Takedown Report

Coming off First NCAA Bid, Barket Hungry for More

DURHAM, N.C.– There were plenty of moments worth remembering during Connor Barket’s 2024-25 season. The redshirt sophomore earned a top-five placement at the ACC Championship, four victories against ranked opponents and his first career appearance at the NCAA Championship last month in Philadelphia.
When recently asked to reflect on his breakout season, however, the heavyweight had only one moment in mind: wrestling on the NCAA Championship mats next season in Cleveland. “It’s hard to get my mind off of it,” said Barket. “I’ve just become obsessed with thinking about Cleveland next year and what I need to do.”
That type of obsession is what propelled Barket to one of the most successful years of wrestling in recent Duke history. After collecting 24 wins, the product of West Lafayette, Ind., now sits at fifth-place all-time in single-season wins by a Duke heavyweight. “Seeing the first weekend down at the Citadel and then all the way up to Nationals — it’s been an extremely long journey. Looking back, I can confidently say I’ve grown tremendously over the last season and even more so than I think I did last season.”
After an impressive freshman campaign in which he topped the team in wins with a 16-15 record, Barket began the year on a hot streak. He placed second at the opening Battle at the Citadel tournament, before wrestling his way to an undefeated record at the Journeymen Collegiate Classic in Pennsylvania. … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2025/5/15/wrestling-coming-off-first-ncaa-bid-barket-hungry-for-more

May 16, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized