Tuesday, September 30, 2014

College Wrestling Championships Sportsmanship Award

College wrestling tournament "Sportsmanship Award"

I have always wanted all college Wrestling championships to have an Sportsmanship award, handed out to the wrestler at the end of the championships that a committee of voters feel has shown the most class and sportsmanship overall at the tournament/season.   I hope one day to be in a position of power to be able to implement this idea into the championships. 

Since 2002 I have been keeping a tally of who I would have awarded the "Sportsmanship" award to had their been one.   I did not attend the 2011 or 2012 NCAA tournament, so I wasn't able to observe who I would give the award to. Also wasn't at 16 or 17. 

Here are the "winners"

02: Otto Olson of Michigan
03: Aaron Holker of Iowa State
04: Travis Shufelt of Nebraska
05: Sam Hazewinkle of Oklahoma
06: Ron Tarquinio of Pittsburgh
07: Brandon Precin of Northwestern
08: Jake Herbert of Northwestern
09: Quentin Wright of Penn State
10: Hudson Taylor of Maryland
13: Jesse Dong of Virginia Tech
14: Adam Chalfant of Indiana
15: A.J. Schopp of Edinboro
18: Nathan Tomasello of Ohio State
19: Matt Voss of George Mason 
22: Stevan Micic of Michigan 
23: Christian Small Lake Erie 
24: Ryan DeVivo Johnson & Wales

2015 Pre-Season NCAA All American Predictions


Pre-Season All American Predictions

*NOTE* - These are not rankings, they are predictions.   Based on last year’s results, intuition and gut feelings, J

 

125
1.  Nico Megaludis senior Penn State
2.  Jesse Delgado senior Illinois
3. Nahshon Garrett junior Cornell
4.  Alan Waters senior Missouri
5.  Joey Dance sophomore Virginia Tech
6.  Josh Martinez junior Air Force
7. Tyler Cox senior Wyoming
8. David Terao sophomore American
R12 Dylan Peters sophomore Northern Iowa
R12 Thomas Gilman sophomore Iowa
R12 Darion Cruz sophomore Lehigh
R12 Earl Hall sophomore Iowa State

133
1.  Johnni DiJulius junior Ohio State
2. A.J Schopp senior Edinboro
3. Cody Brewer junior Oklahoma
4. Mason Beckman junior Lehigh
5. Cory Clark sophomore Iowa
6. Nick Soto senior Chattanooga
7. Mark Grey sophomore Cornell
8. Levi Wolfensperger senior Northern Iowa
R12 Zane Richards junior Illinois
R12 Geoff Alexander sophomore Maryland
R12 Rossi Bruno junior Michigan
R12 Jordan Conaway senior Penn State



 

 

 

 
141
1. Logan Stieber senior Ohio State
2. Mitchell Port senior Edinboro
3. Zain Retherford sophomore Penn State
4. Devin Carter senior Virginia Tech
5.  Stephen Dutton senior Michigan
6.  Josh Dziewa senior Iowa
7.  Chris Dardanes senior Minnesota
8. Richard Durso senior Franklin and Marshall
R12 Zach Horan junior Central Michigan
R12 Chris Mecate junior Old Dominion
R12 Todd Preston senior Harvard
R12 Anthony Collica sophomore Oklahoma State

149
1. Jake Sueflohn senior Nebraska
2. Chris Villalonga senior Cornell
3. David Habat senior Edinboro
4. Nick Dardanes senior Minnesota
5.  Jason Tsirtsis sophomore Northwestern
6. Drake Houdashelt senior Missouri
7. Hunter Steiber junior Ohio State
8.  Josh Kindig senior Oklahoma State
R12 Gus Sako senior Virginia
R12 Brody Grothus sophomore Iowa
R12 Mark DePalma junior Kent State
R12 Caleb Ervin junior Illinois

