Dustin Plott Named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week

Last week, Oklahoma State 184-pounder Dustin Plott was battling sickness with a top-5 challenge impending. This week, he’s the best wrestler in the conference.

Plott was announced Tuesday as Big 12 Wrestler of the Week after beating No. 4 Trey Munoz 4-1 on Sunday in the No. 5 Cowboys’ 27-9 win over Oregon State. The two wrestlers were tied 1-1 until Plott, ranked second nationally, got a third-period takedown and secured the second top-5 win of his career.

Plott became the second Cowboy to earn the honor this season, as 165-pounder Izzak Olejnik also did in early December.

“Sick most of the week, and then came back really super excited for this match,” Plott said after the dual. “Trey’s a really tough opponent. Really wanted this match. Then also coming off illness, little bit of adversity, I really liked that component to it as well because I knew if I could get through this today and find a way today, I’ll find a way under a lot of different conditions.

“As far as my performance, little bit of mixed emotions. I didn’t wrestle the way I liked to wrestle and didn’t really attack as much as what I like to. But I am proud of myself for finding a way to get it done against a high-caliber opponent like Trey.”

Coach John Smith also mentioned whatever illness Plott was battling last week that caused him to miss two days of practice while preparing for his toughest match of the season (so far).

“I like the fact there’s no way he could have won that match in the past,” Smith said. “I like that he’s growing and he’s trusting himself and believes in what he can do. …

“It’s just good to see him. I was like, ‘He’s got some weight on his shoulders coming into this match and he’s probably not gonna fully feel like he’s got his full strength back. Hey, go win now. What’s that gonna do for you?’ So good effort.”

But in a week he’s honored for last week’s performance, Plott already has to prepare for a pair of upcoming top-10 matchups, as he takes on top-ranked Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa on Friday and No. 7 Will Feldkamp of Iowa State on Saturday.

Plott is 18-1 in his first season at 184 after bumping up from 174 pounds, where he competed the past two seasons. His only loss was to No. 12 Lenny Pinto of Nebraska at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 10. He’s won 11 in a row since.