Kyle Dake delays finals series vs. Alex Dieringer due to injury

Former Oklahoma State wrestling standout Alex Dieringer will have to wait to wrestle defending World freestyle champion Kyle Dake for the 79 kilograms spot on the United States’ World team.

Dake announced Tuesday on Instagram that he has requested a delay in the best-of-three championship series to determine the spot at a later date due to injury.

“Many have speculated, and today I am announcing that I have requested a delay for the best two out of three series for the 2019 World Team. I had a freak accident happen that required surgery and kept me off the mat for some time,” Dake wrote.

We are waiting to get the details for the wrestle off date and I will keep you posted. I will continue to train as intelligently and diligently as I can towards becoming the 2019 79kg World Champion. Thank you to all my sponsors, family, and fans for their unparalleled support!”

Dake and Dieringer were scheduled to compete at Final X: Rutgers on Saturday, June 8 at Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dake, who has not competed since winning last year’s World tournament in October, has met the provisions needed within the required deadline.

V. Delays or Replacement Due to Injury or Illness

1. Only a 2018 Senior World medalist who earned an automatic berth into the final wrestle-off can request a delay of the Final Wrestle-Off for medical reasons. This request must be submitted to USA Wrestling at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled weigh-in time (no request for delay will be allowed, or granted, with less than 48 hours before weigh-in).

a. The request must be submitted in writing to the respective Sport Committee Chair for review, to include a written certification of the injury or illness from a USA Wrestling approved medical doctor. USA Wrestling’s approval of a medical doctor will not be unreasonably withheld.

b. If a certified medical doctor’s note is provided within the appropriate timeframe to support a 2018 Senior World medalist’s request for a delay, the request for a delay in competition will be granted. If a delay is granted, the National Coach and the two athletes involved shall determine the date for conducting the Final Wrestle-Off of the 2019 U.S. World Teams Trials. If an agreement cannot be reached, then the style-specific Sport Committee will determine the date and place for the Final Wrestle-Off.

The date and location of the best-of-three series between Dake and Dieringer has not been determined. USA Wrestling will announce details once they’re finalized.