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Davis

Davis, California

Friday, March 29, 2024

Wrestling preview

Event: NCAA Championships

Where: Qwest Center – Omaha, Neb.

When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, all day

Who to watch: Junior Barrett Abel punched his ticket to Omaha by winning the Pac-10 individual title at the 149-pound slot.

“It feels good,” Abel said. “I had two goals this season. One was to be Pac 10 champion and the other was to be an All-American. I’m only halfway there.”

The Diamond Springs, Calif. native has a good chance at his other goal as he’s currently ranked No. 10 in the country.

Did you know? Abel’s individual Pac-10 title was the first for the Aggies since 2007. In that year, Derek Moore claimed the top spot in the 141-pound class. He went on to win a national championship three weeks later.

Preview: The Aggies are sending their big three to the NCAA championships this weekend. Abel and juniors Ricky Alcala (heavyweight) and Brandon Low (133) all qualified to go to Omaha at the Pac-10 championships.

These three are also the Aggies’ most experienced wrestlers and they’re looking forward to the challenge at Omaha. Captain Alcala described the overall goal each wants from this tournament.

“My overall goal this year was to become all-American or national champion,” Alcala said. “If that’s not your goal as a division one wrestler then you shouldn’t be competing.”

Each will have a chance at his respective weight classes but it will be no easy task as these three Aggies are taking on some of the best wrestlers in the country.

One thing is for sure. These wrestlers will be ready to go on Thursday and represent UC Davis and the Aggie wrestling program in Omaha, Neb. this weekend.

– Kyle Hyland

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