One of the great innovators of the sport of wrestling, 'Funky' Ben Askren pushed the limits of folkstyle scrambling during his incredible wrestling career at the University of Missouri. Askren was a four-time NCAA finalist and a two-time NCAA Champion, in 2006 and 2007 at 174-pounds, winning the Hodge Trophy in both seasons. Askren was instrumental in leading the Brian Smith-coached Tiger program to national prominence.
Funky 2.0: Keegan Levels Up
Mar 13, 2023
Keegan O'Toole had success as a youth wrestler, but it started to take a toll on him. He began to feel pressure to train hard and win from his dad and youth environment. He joined Askren Wrestling Academy, focused more on having fun and found a new passion for the sport.
He began to climb the ranks and compete at the national level in high school but continued to fall short despite being one of the best. After blowing a couple matches at the Cadet World Team Trials, Ben Askren had a talk with Keegan that changed everything.
His new perspective on the sport helped him to reach new heights in the sport including a Junior World title and NCAA title which he would have to earn after suffering a high ankle sprain early in the tournament.
