USA Wrestling Adds Final X Event in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Gallagher-Iba Arena to host event to help determine senior world team lineup
Posted On: March 28, 2022 By :Final X Stillwater, part of the series that will determine the 2022 U.S. senior world teams in both men’s and women’s freestyle as well as Greco-Roman wrestling, will be held on June 3 at Gallagher-Iba Arena on the campus of Oklahoma State.
USA Wrestling made the announcement, adding the Stillwater event to Final X New York at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8.
There will be 15 weight classes contested in Stillwater — five in men’s freestyle, five in women’s freestyle and five in Greco-Roman. The top two U.S. athletes in the nation in these weight classes will compete in a best-of-three series to determine who will wrestle at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
“We are excited to bring one of wrestling’s premier events to one of the most historic venues in wrestling history,” said Rich Bender, executive director for USA Wrestling. “Gallagher-Iba Arena will provide a wonderful backdrop for America’s best and brightest wrestlers. We are grateful to stage this event alongside one of wrestling’s crown jewel properties, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honors Weekend. We are hopeful that wrestling fans from around the country will take advantage of the chance to see our sport’s current and past stars.”
Gallagher-Iba Arena, the home of Oklahoma State wrestling and basketball, was built in 1938 and underwent a major renovation in 2001. In 1989, the U.S. Olympic Festival’s wrestling competition was held at the venue and served as the Senior World Team Trials event for that season. In addition, the Senior World Team Trials was held at Gallagher-Iba Arena in 2013.
“Bringing Final X to Stillwater is a great opportunity to showcase our community and Oklahoma State’s tradition,” said John Smith, Oklahoma State wrestling coach and two-time Olympic champion. “Fans can watch the best wrestlers in the United States compete at the highest level right here in our back yard. There’s not a better place to host an event like this than Gallagher-Iba Arena and we’re excited to pair it with the Hall of Fame’s Honors Weekend.”