Columbia News

The University of Missouri wrestling team finished the second day of the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia with two wrestlers advancing to the third day. The Tigers, ranked 25th, secured five wins and currently hold 14th place with 29 points.

During the quarterfinals and consolation rounds, senior Keegan O'Toole at 174 pounds achieved a major decision against Virginia Tech's Lennox Wolak. This win ensured him a top-six finish and All-American honors. "In Mizzou's only quarterfinal match, O'Toole battled with Wolak for the second time this season, with the Tiger securing his second major decision over the Hokie this season," according to tournament notes.

Redshirt sophomore Cam Steed earned back-to-back victories by fall over competitors from The Citadel and Hofstra to advance further in the consolation bracket. In session IV, O'Toole made his fifth semifinal appearance and secured a late reversal for his second comeback win of the tournament against Cade DeVos from South Dakota State. This result marked his third finals berth and set a new program record for five consecutive semifinal appearances at nationals.

"The former two-time champion will look for a third title on Saturday night in a Big 12 finals rematch against Oklahoma State's Dean Hamiti," as noted in the release.

Steed clinched an All-American finish for the first time after defeating Beau Mantanona of Michigan with a takedown in overtime. He later lost to Stanford’s Hunter Garvin, placing him into Saturday morning’s seventh-place bout against Cam Amine.

Additional notes highlight that O'Toole has now beaten DeVos twice in his career, including their last meeting on January 3, 2021. Steed has collected six falls this season, including one of his fastest pins during this tournament.

The championship continues Saturday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Session V begins at 10 a.m. CT with consolation semifinals and placement matches; Session VI starts at 6 p.m. CT featuring finals and awards ceremonies.