In the 157-pound final, Barton made it two-for-two for the Bald Eagles in the finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over top-seeded Johnny Lovett of Central Michigan.

Following a scoreless first period, Barton deferred his choice to the third and surrendered a quick escape in the second period but equalized the match with a penalty point on a stalling call on Lovett as the bout went to the third period at a 1-1 deadlock.

Barton chose bottom to start the third period and scored a quick escape to take a 2-1 advantage with 1:47 to go. Over the remainder of the bout, the action remained at the center of the mat as Barton upset the Chippewas top-seeded Lovett to earn his third trip to the NCAA Championships. 

Barton entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed and wrestled his way to his first MAC Championship Title. He also helped Lock Haven University men's wrestling hoist the program's first Mid-American Conference (MAC) Team Championship with 123.5 team points.