Amar Dhesi ends historic season on a high note

After a weekend that saw five Beaver wrestlers be eliminated, Saturday was a bright day for Beaver nation as they saw one of their own earn All-American status.

Redshirt sophomore heavyweight Amar Dhesi claimed fifth place Saturday afternoon—garnering All-American honors for the first time in his career. He is also the first Beaver to receive All-American status since 2013 and the first heavyweight since 2012 when Clayton Jack earned fourth.

Dhesi is the 10th All-American coached by Jim Zalesky in his time at Oregon State.

In the consolation semifinals, Dhesi faced the four seed in Adam Coon of Michigan—an opponent Dhesi is all too familiar with. Coon defeated Dhesi earlier this season, 6-3 and these two have squared off numerous of times in the offseason.

Unfortunately for Dhesi, Coon made quick work and pinned Dhesi in 48 seconds.

The Beaver’s heavyweight would fall to the fifth and sixth place match where he was determined to end his season a good note. He wrestled the number four seed, Austin Marsden of Oklahoma State.

Marsden shot in on Dhesi and looked to almost get the takedown—but Dhesi had different plans. Dhesi sprawled out, got the takedown, and pinned Marsden in the first round with a minute and 31 seconds left on the clock.

Dhesi ends his outstanding season going 32-5, including a Pac-12 title.

As a team, the Beavers finished with 22 points, good enough for 21st place. The highest scoring Pac-12 team was Stanford, who scored 24 points and finished in 19th place.

Penn State won their fifth team title in the last six years as they scored 123 points, including two national champions. Oklahoma State was second with 97.5 points, followed by Ohio State with 86 and Virginia Tech tallying 82 points.

The future looks bright for the Beavers as they only graduate one senior in Seth Thomas and will return seven wrestlers who have NCAA tournament experience.