A redshirt senior for the University of Central Missouri, Ashworth holds a 12–1 record this season, with his only loss coming against Gabe Arnold of the University of Iowa, a Division I program. He enters the year following a strong junior season in which he earned All-American honors by finishing fourth at the NCAA National Championships.

The 2025 All-American recognition marked the third of Ashworth’s collegiate career. He previously earned the honor during his freshman year at Minnesota West Tech and again during his redshirt sophomore season at Central Missouri. In addition, he is a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection for the Mules and will look to continue his success throughout the remainder of the season while pursuing a rare fourth All-American distinction.

Ashworth and his teammates are scheduled to travel to Marshall, Minnesota, on January 9 to compete in the Iron Mike Duals. The Mules will continue their regular-season dual schedule leading up to the NCAA Division II Super Regionals in Edmond, Oklahoma, on February 28. The Division II National Championships are set to begin March 13 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Ashworth is the son of Jake Ashworth and Jackie Roberts of Excelsior Springs. He is expected to complete his coursework at Central Missouri this summer, earning a degree in construction management.