Killian Cardinale Reaches Quarterfinals for WVU at NCAA Wrestling Championships

TULSA, Okla.— West Virginia fifth-year senior Killian Cardinale made it to the Quarterfinals at the NCAA Wrestling Championships Thursday night at the BOK Center.

No. 28 Cardinale (12-1) took care of No. 21 Wyoming’s Jore Volk (24-10) with an 8-3 decision in the Round of 16. Cardinale made three takedowns of Volk and earned riding time en route to another important victory.

For the second straight year, Killian Cardinale is into the quarterfinals! #HailWV pic.twitter.com/vYKKtrI1vO

— WVU Wrestling (@WVUWrestling) March 16, 2023

Cardinale won a big match in the Round of 32, with a 3-2 decision in the upset of No. 5 Appalachian State’s Caleb Smith. He makes it two straight seasons making it to the quarterfinals at the NCAA Championships

“I’m proud,” Cardinale said on his performance on Thursday. “Just got to keep it rolling now. One moment at a time. Can’t get too ahead of yourself. Just got to be calm. Can’t get too up, can’t get too down.”

Mountaineers head coach Tim Flynn thought that Cardinale had a great day, particularly with the win over Smith in the Round of 32.

“He wrestled well,” Flynn said. “Killian is just tough. He’s gritty and those are things you need at this level, at this tournament.”

Cardinale’s win helped to set the tone for the next two Mountaineers wrestlers in the Consolation Rounds.

No. 29 redshirt first-year Jordan Titus (22-13) won a 4-1 decision over No. 13 Oklahoma State’s Carter Young, with an important first period takedown giving him the victory at 141 pounds.

Jordan Titus used this first period takedown to avenges a loss from earlier this season and knock off Carter Young of Oklahoma State. #HailWV pic.twitter.com/U5gFMcMueX

— WVU Wrestling (@WVUWrestling) March 17, 2023

No. 14 junior Peyton Hall (24-5) won a close 4-3 decision over No. 30 Drexel’s Evan Barczak (26-8) at 165 pounds. Hall used a takedown an escape to build a 3-3 lead, but Barczak tied it in the third period, before a late escape from Hall won the match.

No. 25 redshirt junior Michael Wolfgram (21-13) made two takedowns and two escapes in a 6-3 decision against No. 24 Rutgers’ Boone McDermott (16-7) in the heavyweight class.

Two WVU wrestlers ended their time at the NCAA Championships with losses in the Consolation Rounds.

No. 33 redshirt junior Anthony Carman (18-15) lost an 11-4 decision to rival No. 16 Pitt redshirt junior Reece Heller (19-9) at 184 pounds. Carman did beat Heller in the duel meet on Jan. 8, but lost in the Semifinals at Midlands Championships at the end of December, dropping his record against him to 1-2 on the season.

No. 31 redshirt sophomore Austin Cooley (17-11) suffered a 10-2 major decision loss to No. 18 Oregon State’s Tanner Harvey at 197 pounds. Cooley stood no chance as Harvey made numerous takedowns and secured riding time early on.

Carman and Cooley losing in the Consolation Rounds ends their time at the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

WVU will wrestle again Friday morning at 12 p.m. EST in the Quarterfinals and Consolations. Stay tuned for coverage from West Virginia Sports Now of WVU wrestling for the NCAA Championships these next two days.

Quarterfinal
125-No. 28 Killian Cardinale vs No. 4 Purdue’s Matt Ramos

Consolation
141-No 29 Jordan Titus vs No 14 Northern Iowa’s Cael Happel
165-No 14 Peyton Hall vs No 20 Pitt Holden Heller
285-No 25 Mike Wolfgram vs No. 7 NC State’s Owen Trephan

WVU’s Killian Cardinale Makes it to Round of 16 at NCAA Wrestling Championships