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In-state star Adams made WVU wrestling history, but could’ve had more
West Virginia Mountaineers sophomore Noah Adams went 32-0 in the 197-pound weight class on his way to becoming the 2019-20 Big 12 Wrestler of the Year. (Photo: All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks, Courtesy: Chris Pharis/WVU Athletics)

In-state star Adams made WVU wrestling history, but could’ve had more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (BVM) — When West Virginia University’s Noah Adams had his arm raised in front of a large crowd at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. on March 8, it was another step forward in what had been a special season for the sophomore. Adams defeated South Dakota State’s Tanner Sloan in the 197-pound weight class, which stretched his unbeaten mark to 32-0 and gave the program its second-ever Big 12 champion. The 32 wins also marked the most for a sophomore in program history.

“I think it’s not so much that I knew I was having a special season, I had just fixed the little things from the year before and that’s what kind of gave me that extra inch to get over that margin to beat these kids,” Adams said. “I knew I was always in the match, but I could never finish the match and that was the thing I focused on during the summer being able to score later in matches and focusing on good technique and position.”

Adams still had a chance to extend the total as he qualified to compete in the NCAA National Wrestling Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis from March 19 to 21. With the first undefeated Mountaineers season since WVU Hall of Famer Greg Jones won his final national championship in 2005, Adams was given the No. 2 seed in the 197-pound weight class bracket, trailing only Ohio State University’s Kollin Moore who had a 27-0 record.

“Not a lot of guys have an undefeated regular season. I think I was one of maybe eight guys that did. It means a lot for my confidence knowing that I can be one of the best in that weight class as long as I do the right things and train hard,” Adams said.

This season was a sort of coming out party for the Coal City native. Adams, whose skills on the mat earned him notoriety in the state, was a three-time West Virginia state champion during his time at Independence High School. After a redshirt first season with no action on the mat, Adams had a strong ending to his freshman season, going 19-15 and qualifying for the NCAA championships. Adams was not satisfied with that season and recommitted himself to his craft, which exploded into his now historic year.

“The first season was a cool experience,” Adams said. “It was kind of eye opening. It took me a little bit to adjust to that level, but there were a lot of good things that happened that season. I made a lot of good strides throughout the season. (I) really focused on the little things and fine tuning the technique I already learned from (head coach) Tim Flynn and I put in a lot of hours in the offseason with my coaches and I would say that was my biggest thing, the work ethic.”

Adams had a strong opportunity to bring another national championship back to his home state, but he won’t get the chance.

Just four days after Adams’ triumphant win in Tulsa, the NCAA canceled the remaining winter sports championships due to concerns over COVID-19, which included the wrestling season. Just like that, Adams’ season was over.

The news gets even more disappointing for Adams with the NCAA announcement that its Division I spring athletes would get an added season of eligibility for their sports after losing their season to COVID-19, but winter sports athletes would not. So, after losing his undefeated season and an opportunity to win a national championship, Adams is left with a sour taste of what could have been, and one less year to win a championship.

“I was pretty upset about it at first, but I realized I don’t have it as bad as some other guys who were seniors,” he said. “I still have two more years. The only thing I could do is train as hard as I can and prepare for next season and try and get two more titles.”

Though he may not be able to wrestle for a national championship, Adams will still bring home some hardware. On April 1, Adams was named the 2019-20 Big 12 Wrestler of the Year and he was also listed as a finalist for the Dan Hodge Trophy for the nation’s most dominant collegiate wrestler.

“I think it’s really big, not only for me and the team, but also for recruits and other people who are looking at this school,” Adams said. “Just the things that Flynn and the rest of the staff are doing are great things and if you trust the process, you’re going to do great things. It meant a lot. It’s a big thing, big step.”

Although the loss of his season is a blow to Adams, he has faced adversity before as shown by his redshirt season and following a disappointing freshmen year. Adversity makes Adams stronger and he will refocus his energy into next season where he will try to increase his unbeaten streak and earn the elusive national championship.

“My goals for the next two seasons are obviously two Big 12 titles and two nationalchampionships,” Adams said. “That’s what I’m looking for. I’m also looking for the team to start making some strides and start proving we’re going to be an elite team in a few years.”