As the 2024-25 NCAA wrestling regular season fades from memory, anticipation builds among fans for the upcoming championship rounds. Indeed, the Big 12 Conference has arrived, and this weekend promises to showcase numerous victors in the NCAA duking it out in top form. Fans have eagerly anticipated the championships, and their long-awaited desires are finally set to be fulfilled.

What’s all the excitement about? Prominent wrestling colleges such as Penn State, Iowa, Oklahoma State, and several others are ready to battle for the title. And what about the wrestlers? Indeed, there are numerous wrestlers like Carter Starocci who have expressed their thoughts on the mat. He once articulated his perspective, saying, “When I think about it, I mean, I know we’re out there just wrestling, things like that but for me, I mean, I’m going in a battle and I’m willing to die out there.” Who wouldn’t be eager to witness wrestlers clashing with such fervor and enthusiasm?

Nevertheless, every tournament inevitably encounters its own set of controversies, and one has already emerged. On X, collegiate wrestling analyst Rock Harrison reported, noting, “Little controversy at @Big12Conference championship. I was informed that two wrestlers were not in line skin check with credentials at 7:45 and still working out. Big 12 head official was speaking with NCAA coordinator of officials to ensure the proper protocol is implemented.”

What message is the wrestling analyst attempting to communicate? Harrison disclosed that two wrestlers are currently facing issues related to the skin check procedure, though their identities remain undisclosed at this time. Their absence during the check raises potential concerns that could escalate into a significant problem. What’s the reason for that?

For those deeply immersed in the world of wrestling, it’s common knowledge that every competitor in a tournament or match is required to undergo a skin examination. This procedure is crucial to confirm that they are free from contagious skin infections, like ringworm or impetigo, which could endanger the health of their fellow wrestlers.

The absence of these two unnamed wrestlers from the required process could prompt a response from officials within both the Big 12 and the NCAA, potentially resulting in penalties or even suspensions. But has a similar situation happened in the NCAA before?

Not the first time in the Big 12 or the NCAA

In the 2019-20 season, Oklahoma State University experienced their first dual loss in two years after facing off against Lehigh University. The score was tied, but the decision was ultimately determined by criteria, resulting in a victory for Lehigh. So what took place? At 133 lbs, Reece Witcraft from OSU was set to take on Nick Farrow in the wrestling arena. The atmosphere was electric as the event reached its climax, with every gaze fixed on the wrestlers in the ring.

Despite his preparations, Witcraft was disqualified from competition due to failing the skin inspection. This situation compelled former coach John Smith to concede, resulting in a narrow 21-20 loss to Lehigh. In the aftermath of the disappointing match, neither Witcraft nor Smith offered any remarks.

Nonetheless, Lehigh’s head coach Pat Santoro remarked, “It is what it is. You never want that to happen, that a kid can’t wrestle because of skin check. It’s just not good for wrestling. It’s too bad they couldn’t wrestle. They’re disappointed, I know. We’re disappointed our guy didn’t get to wrestle. We’ll take the win. They’re a great team and I’m glad they came here.”

Santoro recognized that OSU was a formidable opponent, thanks to their impressive mat record under coach Smith. Yet, despite securing a straightforward victory, his ambitions extended beyond that. Performance on the mat holds greater significance, and in this instance, the absence of it, due to the failed skin check, left him disappointed for both wrestlers.