Wrestling has a unique way of determining its All-Americans. It has absolutely nothing to do with what you accomplish during the regular season and tournament championships, and everything to do with where you finish in the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the end of the year.
Well, there’s a slight problem with that this season. Despite seeding everyone, the NCAA Wrestling Tournament got canceled like everything else as a measure to mitigate further spread of the emerging COVID-19 health crisis. Right before all the fun began.
Afterward, head wrestling coach Tom Ryan was very vocal about finding some way to still recognize those that worked so hard and had the ending of their seasons canceled for reasons beyond their control. It was especially important for those seniors that had their careers abruptly stopped.
Ryan has now gotten his wish. In lieu of All-America honors being decided at the COVID-canceled NCAA Championships, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced its 2020 All-America teams. Six Ohio State student-athletes were recognized for their ‘overall body of work through the conference tournament and up to the national championships.’
Those Buckeyes include Kollin Moore, Luke Pletcher, Kaleb Romero and Sammy Sasso as First Team honorees, while Ethan Smith was placed on the Second Team, and Rocky Jordan came in with an Honorable Mention.
It has to be especially gratifying for seniors Kollin Moore and Luke Pletcher. Without the distinction, they both would have left college without the ability to garner First Team All-American distinction. It’s Moore’s fourth time being recognized as an All-American, and Pletcher’s third.
“During difficult times there are always people who rise to the occasion and I’m proud of the action that the NWCA Division I Leadership Group in providing direction for honoring the 2020 Division I All-American team,” Mike Moyer, NWCA Executive Director, said. “It’s important that these athletes’ efforts and successes during the season are recognized. Congratulations to each this year’s honorees and National Qualifiers.”
Six Buckeyes Earn NWCA All-America Recognition
MORE⤵️https://t.co/zVVT3u4rQi#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/1iSE6pZV2S
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) April 18, 2020
You can get a look at the remainder of the All-Americans thanks to the list provided in the media release below.
NWCA All-America Honorable Mention
Well done to Ryan as well in pushing for something like this to happen. And good on the NWCA for listening and doing what’s right in the midst of such a difficult situation.