The Carl Albert State College wrestling team wrestlers recently made school history at the NJCAA National Tournament held in Council Bluffs, IA. CASC had its first two National Champions in program history, with Lexi Miller winning the first-ever Women’s National title. Joining her in the first class of All-Americans were Tenley Jones, who placed 6th; Sam Markwardt, who also placed 6th; Kylie Hulse, who battled back for 3rd place; and Ana Barnoski, who was a National Finalist coming in at Runner-Up. The women’s team secured 6th place, only a few points out of 5th place.
“The standings out of the National Tournament are truly an amazing conclusion to the inaugural season for CASC Women’s Wrestling,” said President Jay Falkner. “To say we’re proud of these student-athletes is an understatement!”
Thaddeus Long is the other of the first two National Champions, winning the Men’s first-ever National title. Additionally, the men had another All-American, with Hunter Hall placing 7th. The men finished 14th out of 55 teams represented at the National Tournament in just our 2nd year in existence.
“I am so proud of all these athletes,” said head coach Jake Lords. “They all worked incredibly hard all year, battled through countless adversity, and placed their names in the history books forever. The national tournament was a grind, and these warriors were tough; they focused on what was within their control and came out victorious.
“We are thankful to the community, everyone on campus- faculty and staff, President Falkner, and the Board of Regents for the support and for believing in us and in the sport of wrestling,” Lords continued. “We felt the support and excitement from CASC and Poteau all the way in Iowa! It’s a great day to be a Viking!”
