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2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships: Shane Griffith's epic comeback highlighted by battle with injuries to make semifinals

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•03/22/24•

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Michigan Athletics

Michigan’s Shane Griffith battled through a lot of adversity on his way back to the NCAA semifinals. The former national champion from Stanford defeated UNI’s Jared Simma 8-7 in a comeback victory.

Dealing with a knee injury suffered in the Big Ten semifinals two weeks ago, Griffith was clearly hobbled. However, trailing 5-0, Griffith used a few takedowns to come all the way back in the third period.

How much longer can he sustain winning this injured? As long as he possibly can.

“I think just being beat up takes a toll on anyone,” Griffith said. “It’s my last year and I’m hurting pretty bad but I didn’t want to use it as an excuse to lose. Even if I did lose I would’ve been proud of how I fought back. I think it was just about staying composed … 

“I think a lot of what Michigan has done for myself is the grind mentality. Sergio Lemley one of our freshman … that kid is a (expletive) animal. Sorry for my language … That’s something that played in the back of my mind when I said ‘if he can do it, why can’t I?’”

Griffith was asked to put a percentage on his health. He didn’t hold back, in his typical happy manner. 

“99 baby,” Griffith said.

Now, he’ll take on Penn State’s Carter Starocci in the semifinals. The three-time national champion was seeded No. 9 this year after medically defaulting out of the Big Ten Tournament.

“Yeah big man Carter,” Griffith said. “We had some opportunities to wrestle. I know he was sick during our dual meet, I was too, I stepped out there. I’m not taking anything away from him. He’s one  of the best. Three time national champ …  I know we’re both dinged up right now but we’re both trying to become national champions again.”

How to watch 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships

Fubo’s spring offer just kicked off – For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on their first month of Fubo’s Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.

Fans not in attendance for this year’s NCAA Wrestling Tournament have the option of streaming on Fubo TV. Below is how to watch across all sessions!

Dates: Friday-Saturday (March 22nd to 23rd)
Session 3: 12 p.m. ET (Friday)
Session 4: 8:00 p.m ET (Friday)
Session 5: 12:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)
Session 6: 7:00 p.m. ET (Saturday)

Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, MO)
Channel: ESPN and ESPNU
Live Stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)