Noah Surtin medically retires from wrestling
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A sixth-year standout of the Mizzou wrestling program is hanging up his wrestling shoes for the final time.
Noah Surtin has announced that he is medically retiring from the sport of wrestling, stepping away after suiting up for his final competition at the Cougar Clash on Dec. 7 in his hometown of Edwardsville, Illinois.
"After some long talks and plenty of tears shed, I have decided to prioritize my long-term health and medically retire from the sport of wrestling," Surtin said in Friday's press release. "It's been one of the more difficult decisions and situations I've ever been through, and I'm genuinely appreciative of all the support and love that's been offered and given to me throughout the process. Wrestling has given me so much throughout my lifetime: friendships, mentors and general characteristics that have shaped the man I have become today. A huge thank you to the University of Missouri, and all of the coaching and academic staff that have been part of the journey, as Tiger Style will be ingrained in me forever."
Surtin enjoyed plenty of success over his four full seasons, wrestling in the 125-pound weight class. The four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier posted a 64-28 overall record and finished his collegiate career with 38 bonus point victories, including 20 falls, eight technical falls and 10 major decision wins. Across Surtin's four national tournament appearances, he earned five wins and recorded his best finish during the 2021-22 season, reaching the round of 12 during the event. The college wrestling veteran also clinched his highest seed in the NCAA Tournament last season, entering the event as the No. 13 seed.
"Saddened for Noah but also very proud and grateful," head coach Brian Smith said in the press release. "Noah is a remarkable young man who lived Tiger Style the right way. On and off the mat, he gave Mizzou everything he had, becoming a four-time NCAA qualifier and NWCA Scholar All-American. Noah always knew how to get the crowd on their feet. From big wins in duals to energetic celebrations, he made Hearnes erupt. We called him our spark plug, and we are so glad he chose Mizzou. It's never easy to give up something you love to do, especially when it's out of your control. Noah will use his pain and frustration to grow and become the best version of himself in his next phase of life; whether it's studying/practicing medicine or being a great husband and father. Noah will keep living it and I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes as he moves into the next phase of life."
Surtin also made the most of his time at Mizzou off the mat. He is a four-time NWCA Scholar All-American and three-time first-team academic All-Big 12 honoree. Surtin also graduated with a Bachelor's of Health Sciences degree in 2023.
