Cowboys Christian Carroll Qualifies for USA Olympic Trials in Wrestling
(This story originated with Oklahoma State University Athletic Media Relations and Jake LeForce.)
FAIRFAX, Va. – Oklahoma State wrestler Christian Carroll punched his ticket to United States Olympic Team Trials with a first-place finish at the Last Chance Olympic Team Trials Qualifier on Sunday.
Carroll, who entered the weekend seeded fourth at 97 kg, outscored opponents 42-7 and accumulated three technical falls on his way to the title. With the win, Carroll joins fellow Cowboys Daton Fix and Alex Dieringer at the Olympic Team Trials, where they'll battle for the opportunity to represent the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Cowboy rolled through the championship bracket before facing top-seeded Jacob Warner in the semifinals. Carroll built up an 8-3 lead over the five-time NCAA All-American and was able to withstand a late comeback attempt for the 8-7 victory. Carroll quickly reestablished his dominance in the championship match, beating second-seeded Camden McDanel by technical fall, 11-0.
Daniel Manibog had a solid showing at 74 kg, winning his first two matches to reach the quarterfinals of the championship bracket. His quarterfinal appearance was the deepest run by a Cowboy other than Carroll, but ultimately concluded the tournament with back-to-back losses to fourth-seeded Terrell Barraclough and Matthew Bianchi. Also competing at 74 kg, Wyatt Sheets reached the round of 16 and went 2-2 on the afternoon.
At 65 kg, Jordan Williams, Carter Young, Cutter Sheets and Dean Heil each began the day with a win before falling in the second round. Williams and Heil then forfeited in the consolation bracket, while Sheets and Young added another victory in consolations to finish with 2-2 records.
The Olympic Team Trials are set for April 19-20 at Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.