The Tarleton State University men’s wrestling team put on a spectacular performance at the NCWA Southwest Conference Championship in College Station, securing the team title in dominant fashion. Under the leadership of Head Coach Grant Leeth and Assistant Coach Dalton Brady, the team showcased its unparalleled depth, technical skill, and relentless drive, overpowering a field of 19 competing schools to capture numerous individual championships and top podium finishes. The performance was so commanding that Coach Leeth was named Southwest Conference Coach of the Year, a well-deserved honor recognizing the program’s rise under his direction.
With powerhouse programs like Texas A&M, Kansas State, Louisiana State University, and Texas State in attendance, the level of competition was high—but Tarleton rose above them all. The team outperformed every other program, with six individual champions, six runner-up finishes, and several additional podium placements that secured a runaway team victory.
The lightweight divisions were the first to make an impact for Tarleton. At 125 pounds, Noah Clayton battled to a runner-up finish, showing grit and determination in a tough finals match against Texas A&M’s Juan Cantu. Kevin Contreras followed up with a third-place finish, winning his bronze medal match with a dominant pin.
Tarleton’s first championship of the day came at 133 pounds, where Aidan Medina took home gold with an 11-6 decision over teammate Tucker Kazienko, who secured a silver medal in an all-Tarleton final. Juan Hernandez added a crucial fifth-place finish, ensuring Tarleton maximized its team points in this division.
The 141-pound weight class was completely dominated by Tarleton, with the team sweeping the top four placements. Zachary Espalin secured the championship in style, winning a major decision (9-1) over teammate Anthony Dicks. Jack McDonald finished third with a pin over another Tarleton wrestler, Samuel Iturrino, in the bronze medal match, making it clear that Tarleton owned this division.
