UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — As John Carroll University's iconic Grasselli Clocktower gazed through the high, glass windows of the brand new Athletic, Wellness and Events Center, Peyton Brooks knew he only had a matter of seconds to achieve his collegiate goal of qualifying for the NCAA Championships.

Facing Millikin's Joey Jens in the consolation final in the 165-pound bracket at NCAA Regionals and down the entire match, the senior secured the match-winning takedown with two seconds left to become the fifth wrestler in Albion history to earn a trip to the national meet.

"I just believed I was going to wrestle longer than [Jens], and I knew what I was doing," Brooks said. "I've battled a lot of adversity these past four years, and to be able to accomplish this is a really great feeling. I'm so grateful, and I couldn't have done it without my teammates and coaches."

Brooks's third-place finish was one of four who earned All-Region honors by placing in the top eight of their respective weight classes.

Jayden Lewis (157) and Owen Turnbow (184) each placed seventh. Lewis defeated Wheaton's Caleb Cox via pin, while Turnbow earned his placement with a 7-0 decision over Ethan Risner from Manchester.

Cade Odrobina (133) concluded his outstanding career by finishing in eighth.

As a team, Albion finished in 10th (50 points) — ahead of the other four MIAA schools that sponsor wrestling. UW-Whitewater won the regional with 163 points.

Brooks will head to the NCAA Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from March 13-14.

The ticket to nationals is a steppingstone to reach his dream of becoming Albion's first All-American in program history.

It might just be a matter of time.