Four South Dakota State University wrestlers have secured places at the NCAA Tournament following their performances on the first day of the Big 12 Wrestling Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Julian Tagg advanced to the semifinals after defeating Easton Hilton of Missouri 7-2 and Pierson Manville 5-1. He was later defeated by top-seeded Sergio Vega with a score of 5-0. Luke Rasmussen also earned his spot in the NCAA Tournament, achieving upset victories over Jack Forbes (9-6) and Shilo Jones before narrowly losing to Konner Doucet 3-2 in the semifinals. Both Tagg and Rasmussen will compete in the consolation semifinals.
Bennett Berge and Moses Espinoza-Owens are also headed to the NCAA Tournament. After losing to DJ Parker in the quarterfinals, Berge won decisions against Kael Bennie and Devin Wasley, advancing to the consolation semifinals. Espinoza-Owens rebounded from a loss to Cam Steed by defeating Murphy Menke and Cael Valencia in the consolation bracket, qualifying for his first NCAA Tournament appearance at 174 pounds.
“Both will compete in the consolation semis tomorrow.”
Several other Jackrabbit wrestlers remain close to qualification. Brady Roark lost in the quarterfinals but pinned Bryson Valdez and edged Mack Mauger with a 1-0 decision. He faces Ezekiel Witt next for a chance at qualification. Cale Seaton went 2-2 on day one and will wrestle Carter Schmidt for seventh place at 133 pounds.
Cael Swensen reached the semifinals at 157 pounds with an 8-0 win over Mark Takara and benefited from a medical forfeit before losing to Landon Robideau. He is set for a rematch against Gavin Drexler in the consolation semifinals.
Marcus Espinoza-Owens finished day one with three wins, including decisions over Zyon Trujillo, Sasha Gavronsky, and Peyten Kellar. His only loss came against top-seeded Dee Lockett. He will face Ryder Downey with an allocation spot on the line.
According to tournament notes, Moses Espinoza-Owens qualified for his first NCAA Tournament during his debut season at this weight class. Bennett Berge has now qualified for three consecutive years, while both Luke Rasmussen and Julian Tagg return to nationals for their second time each.
The South Dakota State wrestling team resumes competition tomorrow as they continue their pursuit of additional NCAA berths during day two of the Big 12 Wrestling Championship.