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Millikin University cheerleaders go through drills Tuesday in Griswold Center in preparation for the National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.
DECATUR — The Millikin University cheerleaders are about to jump into a competition new to the school and squad.
The group of 20 cheerleaders will be representing the college for the first time at National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Nationals April 6-10 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
An opportunity to compete is available only through an invitation, according to Sarah Rapp, cheer coach. “This is our third year getting a bid,” she said. “But this is our first year being able to go because of COVID.”
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Millikin University cheerleaders practice for the National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The national competition was canceled in 2020. The group admits they weren’t prepared the following year. “This is the first time we’ve really been able to go,” Rapp said. “And this is the perfect group that I could take.”
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The Millikin team participating includes eight seniors. The competition is college level, but broken up into divisions. Millikin is a Coed Division Three team.
“We are the team that if you saw us in public, you wouldn’t think we were a cheerleading team,” Rapp said. “A lot of them don’t have a strong cheerleading background.”
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Junior Morgan Hollon is tossed in the air during Millikin University cheerleading practice.
Members of the squad originated in other sports, such as basketball, football and track. “Everyone has that natural sports background that you can integrate into throwing people up into the air,” Rapp said. “They are so much more willing to work hard to get it.”
Alexis Reed was recruited because of her wrestling skills. “They needed somebody that was strong,” she said. “Here I am four years later.”
Emily Mitchell was on her cheerleading squad in high school. “But nothing compared to how big and exciting this is,” she said.
Conor Reynolds is a backspot on the Millikin squad. “I’m a little bit taller, so I reach up a little bit higher,” he said. “I grab calves and ankles, where they (the base) grab the bottom of the feet. So I have a little bit more control and stability.”
Reynolds played baseball and football in high school. “It’s still exciting and rewarding to be able to do all this stuff,” he said. “We’ve come so far from even when we started this summer.”
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Head cheerleading coach Sarah Rapp speaks to the team on Tuesday during practice in the Griswold Center.
The competition has several criteria in order to earn points and win. Moves the cheerleaders will make include coed stunts, baskets, dances, running-tumbling, various jumps and a final pyramid. “It’s just a lot of different, intricate details put together,” Rapp said. “It’s just one routine. We have two minutes and 15 seconds to cram everything in there.”
Millikin has had a cheerleading squad for decades. “But there hasn’t been that dedication from both the athlete level and the coaching level,” Rapp said. “There’s a lot of time and effort.”
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Sarah Rapp took over the Millikin University cheerleading squad four years ago.
The cheerleaders had to raise the funds for travel expenses as well as for the competition fees, hotel and food. They hosted fundraisers and provided the remaining funds themselves.
“We got about half of it raised, then the rest of it will just come out of our pockets,” Rapp said. “It’s about $28,000 for us all to go.”
As Millikin seniors, Mitchell and Reed were two of the original cheerleaders when Rapp began coaching at Millikin four years ago.
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Senior Serron Pettis flips in the air as part of the routine the Millikin University cheerleading squad will perform at the National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida next month.
“This program could not run without her,” Mitchell said. “We’re a bunch of misfit people put together, but it makes our team work.”
“It was just a matter of drawing people back in and rebuilding the program into something Millikin could be proud of,” Reed said.
PHOTOS: Millikin’s wrestling national champion Bradan Birt
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C776 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/71/2710f164-f444-58ae-8927-fb8fa6e1bd3f/62336b308ec8b.image.jpg?resize=1416%2C1062 1476w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birth (middle) was the NCAA DIII wrestling national champion at 165 pounds this season.
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=150%2C94 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=200%2C126 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=225%2C141 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=300%2C188 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=400%2C251 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=540%2C339 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=640%2C402 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=750%2C471 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=990%2C622 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C650 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C754 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C837 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C927 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/b0/5b0b2bfc-e0bc-504a-833d-e0598e310ba5/62336b31efb74.image.jpg?resize=1817%2C1141 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt became Millikin’s first wrestling national champion after winning the 165-pound title at the NCAA DIII Wrestling Championships on Saturday.
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C84 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C113 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C127 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C169 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C225 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C304 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C360 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C422 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C557 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C582 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C675 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C750 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C830 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5595d37-facd-5eda-b2f5-d00f04e26e80/62336b310fd5e.image.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt was 42-0 this season and has a 70-matching winning streak dating back to 2019.
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=150%2C84 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=200%2C112 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=225%2C126 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=300%2C169 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=400%2C225 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=540%2C304 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=640%2C360 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=750%2C422 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=990%2C557 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C582 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C675 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C749 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/34/03410dc3-8d4d-548a-9bca-0e8e5faf69d2/61b9181b3491d.image.jpg?resize=1416%2C796 1476w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt is undefeated this season with a 14-0 record at 165 pounds.
![Station 1 Nutrition](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/2d/22de5042-3e46-5482-ba6b-f40d945ee642/60c3d4ebbe52e.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
Bradan Birt prepares a drink in the new downtown Decatur juice bar Station One Nutrition.
Donnette Beckett
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=150%2C84 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=200%2C113 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=225%2C127 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=300%2C169 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=400%2C225 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=540%2C304 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=640%2C360 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=750%2C422 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=990%2C557 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C582 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C675 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C750 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C830 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/4d/14df703a-42df-5bd4-af24-174349fda5b2/604e4ee751694.image.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080 2008w)
Millikin wrestler Bradan Birth (top) won the 165-pound weight class at the National Wrestling Coaches Association DIII National Championships in Coralville, Iowa on Saturday.
