Cael Swensen

Swensen named to All-Rookie Team

South Dakota State’s Cael Swensen was named Wednesday to the Amateur Wrestling News 2023 All-Rookie Team.

A native of Plymouth, Minnesota, Swensen held down the starting spot at 157 pounds for the nationally ranked Jackrabbits during the 2022-23 season and finished his redshirt freshman campaign with a 24-10 overall record. Individually, Swensen climbed to as high as No. 18 in the national rankings and later qualified for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, finishing one win away from All-America honors.

Three wrestlers were selected at each weight class, with Penn State 157-pounder Levi Haines being named the Rookie of the Year.

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Wayzata’s Swensen signs with South Dakota State

After committing to South Dakota State University earlier this year, Wayzata High state wrestling champion Cael Swensen made it official recently by signing a national letter of intent.

“South Dakota State is building a great program,” Swensen said. “There are seven recruits in my [graduating] class, and five of us are ranked nationally.”

Swensen, who won the state title at 138 points last season, is not the only Minnesotan headed for South Dakota State. In addition to Swensen, who had a 52-1 record in 2019-20, the Jackrabbits have signed Forest Lake’s two-time state champion Derrick Cardinal (47-0 at 126 pounds last season) and Stillwater’s state champion Roman Rogotzke (46-4 at 182 pounds). Continue reading at hometownsource.com →