EDWARDSVILLE – After capturing his second Cougar Clash title Sunday, SIUE's Caleb Tyus has been named the Mid-American Conference West Division Wrestler of the Week. Tyus is a Civic Memorial High School graduate.
Tyus won the 149-pound crown after previously winning it in 2022. He improved to 11-1 this season with four straight wins Sunday, including an 8-1 triumph in the championship match over Oklahoma State Casey Swiderski. Tyus recorded a near fall in the second period after his No. 11-ranked opponent (FloWrestling) chose down to start the period.
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The win over Swiderski, a returning All-American, was the second time Tyus has defeated a ranked opponent, further improving his position in national rankings. Tyus is ranked No. 7 nationally by The Open Mat.
Tyus' road to the Cougar Clash title included a 6:22 fall in the opening round over Northern Colorado's Brad Hankin, a 10-1 major decision win in the quarterfinals over Oklahoma State's Cutter Sheets, and a 10-8 semifinal win over Northern Iowa's Ethan Basile.
SIUE wrestling is idle until Dec. 21 when it travels to Norman, Oklahoma, to face Duke, host Oklahoma and Tarleton State.
