Oklahoma Cadet Dual Team places fifth at Freestyle Nationals

The Oklahoma Cadet Dual Team finished fifth in the nation in freestyle and seventh in Greco-Roman this weekend in York, Pennsylvania. Incoming Sand Springs freshman Carter Young (27-4 FS, 22-1 GR) represented the Sandites in both styles and finished with a winning record.

SEE RELATED: Oklahoma Dual Team places 7th at Greco-Roman Nationals

Oklahoma got off to a good start in freestyle with a 54-27 win over New Jersey Blue, aided by a 15-4 tech fall from Young over Thomas Fischer. Next to fall was Minnesota Storm Team 2 by a dominating score of 57-18. Young handed three-style State Runner-Up Cael Swensen a 10-0 tech.

Young won his third match 10-0 against Junior High State Champion Dustin Norris, but it wasn’t enough to propel his team past Ohio Red, and the Okies fell 42-32 in the D-Pool finals.

Oklahoma lost their next two duals as well, falling 41-31 to Pennsylvania Red and 60-18 to Minnesota Storm. Young topped Chris Kim 16-6, but fell 17-6 to Minnesota Junior State Champion Paxon Creese.

The Okies finished strong, however, with a pair of close wins. They defeated Missouri Red 45-31 and edged out Washington 39-35 in the fifth-place match. Young won a close 14-13 decision over Missouri State Champion Korbin Shepherd but fell 5-2 to Washington State Champion Yusief Lillie.

Oklahoma went 4-3 in both styles, while Young went 6-1 in Greco and 5-2 in freestyle.

Their fifth-place finish in freestyle was a big improvement over a tenth-place finish in 2016 and is their best result since taking fourth in 2014.

Beginning Wednesday at the Cox Business Center, Tulsa will host the Junior Dual Nationals. Team Oklahoma will feature a star-studded cast of Sandites. Charles Page High School Assistant Coach Derek Fix will also serve as an assistant coach on the Junior Team.

Oklahoma previously placed seventh in freestyle and fifth in Greco Roman last year.