Briar Cliff University

Gunnels wrestled at Briar Cliff during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. He was a two-time All-American for the Chargers, placing fourth at the NAIA National Championships in 2008 and third in 2009. Gunnels' third-place finish is the highest national placing for a Briar Cliff wrestler in program history. Gunnels posted a 30-5 record in his senior season, which at the time was the most single season wins for a Charger wrestler.