Poteau, OK – March 6, 2024 – Carl Albert State College Wrestling is celebrating a remarkable performance at the recent National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Wrestling Championships, with the women’s team securing a 5th place team finish and the men’s team finishing 12th. The outstanding achievements of both teams include multiple All-Americans and National Finalists.
The women’s team showcased their prowess with six All-Americans, with three of them reaching the National Finals. Notably, Freshman Calli Connally dominated the 101lbs category and was crowned the National Champion after an impressive 3-0 record over the weekend, defeating the returning National champion in the finals. At 109lbs, Sophomore Lexi Miller, a returning National Champion, made history by becoming the first 2X National Champion in NJCAA Women’s Wrestling. Miller went undefeated with a flawless 4-0 record, including a remarkable 36-second pin in the finals. For Miller, this marks two years without surrendering a loss to a junior college opponent.
Freshman Abigail Butts at 116lbs battled hard to secure a 6th place finish, while Freshman Malia Kehne at 136lbs emerged as an All-American and National Finalist, finishing as the National Runner-up. At 143lbs, Sophomore Kylie Hulse earned her 2X All-American status, finishing 6th, and will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. Despite an unfortunate injury, Sophomore Ana Barnoski at 155lbs showed resilience to become a 2X All-American, finishing 6th after an injury default following her quarterfinal win due to a dislocated elbow.
The men’s team showcased their talent with three All-Americans, led by a National Finalist. At 133lbs, Sophomore Cooper Evans, a 2X National qualifier, secured a 6th place finish. At 149lbs, Sophomore Jaden Two Lance became an All-American and National finalist, earning Runner-up status for the Vikings. Sophomore Noah Smith at 157lbs, also a 2X National qualifier, earned All-American status with a 6th place finish in the nation.
The coaching staff and athletes extend their sincere gratitude to every professor, advisor, faculty member, and staff member who has played a pivotal role in supporting CASC Men’s and Women’s Wrestling. “The success achieved on and off the mat is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Carl Albert State College community,” said Jake Lords, Head Wrestling Coach.