157
1.  Dylan Ness senior Minnesota
2.  James Green senior Nebraska
3. Ian Miller junior Kent State
4. Brian Realbuto sophomore Cornell
5. Max Schneider sophomore Cal Poly
6. Isaac Jordan sophomore Wisconsin
7.  Nick Brascetta junior Virginia Tech
8.  Josh Demas junior Ohio State
R12 Mitch Minotti sophomore Lehigh
R12 Anthony Perrotti junior Rutgers
R12 Spartak Chino junior Ohio
R12 Brian Murphy sophomore Michigan

165
1. Alex Deiringer junior Oklahoma State
2.  Michael Moreno senior Iowa State
3. Nick Sulzer senior Virginia
4. Cory Mock senior Chattanooga
5. Taylor Walsh senior Indiana
6.  Bo Jordan freshman Ohio State
7.  Nick Moore senior Iowa
8.  Pierce Harger senior Northwestern
R12 Dylan Palacio sophomore Cornell
R12 Chris Moon junior Virginia Tech
R12 Cooper Moore sophomore Northern Iowa
R12 Jim Wilson sophomore Stanford

174
1. Mike Evans senior Iowa
2. Robert Kokesh senior Nebraska
3. Logan Storley senior Minnesota
4. Matt Brown senior Penn State
5. Tanner Weatherman senior Iowa State
6. Matt Wilps senior Pittsburgh
7. Cody Walters junior Ohio
8. Bryce Hammond senior Cal State Bakersfield
R12 Mike Ottinger senior Central Michigan
R12 Matt Miller junior Navy
R12 Elliott Riddick sophomore Lehigh
R12 Mark Martin junior Ohio State

184
1. Gabe Dean sophomore Cornell
2. Jack Dechow sophomore Old Dominion
3. Dominic Abounader sophomore Michigan
4.  Max Thomusseitt senior Pittsburgh
5.  Lorenzo Thomas junior Penn
6.  Opher Bernstein junior Brown
7.  Jon Rizqallah senior Michigan State
8.  Vic Avery junior Edinboro
R12 Kenny Courts junior Ohio State
R12 Ben Pfarr sophomore Minnesota
R12 Sammy Brooks junior Iowa
R12 Blake Stauffer junior Arizona State

197
1. Taylor Meeks senior Oregon State
2. Kyven Gadson senior Iowa State
3.  Scott Schiller senior Minnesota
4.  J’Den Cox sophomore Missouri
5. Connor Hartmann junior Duke
6.  Braden Atwood senior Purdue
7.  Phil Wellington junior Ohio
8.  Nathan Burak junior Iowa
R12 Morgan McIntosh junior Penn State
R12 Anthony Polizzi senior Northwestern
R12 James Fox senior Harvard
R12 Bryce Barnes junior Army

HWT
1.  Mike McMullan senior Northwestern
2.  Adam Coon sophomore Michigan
3.  Nick Gwiazdowski junior North Carolina State
4. Spencer Myers senior Maryland
5.  Bobby Telford senior Iowa
6.  Connor Medberry junior Wisconsin
7.  Joe Stolfi senior Bucknell
8.  Ty Walz junior Virginia Tech
R12 Austen Marsden junior Oklahoma State
R12 Will Smith junior Rutgers
R12 Amaveer Dhesi sophomore Oregon State
R12 Nathan Tavanello sophomore Ohio State

Monday, September 22, 2014

Every Current Collegiate Wrestling Program

Current College Wrestling Programs (As of 2014)


College Wrestling Programs in Each State
Alaska -0
Delaware – 0
Louisiana -0
Mississippi -0 
Nevada - 0 
Hawaii - 0
Florida - 1

