The Oklahoma State Cowboys opened up session four with the tournament title all but wrapped up, but also knowing they had a real shot, maybe even likelihood, to beat the all-time points record of 176.5 points. The Pokes couldn’t quite get it done,howevver, finishing with 176 points after being upset in two of the six matches they were favored in. The Pokes ended the tournament with four champs, four runner-ups, a third and an 8thto qualify all ten wrestlers for the NCAA tournament March 19-21 in Cleveland, Ohio. Iowa State finished 2nd with 144 points and Arizona St. Third with 94. Here’s how it shook out.
149: (1) Casey Swiderski
Finals–(6) Caleb Rathjen (N. Iowa): The finals kicked off at 149 with the lowest seeded finalist Rathjen against Casey Swiderski. Swiderski scored first on a really slick ankle pick, about a minute in. He had no real interest in riding and cut Rathjen loose after 21 seconds. Neither guy made much of an effort to score for the rest of the period. Swiderski chose downto start the 2nd and was able to escape pretty quickly. After lots of tie ups and level changes, and again no committed shots, the second expired with Swiderski up 4-1. Rathjen chose down to start the 3rd. Rathjen worked very hard for an escape, but Swidesrki was able to take riding time over a minute. Rathjen was finally able to escape with 40 seconds left. Swiderski spends the rest of the period running away from Rathjen, picking up a stall call and hanging on to win 5-3. First Place.
157: (2) Landon Robideau
Finals–(1) Kaleb Larkin (Arizona St.): Robideau had the first opportunity with a low single that he elevated over his head, but Larkin was able to defend and it went out of bounds. Larkin then was able to hit an ankle pick/trip to get his own takedown to go up 3-0. Larkin then rode Robideau out. Larkin chose down to start the 2nd and it was clear Robideau didn’t have any interest in riding and cut him loose quickly. Robideau got another leg elevated and again went out of bounds. Two real missedopportunities from Robideau. Robideau went double to single leg and was able to finish and ride Larkin out closing the gap to 4-3. Robideau chose neutral to start the third, giving up the opportunity to tie it up with an escape. With 48 seconds left Robideau got another leg and Larkin fought him off for 48 seconds to eek out the win. Robideau was easily the better wrestler there, and this could have easily been a blowout for him, but Larkin’s defense was elite. Second Place.
165: (1) Ladarion Lockett
Finals-(3) Nicco Ruiz (Arizona St.): The two guys spent most of the first period tied up or pushing and shoving but not much in the way of a dedicated shot.
