Missouri wrestling won the 2023 Big 12 Wrestling Championship on March 5, with 148 points. The Tigers led the championship the entire weekend and outscored their closest competitor by 14 points. 

The win marked the Tiger’s 12th straight conference title as they outscored runner-up Oklahoma State, at 134 points, and third-place Iowa State, at 131 points. 

Head Coach Brian Smith was awarded 2023 Big 12 Wrestling Coach of the Year as well, marking the third time Smith has achieved this accolade in the Big 12.

No. 2 sophomore Rocky Elam took home first place at 197 pounds against No. 1 South Dakota State senior Tanner Sloan. The two wrestlers were tied with riding time after the second period. R. Elam was awarded the riding time point by having over one minute of control over Sloan. In the third period, Elam was awarded a point for an escape after breaking from Sloan’s grip and defeated Sloan 2-1. 

In a highly anticipated rematch, No. 2 sophomore Keegan O’Toole wrestled No. 1 Iowa State senior David Carr in the 165-pound final. They were tied and headed into sudden victory when Carr got a takedown and defeated O’Toole 5-3. O’Toole took home second place. 

Earlier in the season, Carr snapped O’Tooles 41 match winning streak after a 7-2 decision on Feb. 15, 2023. 

All 10 Tigers who competed this weekend clinched NCAA Wrestling Championship berths. As the wrestlers prepare for nationals, they must tweak their finishes in their final matches. They also need to work to avoid unnecessary stall calls when no action occurs and tighten their shots against opponents. 

Missouri will return to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the NCAA Wrestling Championship March 16-18. 

Edited by Matt Guzman | mguzman@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Mary Philip