Alabama – 1
Maine – 1
New Mexico – 1
Vermont – 1
Utah – 1
Washington – 1
British Columbia -1
District of Columbia – 1
Texas – 1
Idaho – 2
Montana -2
New Hampshire -2
Arizona – 3
Tennessee – 3
Wyoming – 3
Kentucky - 4
Rhode Island - 4
South Dakota – 4
Maryland – 4
Connecticut - 4
South Carolina -5
Georgia -5
North Dakota – 5
Arkansas - 6
Oklahoma - 6
Oregon -6
West Virginia -7 
Colorado – 7
Nebraska – 7
Michigan- 8
Indiana - 8
Massachusetts - 8 
Virginia – 8 
New Jersey - 9
Missouri – 9
North Carolina - 10 
Kansas - 11
Wisconsin – 12
Minnesota – 14
Illinois - 15
Ohio - 17
New York – 23
Iowa – 24
California – 26
Pennsylvania - 35

Alabama - 1
Huntingdon (DIII)


Alaska – 0 

Arizona - 3
Embry Riddle (NAIA)
Grand Canyon (DI)
Arizona State (DI)



Arkansas -6
Arkansas Baptist (NJCAA)
Central Baptist (NAIA)
Lyon College (NAIA)
William Baptist (NAIA)
Ouachita Baptist (NAIA)
Ozarks (NAIA) 


California -26
Shasta (CCC)
Sacramento (CCC)
Santa Ana (CCC)
Skyline (CCC)
San Joaquin Delta (CCC)
Rio Honda (CCC)
West Hills Lemoore (CCC)
Mount San Antonio (CC)
Cuesta (CCC)
Santa Rosa (CCC)
Palomar (CCC)
East Los Angeles (CCC)
Chabot (CCC)
Cerritos (CCC)
Fresno City (CCC)
Sierra (CCC)
Bakersfield College (CCC)
Victor Valley (CCC)
Modesto (CCC)
Lassen (CCC)
Menlo (NAIA)
Cal Baptist (DII)
San Francisco State (DII)
Cal State Bakersfield (DI)
Cal Poly (DI)
Stanford (DI)


Colorado-7
Colorado Mesa (DII)
Colorado School of Mines (DII)
Colorado State Pueblo (DII)
Western State Colorado (DII)
Adams State (DII)
Northern Colorado (DI)
Air Force (DI)


Connecticut-4
Wesleyan Connecticut (DIII)
Trinity (DIII)
U.S. Coast Guard (DIII)
Sacred Heart (DI)


Delaware -0

Florida-1Southeastern (NAIA)

Georgia-5
Darton (NJCAA)
Truett-McConnel (NAIA)
Life (NAIA)
Brewerton Parker (NAIA)
Shorter (DII)

Idaho-2
North Idaho (NJCAA)
Boise State (DI)
Illinois-15
Triton (NJCAA)
Lincoln (NJCAA)
Harper (NJCAA)
Wabubonsee (NJCAA)
Wheaton (DIII)
Augustana (DIII)
Elmhurst (DIII)
North Central (DIII)
Knox (DIII)
Chicago (DIII)
McKendree (DII)
Northern Illinois (DI)
Illinois (DI)
SI-Edwardsville (DI)
Northwestern (DI)


Indiana-8
Indiana Institute of Tech (NAIA)
Calumet City of St. Joseph (NAIA)
Trine (DIII)
Wabash (DIII)
Manchester (DIII)
Indianapolis (DII)
Purdue (DI)
Indiana (DI)
Iowa-24
Iowa Central (NJCAA)
Iowa Lakes (NJCAA)
North Iowa Community (NJCAA)
Iowa Western (NJCAA)
Ellsworth (NJCAA)
William Penn (NAIA)
Grand View (NAIA)
Waldorf (NAIA)
Northwestern (NAIA)
Briar Cliff (NAIA)
Morningside (NAIA)
Luther (DIII)
Wartburg (DIII)
Loras (DIII)
Dubuque (DIII)
Simpson (DIII)
Central (DIII)
Coe (DIII)
Cornell (DIII)
Buena Vista (DIII)
Upper Iowa (DII)
Northern Iowa (DI)
Iowa State (DI)
Iowa (DI)


