Iowa State Wrestling Falls Short Against No. 3 Oklahoma State in OT Thriller
In a high-stakes match at Hilton Coliseum, the No. 13 Iowa State wrestling team faced off against the formidable No. 3 Oklahoma State, resulting in a 27-12 defeat for the Cyclones. While the Cowboys’ heavyweights dominated the match, standout performances from Jacob Frost, Evan Frost, and Paniro Johnson kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Jacob Frost, ranked 13th in the 141-pound division, showcased his skill and determination in a thrilling overtime showdown against No. 4 Tagen Jamison. With the match deadlocked, Frost made a bold move, securing a crucial takedown to claim a stunning victory. The raucous cheers from Cyclone Nation and the animated reaction from head coach Kevin Dresser underscored the significance of Frost’s triumph.
Speaking of the Frost brothers, Coach Dresser commended their resilience and versatility on the mat, noting their exceptional ability to execute various wrestling techniques. Johnson continued his impressive win streak at 149 pounds, while Cody Chittum marked his return with a decisive 4-2 victory at 157 pounds.
However, the momentum shifted in favor of Oklahoma State starting at the 165-pound weight class, where Cameron Amine defeated Iowa State’s Aidan Riggins. The Cowboys further asserted their dominance with Dean Hamiti’s commanding performance against MJ Gaitan at 174 pounds, culminating in a technical fall victory.
Despite a valiant effort from the Cyclones, standout wrestler Dustin Plott fell short of a win against Evan Bockman at 184 pounds. The evening took a somber turn when freshman Sawyer Bartelt sustained a knee injury during his match against Luke Surber at 197 pounds, forcing him to forfeit.
In the heavyweight division, Daniel Herrera faced a tough challenge against the experienced Wyatt Hendrickson, who showcased his prowess with a decisive 16-0 technical fall victory. Coach Dresser acknowledged the impact of injuries and absences on the team’s performance, emphasizing the resilience and fighting spirit displayed by his wrestlers throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will have a chance at redemption as they prepare to take on Arizona State on February 7 at Hilton Coliseum. With senior night on the horizon, the Cyclones are eager to bounce back and showcase their tenacity in the upcoming duel.
