Missouri’s wrestling dreams for this season have been set against high benchmarks. A stunning opening to the season saw the Mizzou Tigers record their biggest-ever win in November last year. However, things between Missouri and Virginia Tech haven’t been great for the former thanks to defeats in all their last three clashes. And now, things are finally looking better after defeating Virginia Tech with a resounding 22-17 win at the Harness Center.

The Missouri wrestling team ended its three-match losing streak yesterday. Overcoming a six-point deficit isn’t an easy feat in high-stakes matches, but the Tigers looked resolute in their goal to end the rough patch. While there were several A-listers on the schedule, it was Tigers freshman Kade Moore who stunned the attending crowd in Columbia, Missouri.

Mizzou wrestling freshman makes the crowd go wild

Two-time Texas State Champion Moore transferred from Allen High School with the dreams of being coached by the legendary collegiate coach Brian Smith. And from the looks of it, his tutelage is one the right direction. In a post shared by the official NCAA Wrestling account on Instagram, Moore can be seen taking the game to his opponent Sam Latona of Virginia Tech in the 133-pound category. The caption reads, “UPSET: Kade Moore defeats No. 5 Sam Latona, 2nd period fall.”

Latona has been a two-time All-American honoree and is the national No. 5 right now. The 2021 ACC Freshman of the Year was the clear favorite going into the match, but Moore had other plans in his mind. Moore pinned Latona in the second period and the crowd went berserk (pun intended if you notice the massive tattoo on Moore’s left calf!).

In the Insta post, a small video clip shows Moore’s prowess as he dominated his opponent on the mat. Latona gave his best to get out of Moore’s grip, but the latter looked firmly in control. “Moore is capable of chaotic and unorthodox moves,” exclaimed the commentator, and Moore looked livid after his upset win over a formidable foe. Alongside this stunner, there were more on Missouri’s plate.

More Missouri Tigers steal the show

Among the other wrestlers who stole the spotlight last night, Keegan O’Toole was probably the most beloved name on the list. After the intermission, O’Toole helped the Tigers back to their winning ways, taking down Connor Brady with a tech fall in the 165lb category.

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Freshman Clayton Whiting registered another major decision win in 184lb, and Rocky Elam gave the Tigers their victory in the 197lb matchup. Finally, Missouri senior Zach Elam took down his opponent without much deliberation to seal the victory for the Tigers.

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