Dom Serrano Triumphs at Southern Scuffle After Injury Recovery

Dom Serrano, a sixth-year wrestler for the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Bears, marked a significant comeback by winning the 133-pound title at the Southern Scuffle held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This victory comes after Serrano faced a challenging recovery period from a back injury that sidelined him for most of the fall season.

Serrano showcased his skill and determination by winning five matches at the tournament, the most he has competed since early November. His performance earned him the title of outstanding wrestler, a recognition he was unsure he had previously achieved. “I think that was just like a good confidence booster, for sure,” Serrano stated, reflecting on his success at the Southern Scuffle. “But you know, you have to have kind of a short memory with it too at the same time. Keep yourself humble.”

Upcoming Challenges for the Bears

The Bears are gearing up for their next challenge, hosting the nationally ranked University of Pennsylvania Quakers on January 8, 2026. The dual meet is set to begin at 14:00 at the Bank of Colorado Arena. Serrano, currently ranked 11th nationally in his weight class and third in the Big 12 Conference, is expected to compete against the No. 22 Quakers. He is also the defending Big 12 champion, having entered last year’s NCAA Championships as the fifth seed but did not place.

First-year head coach Teyon Ware noted that while Serrano displayed some rust at the Southern Scuffle, he wrestled with heart. “You know, he hadn’t sharpened his skills because he hadn’t had much competition,” Ware explained. Serrano’s season record stands at 7-0, according to The Open Mat, with a notable victory against North Carolina State’s Zach Redding in sudden-victory overtime earlier in the season.

Overcoming Adversity

Serrano’s journey this season has not been easy. After a promising preseason, he faced a setback when he felt discomfort in his back following the match against N.C. State. Coach Ware made the decision to keep Serrano out of action to ensure he was fully healed for the second half of the season. “That was a big thing for me too,” Serrano said, recognizing the importance of listening to his coach’s advice. “I do want to be out there. That’s probably a better decision for him to make than myself because I would’ve been ‘I’m good, I’m good.’”

The time off the mat was challenging for Serrano, who struggled with the mental aspect of recovery while watching his teammates compete. He described the experience as mentally taxing, feeling the pressure to contribute to his team’s success. “Watching my teammates compete, you know, it’s hard on the mind,” he acknowledged.

As Serrano continues his season, he remains focused on the upcoming championships in March. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration, and his recent successes suggest a promising trajectory as he aims to reclaim his standing in collegiate wrestling.