The South Dakota State wrestling team is set to compete at the Big 12 Conference Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 6 and 7. The Jackrabbits have finished third at the event for the past two seasons and last year qualified wrestlers in nine of ten weight classes for the NCAA Championships based on their performances at the Big 12s.
This season, South Dakota State enters the tournament ranked No. 21 in the NWCA Division I Coaches Poll with a dual record of 12-5. The team lineup includes several nationally ranked athletes: Brady Roark (No. 4 at 125 pounds), Cale Seaton (No. 8 at 133), Julian Tagg (No. 4 at 141), Cael Swensen (No. 6 at 157), Marcus Espinoza-Owens (No. 8 at 165), Moses Espinoza-Owens (No. 6 at 174), and Bennett Berge (No. 4 at 197).
In their most recent competition, South Dakota State lost to North Dakota State University, with NDSU securing a win by a score of 20-13 after upsets in multiple weight classes.
Bennett Berge returns to the Big 12 Tournament this year as a contender in the competitive field at 197 pounds after placing third last year while competing in a lower weight class.
“Berge will have plenty of competition at 197 pounds, as the top four seeds are all ranked in the top ten nationally,” according to tournament notes.
The Jackrabbits’ roster also features returning NCAA qualifiers and welcomes back Cael Swensen and Alek Martin from injuries that kept them out last season.
Other storylines include replacing Cade DeVos—a two-time All-American—at the pivotal spot of 174 pounds, where Connor Gaynor and Moses Espinoza-Owens are both vying for time on the mat.
Head coach Damion Hahn continues to set new records with South Dakota State wrestling, having become the winningest coach at Division I level in school history last season with his total dual wins now ranking fourth all-time among Jackrabbit coaches.
Looking ahead, qualifying wrestlers will move on to compete in the NCAA Championships scheduled for March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio.