2023 NAIA The Season: Oklahoma Wesleyan

 

I think the word for Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagle wrestling this season is potential.  They lost one of their NAIA qualifiers in Ridge Smith as well as the always tough Dailen Presgrove, but they have an NAIA qualifier coming back with two others that could potentially have pretty good seasons. 

133 lbs
Kolby Encinas 

Kolby Encinas made a trip to the NAIA championships after finishing 2nd at the KCAC tournament. He should once again contend for NAIA qualification. 

149 lbs
Chad Sakamoto 

This is a guy here that interest me. Inconsistent and unpredictable, he handed undefeated Brayden Smith of York his first loss on the season when he upset the Panther 6-3 in the Quarterfinals of the KCAC championships. While Smith worked his way back to 3rd place, Sakamoto would then slip to 6th. He's shown he has the ability to win some big matches, but struggles in putting series of them together. Once he figures that out, I think he'll be pretty dangerous on the mat. 

165 lbs 
Jaden Weldon 

Only a freshman last season, Jaden Weldon made the KCAC finals last season. He should again contend for a high placing within the conference and NAIA qualification.