Four wrestlers from South Dakota State University advanced to the second day of the NCAA Wrestling Championships, according to a March 19 update from the team.
The progress of these athletes is significant for the Jackrabbits program, as it highlights their ability to compete at a national level and continue representing their school in one of collegiate wrestling’s most competitive events.
Brady Roark, competing in his first NCAA tournament, lost his opening match against sixth-seeded Jore Volk but rebounded with a major decision win over Davis Motyka of Penn. Roark will next face Vincent Robinson of North Carolina State. Cael Swensen returned after missing last year’s tournament due to injury. He dropped his first match to Luke Mechler but secured a major decision victory over Yanni Charles and will face Cam Catrabone from Michigan in the next round.
Moses Espinoza-Owens also moved forward after an overtime loss to Logan Messer was followed by a decision win against Riley Davis. His next opponent will be Daschle Lamer of Oregon State. Bennett Berge was the only Jackrabbit to win his opening round match, defeating Wyatt Ingham before falling to Colton Hawks in the Round of 16. Berge will now take on Gabe Sollars of Indiana.
Julian Tagg and Luke Rasmussen were eliminated after losing both their matches on Thursday. Tagg ended his Jackrabbit career with losses to Wyatt Henson and Jordan Titus, while Rasmussen fell to AJ Ferrari and Spencer Lanosga.
The remaining four South Dakota State wrestlers will continue their pursuit at the championships as they prepare for their upcoming matches.