Statement on Jacob A. Smith

March 8, 2017

West Virginia University wrestler Jacob A. Smith suffered a lower leg injury during the 197-pound finals of the 2017 Big 12 Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday. He received medical treatment from both the event staff and WVU staff at the time of the injury.

Upon the team’s arrival in Morgantown late Monday evening, Smith was examined by team orthopedic Dr. William Post. Dr. Post determined at that time that Smith would be unable to compete for the remainder of the season.

As the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee met prior to his appointment with the WVU medical staff, Smith was announced on Tuesday as part of the field for the 2017 Division I Wrestling Championships after receiving an automatic bid as the Big 12 runner-up. He will withdraw from the event due to injury.

“We would like to thank the Big 12 medical staff as well as our medical staff for their professionalism in handling the situation,” said WVU coach Sammie Henson. “We are saddened that Jake will not be able to represent West Virginia and cap off an exceptional season on the national scene.”

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