![Birt_Bradan 1 020921.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=150%2C109 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=200%2C145 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=225%2C163 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=300%2C218 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=400%2C291 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=540%2C392 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=640%2C465 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=750%2C545 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=990%2C719 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C752 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C872 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C968 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1072 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/7b/d7b764db-faed-59a4-abfd-c33a1788e889/6025da94b0644.image.jpg?resize=1689%2C1227 2008w)
Braden Birt, right, goes through drills with assistant Chris Williams on Tuesday at Millikin Wrestling Facility. The Big Blue won the CCIW conference title on Saturday for the second consecutive season.
![Birt_Bradan 2 020921.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=150%2C97 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=200%2C130 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=225%2C146 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=300%2C194 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=400%2C259 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=540%2C350 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=640%2C415 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=750%2C486 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=990%2C641 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C671 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C777 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C864 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C956 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/58/9584f3c9-f904-584e-b577-2aa9b1af0c24/62336b3199418.image.jpg?resize=1789%2C1159 2008w)
Braden Birt, top, goes through drills with assistant Chris Williams on Tuesday at Millikin Wrestling Facility.
![Birt_Bradan 4 020921.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=150%2C105 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=200%2C140 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=225%2C158 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=300%2C210 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=400%2C280 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=540%2C378 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=640%2C448 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=750%2C525 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=990%2C694 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C725 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C841 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C934 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1034 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c3/dc3ecb91-39e1-5cc0-914d-e125b3fe469a/604ac5c4b9dcc.image.jpg?resize=1720%2C1205 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt, left, goes through drills with assistant Chris Williams in February at Millikin Wrestling Facility. Ten Millikin wrestlers, including Birt, are competing at the National Wrestling Coaches Association DIII championships.
![Birt_Bradan 5 020921.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C96 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C128 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C144 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C192 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C256 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C345 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C409 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C480 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C633 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C662 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C767 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C852 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C944 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/26/e26ef107-c6e0-5e6d-800e-373623b63274/6025da94dd91a.image.jpg?resize=1800%2C1151 2008w)
Braden Birt, bottom, goes through drills with assistant Chris Williams on Tuesday at Millikin Wrestling Facility.
![birt_bradan-2-mu.jpg](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/7f/87ff3ef2-7d28-5dca-a941-2ffeec71191c/5e6fd522c3025.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Millikin wrestler Bradan Birt is a two-time NCAA All-American.
![birt_bradan-mu.jpg](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b2/2b2a727d-03eb-5d12-a820-b6029a41359d/5e68008c9ccae.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Millikin Bradan Birt wrestles at practice. Birt, along with three teammates, were at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships when the event was canceled due to the coronavirus.
![Milllikin Wrestling Board Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=200%2C151 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=225%2C170 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=300%2C226 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=400%2C302 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=540%2C407 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=640%2C483 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=750%2C566 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=990%2C747 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C781 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C905 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1006 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1113 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/90/d903bbb3-51ba-5b14-94fc-a76324278511/5e0e6fe926568.image.jpg?resize=1657%2C1250 2008w)
A whiteboard in Millikin’s wrestling room shows 165-pound wrestler Bradan Birt’s season goals.
Matthew Flaten
![Bradan Birt](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=150%2C103 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=200%2C137 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=225%2C154 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=300%2C205 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=400%2C274 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=540%2C370 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=640%2C438 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=750%2C514 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=990%2C678 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C709 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C822 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C913 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1011 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/7c/17c80949-2834-5513-97d4-363bef6a2b7a/60dfa5bd572b5.image.jpg?resize=1739%2C1191 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt was national champion in 165-pound weight class at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III National Championships.
![Birt_Braden 3 01.01.20.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=150%2C103 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=200%2C137 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=225%2C154 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=300%2C205 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=400%2C274 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=540%2C370 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=640%2C438 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=750%2C514 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=990%2C678 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C709 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C822 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C913 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1011 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/8f/c8ff1e2d-6169-5018-b0d4-020a432b7e38/5e0e6fe7c7b05.image.jpg?resize=1739%2C1191 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt is a two-time All-American and has eyes on a national championship this season at 165 pounds.
![Birt_Bradan 4 01.01.20.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=150%2C117 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=200%2C157 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=225%2C176 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=300%2C235 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=400%2C313 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=540%2C423 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=640%2C501 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=750%2C587 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=990%2C775 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C810 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C940 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1044 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1156 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/16/b163ebec-623a-51ca-90e0-c19a0e2e3a1c/5e0e6fe7ebcbc.image.jpg?resize=1627%2C1274 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt completes jump drills during practice recently at Millikin’s wrestling facility.
![Birt_Bradan 5 01.01.20.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=150%2C101 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=200%2C135 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=225%2C152 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=300%2C202 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=400%2C270 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=540%2C364 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=640%2C432 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=750%2C506 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=990%2C668 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C698 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C809 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C899 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C995 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cc/8cc3a772-21dd-548a-a5e5-0dd33d30df41/5e0e6fe83dd54.image.jpg?resize=1753%2C1182 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt spars during during practice recently at Millikin’s wrestling facility.
![Birt_Bradan 6 01.01.20.JPG](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=150%2C114 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=200%2C152 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=225%2C171 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=300%2C227 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=400%2C303 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=540%2C409 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=640%2C485 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=750%2C569 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=990%2C750 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C785 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C910 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1010 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1119 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/herald-review.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ec/feca16f9-cc52-524e-8cfd-2c400dd8ed44/5e0e6fe869327.image.jpg?resize=1653%2C1253 2008w)
Millikin’s Bradan Birt has eyes on a national championship this season after finishing sixth and seventh the lats two years.
Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR