Tarleton State University made a strong statement at this weekend's Viking Open, hosted by Carl Albert College in Poteau, Oklahoma. Competing against a talented field in their first season under coaches Grant Leeth and Dalton Brady, Tarleton’s wrestlers claimed impressive individual victories and clinched second place overall with 112.5 points. They finished just behind North Eastern Oklahoma, who led the team scores with 124 points.

Navy transfer Zach Espalin dominated the 133-pound bracket with an undefeated 4-0 record, taking home the title in his weight class. True freshman Finn Shephard turned in an outstanding performance, winning five matches against 0 losses in a tough 32-man bracket at 165 pounds, securing another championship for Tarleton.

Other notable performances came from 184 lb Laird Borbon 5-1 with a solid second place finish , 157 pounder Zeke Liescheski going 5-1 to lock up 3rd place, Sam Sutton at 141, placing fourth with a 4-2 record, and Lane Snyder, who took third place in the 149 pound division with a 5-1 record. Sophomore Koby Kidd, an NCWA All-American, stepped up from his usual 235 pound weight class to compete at 285, where he recorded a solid 5-2 weekend.

Head Coach Grant Leeth expressed pride mixed with constructive feedback, saying, “The guys that are working hard in the room are seeing great results. I told the team there was a distinction between those putting in extra effort and those just doing the minimum, and it showed that distinction today.” His words hint at high expectations as the team gears up for its next challenge at the Drury Open in Missouri on November 16.

This initial outing suggests Tarleton State has promising potential, with strong individual talents like Espalin and Shephard leading the charge for the program’s debut season.

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