The South Dakota State Jackrabbits’ participation in the NCAA Wrestling Championships ended on March 20 as all four remaining wrestlers were eliminated during Session 3 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The tournament marked the end of the season for Moses Espinoza-Owens, Brady Roark, Cael Swensen, and Bennett Berge. The event is significant for the athletes and the university as it represents one of college wrestling’s most competitive stages.
Espinoza-Owens was the only Jackrabbit to secure a win in Consolation Round Two, defeating Daschle Lamer with early and late takedowns. However, his run concluded after a close match against Carter Schubert that went into double overtime. Schubert managed a decisive takedown with ten seconds left to eliminate Espinoza-Owens from the tournament.
Brady Roark faced returning NCAA champion Vincent Robinson in a challenging elimination match. Robinson established an early lead with a first-period takedown and maintained control throughout. Although Roark scored a late takedown in the third period, he lost by decision, 11-6.
Cael Swensen competed against Cam Catrabone but was unable to overcome an early deficit after being taken down in the first period. Despite scoring a reversal in the third period, Swensen lost by decision, 5-3. Bennett Berge also exited after facing Gabe Sollars, who secured multiple takedowns leading to an 18-3 technical fall over Berge.
These results conclude South Dakota State University’s run at this year’s NCAA Wrestling Championships.