Stillwater, Oklahoma, January 31, 2026
The No. 5 Oklahoma State wrestling team secured a commanding 34-3 victory over No. 13 Northern Iowa at Gallagher-Iba Arena. This impressive win keeps the Cowboys’ season record at 11-1 and maintains their flawless performance in the Big 12 Conference at 6-0. Key wrestlers showcased exceptional skill, including Dee Lockett’s thrilling comeback at 165 pounds and Alex Facundo’s decisive victory at 174 pounds. The match featured nine victories, bolstering Oklahoma State’s standing as a national wrestling powerhouse as they prepare for their next challenge against Iowa State.
Stillwater, Oklahoma – In an emphatic display of skill and teamwork, the No. 5 Oklahoma State wrestling team crushed No. 13 Northern Iowa with a staggering 34-3 victory at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday night. This win boosts the Cowboys’ record to 11-1 this season and keeps their Big 12 Conference performance flawless at 6-0.
The match was a showcase of Oklahoma State’s wrestling prowess, with the team claiming nine victories out of ten bouts. Among these wins were four bonus-point victories, underscoring the Cowboys’ dominance throughout the contest. Key performances from several standout wrestlers were instrumental in achieving this decisive triumph.
Key Performances
Dee Lockett Leads the Charge
In a thrilling comeback, Dee Lockett (165 pounds) overcame a 4-1 deficit to execute a critical takedown in the final seconds, ultimately securing a 6-4 victory over No. 6 Ryder Downey. This victory helps Lockett improve his season record to an impressive 10-0.
Rising Stars Shine
Alex Facundo (174 pounds) continued his strong performance, winning against No. 12 Jared Simma with a 5-1 decision, marking his third consecutive victory over top-15 opponents. Similarly, Jax Forrest (133 pounds) achieved a 19-4 technical fall against No. 25 Julian Farber, bolstering his undefeated collegiate record to 7-0.
With performances from Konner Doucet (Heavyweight), who pinned his opponent Grant Stromberg in the third period, and the unbeaten Sergio Vega (141 pounds), who claimed a major decision win (14-3) over Max Brady, the Cowboys showcased their depth and talent across various weight classes.
Match Summary
The match commenced with Troy Spratley (125 pounds) setting the tone for the evening with a decisive 6-1 victory, quickly followed by successes from Forrest and Vega that extended Oklahoma State’s lead significantly. The momentum remained with the Cowboys as Lockett and Facundo continued to build on the lead, eventually leading to Merrill’s victory at 197 pounds and Doucet’s pinfall at heavyweight, sealing a 34-3 victory.
Implications for Oklahoma’s Athletic Scene
The performance of the Oklahoma State University wrestling team not only highlights their prowess on the national stage but also emphasizes the importance of collegiate athletics in promoting community pride and engagement. As a pillar of the local economy, the success of the OSU Cowboys contributes to boosting attendance at events, which benefits local businesses and inspires young wrestlers across the state.
University Support Benefiting Athletes
Oklahoma State Wrestling thrives due to strong university support and investment in athletics, which is evident in the extensive training facilities and resources available to athletes. These resources foster a competitive environment that encourages personal growth and development, both on and off the mat.
The Role of Community Initiatives
Community programs and initiatives that emphasize youth wrestling have a lasting impact on the sport’s growth within the state. By encouraging young individuals to pursue athletic endeavors, Oklahoma not only builds future champions but also promotes healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys’ next challenge awaits as they face off against No. 3 Iowa State on Sunday, February 1, at 2 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena. This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma State to further establish its ranking as a national powerhouse in college wrestling.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma State wrestling team’s convincing victory over Northern Iowa showcases their exceptional depth and talent while highlighting the community’s role in supporting collegiate athletics. Fans are encouraged to remain engaged and support their athletes as they continue their impressive season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the Oklahoma State vs. Northern Iowa wrestling match?
- The final score was 34-3 in favor of Oklahoma State.
- Who were the standout wrestlers in the match?
- Key performances included Dee Lockett, Alex Facundo, Jax Forrest, Konner Doucet, Sergio Vega, Casey Swiderski, Cody Merrill, and Troy Spratley.
- When is the next match for the Oklahoma State wrestling team?
- The next match is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at 2 p.m. against No. 3 Iowa State in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
| Match Details | Result |
|---|---|
| 125 pounds: Troy Spratley (OSU) vs. No. 32 Trever Anderson (UNI) | Spratley won 6-1 |
| 133 pounds: No. 12 Jax Forrest (OSU) vs. No. 25 Julian Farber (UNI) | Forrest won by technical fall, 19-4 |
| 141 pounds: No. 2 Sergio Vega (OSU) vs. Max Brady (UNI) | Vega won by major decision, 14-3 |
| 149 pounds: No. 12 Casey Swiderski (OSU) vs. No. 32 Caleb Rathjen (UNI) | Swiderski won 9-2 |
| 157 pounds: No. 6 Landon Robideau (OSU) vs. Cael Rahnavardi (UNI) | Robideau won by major decision, 14-4 |
| 165 pounds: No. 2 Dee Lockett (OSU) vs. No. 6 Ryder Downey (UNI) | Lockett won 6-4 |
| 174 pounds: No. 7 Alex Facundo (OSU) vs. No. 12 Jared Simma (UNI) | Facundo won 5-1 |
| 184 pounds: No. 8 Zack Ryder (OSU) vs. Nick Fox (UNI) | Fox won in sudden victory, 3-1 |
| 197 pounds: No. 7 Cody Merrill (OSU) vs. Carson Babcock (UNI) | Merrill won 2-0 |
| Heavyweight: No. 6 Konner Doucet (OSU) vs. Grant Stromberg (UNI) | Doucet won by pinfall at 6:33 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ocean City School Boys Basketball Triumphs Over Egg Harbor Township
Oklahoma High School Basketball Midseason: Rising Stars and Teams
Events in Norman, Oklahoma This Weekend
Hudson Ferris Joins Heritage Hall School Football Team
Mead and Cheney School Wrestling Teams Maintain Undefeated Records
University of Oklahoma Appoints New Athletics Director
Oklahoma City’s Economic Foundation Set for Success
Putnam North Wrestler Makes Waves in Oklahoma School Sports
University of Oklahoma Appoints New Athletic Director
Oklahoma City ProRodeo Brings Family Fun and Thrilling Competitions
