Read More: Strickenberger, Hall Victorious In Big 12 Wrestling Championships
Jett Strickenberger and Peyton Hall made history in Tulsa Oklahoma Sunday evening becoming the first two Mountaineers to win gold at the same Big 12 Wrestling Championships. In the 125-pound match, Strickenberger (No 3 seed) defeated Oklahoma State’s Troy Spratley (No 4 seed). In a wild overtime match Spratley looked to take control by latching on to Strickenberger’s left leg and attempting to win the match with a takedown point. However Strickenberger was able to work his leg lose from Spratley’s control and gain position to score a takedown to claim his first Big 12 title and fifth in WVU history.
Strickenberger joined Killian Cardinale as the only 125- pound weight class wrestlers to win Big 12 titles for West Virginia. Later in the evening, Hall (No 2 seed) achieved another milestone as he secured his first Big 12 title at 165 pounds. In an exhilarating against Cam Steed (No 5 seed) of Missouri, Hall prevailed to win by a decision of 2-0.
Read: Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship Bracket Released
This victory comes a day after Hall became West Virginia’s all-time wins leader in the semi- finals on Saturday night. Hall joins Dylan Cottrell as the only Mountaineers to win Big 12 titles in the 165-pound weight class. West Virginia finished the night with six Mountaineers on the podium.
Redshirt sophomore Ian Bush finished at fourth place in the 197-pound weight class. Redshirt junior Jordan Titus came in at sixth in the 141- pound matchup, Titus also finished in sixth place during last years conference championship. Bush, Strickenberger, and Hall each secured their spots to the NCAA Championships.
In the Seventh-place match in the 149-pound weight class, Sam Hillegas pinned Gabe Willochell of Wyoming to earn his spot at the podium. Fifth-year Caleb Dowling finished eighth at 157 pounds.
As a team West Virginia finished in sixth place with 77.5 points recorded, this is the second consecutive season the Mountaineers have finished in sixth place. This ties the program’s best finish at the championships since conference expansion.
Consolations Semifinals
- 141: No. 1 Andrew Alirez (UNC) won by fall over Jordan Titus (WVU) [T – 4:03]
- 197: No. 5 Ian Bush (WVU) dec. No. 2 Joseph Novak (WYO) [SV-1 7-4]
Seventh Place Matches
- 149: Sam Hillegas (WVU) won by fall over No. 4 Gabe Willochell (WYO) [T – 1:53]
- 157: No. 7 James Conway (UM) dec. Caleb Dowling (WVU), 6-3
Third Place Matches
- 141: No. 8 Julian Tagg (SDSU) won by medical forfeit over Jordan Titus (WVU)
- 197: No. 4 Zach Glazier (SDSU) dec. Ian Bush (WVU), 4-3
Finals
- 125: No. 3 Jett Strickenberger (WVU) dec. No. 4 Troy Spratley (OSU) [SV-1 5-4]
- 165: No. 2 Peyton Hall (WVU) dec. No. 5 Cam Steed (UM), 2-0
Final Team Standings
- Oklahoma State (153.5 points)
- Northern Iowa (149.5 points)
- South Dakota State (110 points)
- Iowa State (107.5 points)
- Northern Colorado (79.5 points)
- West Virginia (77.5 points)
- Oklahoma (72.5 points)
- Missouri (65.5 points)
- North Dakota State (58.5 points)
- Wyoming (58 points)
- Arizona State (43 points)
- Utah Valley (21.5 points)
- California Baptist (15 points)
- Air Force (11.5 points)
