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SDSU’s phenom wrestler, distinguished young women, modern health, how alcohol helps

South Dakota State University wrestling phenom Tanner Sloan graduated in May with a degree in animal science but will stay another year in Brookings for graduate school and a final year of wrestling.

The Alburnett, Iowa native was unsure if he would continue to wrestle after high school, even after winning two state titles. But a visit to SDSU cemented his decision to continue wrestling while pursuing the animal science degree.

After redshirting his freshman year, Sloan qualified for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships four times at 197 pounds. This year, he entered the tournament as a 7-seed, but he made it to the championship match and earned a silver medal. He attributes his success this year to entering the season healthy.

“This NCAA tournament had a lot of emotions, and to finish the season healthy was a huge part of my success this year,” said Sloan. “Being able to focus on getting better at wrestling and having fun versus rehab and injuries makes a big difference in mental health.”

Sloan has also represented the United States in international tournaments. In 2019 he wrestled in the U20 World Championship in Estonia, and last year he wrestled in the U23 World Championship in Pontevedra, Spain where he won the silver medal.

On the academic side, Sloan has enjoyed SDSU’s “hands-on” learning, including administering vaccines, weaning protocols, lamb checks and processing in SDSU’s Meat Lab. His graduate work will focus on interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on agriculture. He has one big goal for the remaining year of collegiate wrestling.

“My original goal as a college athlete was to become an All-American,” he said. “As I have developed as a wrestler over the past few years, I knew I was better than just an All-American, and my goals changed. I have achieved my first collegiate goal and now have my sights set on the next one of being a national champion.”

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