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Trip to Ironman leads to Eagles state champion Fugitt committing to Oklahoma

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Zan Fugitt’s recent commitment to continue his wrestling career at Oklahoma actually went through Ohio.

Fugitt’s third-place finish at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, last month sparked enough interest from the Sooners’ perspective to make the Nixa junior an offer.

“They talked to me before the Ironman a little bit, but it started getting serious after the Ironman,” Fugitt said.

Upon making a visit to Oklahoma, Fugitt verbaled to the Sooners.

“I like the coaches and program at OU,” he said. “(OU coaches include) a World Team member, a national champion at Ohio State and an Olympian.”

Growing up, Fugitt never dreamed of being a Sooner.

“I was a Mizzou and Penn State fan,” he said. “I did consider Mizzou. I made unofficial visits to Mizzou and North Carolina State.”

Fugitt made his commitment after Nixa 126-pounder Peyton Moore committed to Mizzou. Fugitt felt it would have been appealing for them to remain teammates, but ultimately the Sooners won out.

“We’ll still get to dual each other and Oklahoma will get to whip up on Mizzou,” Fugit said with a laugh and with Moore standing next to him.

Oklahoma hosts No. 9-ranked Mizzou in a dual tonight.

Fugitt reported that Oklahoma coaches have told him they project him at 133.

Fugitt is 22-1 this season at 120. A state champion at 113 as a sophomore last season and a state runner-up at 106 as a freshman two years ago, he owns a career record of 109-7.

Fugitt’s lone loss this season was a 5-3 decision at the Ironman against Ben Davino, of St. Charles East (Illinois).

Fugitt’s highlights include a championship at the Kansas City Stampede.

“I’m glad we got back to those tournaments this year,” Fugitt said, referring to COVID cancelling many elite tourneys last season. “It was great to go up there and get a little redemption, after I got fifth there my freshman year.”

Looking ahead to the post-season, Fugitt anticipates a rematch at State with Seckman’s Draegen Orine. Fugitt beat Orine 5-1 at the Lafayette Invitational earlier this month.

“He was tough,” Fugitt said. “He’ll probably be my toughest competition at State.”


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