(Blugolds.com) - After tearing his lateral collateral ligament last year in the first tournament of his senior season Mat Rieckhoff's (Sr. Wausau, Wis.) career was shrouded in uncertainty. He spent the season in a coaching role, relegated to the sidelines as he watched his team compete.

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Thanks to a medical redshirt, he maintained his eligibility and was given the chance to compete again this season. Though the season has not gone completely as expected, it has been one of promise.

"To be honest, this season was not quite what I was expecting," said Reickhoff. "I had a few less W's in the win column than I would have hoped for and a few more L's in the loss column, but I think that was a huge opportunity for me to reevaluate why I am competing. We did not get our winning record as a team but made huge strides in the right direction."

Come Friday, he and teammate Justin Karkula (So. Oshkosh, Wis.) will compete in Hershey, Pennsylvania to take on the best wrestlers the nation has to offer.

Reickhoff, wrestling at 184, will be making his second trip to nationals, after qualifying in 2013. That last trip ended in Rieckhoff tearing his hamstring in the middle of his second match. Karkula, competing at 285, is making his first trip.

"Heading into the season I felt I had enough to make nationals but knew there were some tough tournaments throughout the year," said Karkula. "I have met the expectations I set for myself initially but since I accomplished making nationals, the next step is to place top eight."

Nationals will be the next step in a long season of growth, individually and for the team.

"I think if there were an award for most improved team we would definitely be in the running," said Reickhoff. "Every guy on our team got better this year and it was incredible to be a part of."

However, as every season ends, so does every career. As Reickhoff takes the mat for the final time, he is well aware of his collegiate retirement, yet knows what it takes to walk away with no regrets.

"Coach Evans has done an amazing job of preparing me for the big matches and is always stressing that I have the tools to beat the best guys in the country and that's what I am to do," Reickhoff continued. "But even more important than that, I want to wrestle my final tournament knowing that I left it all out on the mat and that my motivation and attitude were in the right place, then I can walk away satisfied."