Kansas-11
Labette (NJCAA)
Pratt (NJCAA)
Colby (NJCAA)
Neosho County (NJCAA)
Northwest Kansas Tech (NJCAA)
Bethany (NAIA)
Baker (NAIA)
Ottawa (NAIA)
Benedictine (NAIA)
Newman (DII)
Fort Hayes State (DII)



Kentucky-4
Lindsey Wilson (NAIA)
Cumberlands (NAIA)
St. Catherine (NAIA)
Cambellsville (NAIA)


Louisiana-0

Maine-1
Southern Maine (DIII)

Maryland-4
John Hopkins (DIII)
McDaniel (DIII)
Maryland (DI)
Navy (DI)


Massachusetts-8
Springfield Tech (NJCAA)
Springfield (DIII)
Bridgewater State (DIII)
Worcester Poly (DIII)
Western New England (DIII)
Williams (DIII)
American International (DII)
Harvard (DI)
Michigan-8
Muskegon (NJCAA)
Alma (DIII)
Oliviet (DIII)
Adrian (DIII)
Eastern Michigan (DI)
Michigan (DI)
Michigan State (DI)
Central Michigan (DI)


Minnesota-14
Rochester Tech (NJCAA)
Itasca (NJCAA)
Ridge Water (NJCAA)
Minnesota West tech (NJCAA)
Northland Tech (NJCAA)
Concordia (NAIA)
Augsburg (DIII)
St. Olaf (DIII)
St. Johns (DIII)
St. Cloud State (DII)
Minnesota State Mankato (DII)
Minnesota State Moorhead (DII)
Southwest Minnesota (DII)
Minnesota (DI)

Mississippi-0

Missouri-10
Wentworth Military (NJCAA)
Missouri Valley (NAIA)
Hannibal-LaGrange (NAIA)
Missouri Baptist (NAIA)
Lindenwood (DII)
Maryville St Louis (DII)
Central Missouri (DII)
Truman State (DII)
Missouri (DI)


Montana-2
Great Falls (NAIA)
Montana State Northern (NAIA)
Nebraska-7
Hastings (NAIA)
Midland (NAIA)
Concordia (NAIA)
York (NAIA)
NebraskaKearney (DII)
Chatron State (DII)
Nebraska (DI)


New Hampshire-2
Plymouth (DIII)
Daniel Webster (DIII)

New Jersey-9
Middlesex County (NJCAA)
Bergen (NJCAA)

Glousester (NJCAA)
Stevens Institute of Tech (DIII)
College of New Jersey (DIII)
Centenary (DIII)
Rider (DI)
Princeton (DI)
Rutgers (DI)


New Mexico-1
New Mexico Highlands (DII)
New York-23
Army (DI)
Columbia (DI)
Hofstra (DI)
Cornell (DI)
Buffalo (DI)
Binghamton (DI)
Long Island (DII)
Mount St. Vincent (DIII)
Rochester Institute of Tech (DIII)
SUNY Alfred (DIII)
New York U (DIII)
SUNY Oneonta (DIII)
Yeshiva (DIII)
Hunter (DIII)
USMMA (DIII)
Ithaca (DIII)
SUNY Cortland (DIII)
SUNY Brockport (DIII)
Sullivan Community (NJCAA)
Nassau (NJCAA)
Niagara County (NJCAA)
Jamestown Community (NJCAA)
SUNY Oswego (DIII)

North Carolina-10
St Andrews (NAIA)
Belmony Abbey (DII)
Pembroke (DII)
Appalachian State (DI)
Campbell (DI)
Gardner Webb (DI)
Davidson (DI)
North Carolina (DI)
North Carolina State (DI)
Duke (DI)


North Dakota-5
Dickinson State (NAIA)
Jamestown (NAIA)
Mary (DII)
Minot State (DII)
North Dakota State (DI)

Ohio -17
Heidlberg (DIII)
John Carroll (DIII)
Mount St Joseph (DIII)
Baldwin (DIII)
Case Western Reserve (DIII)
Mount Union (DIII)
Muskingum (DIII)
Ohio Northern (DIII)
Notre Dame (DII)
Findlay (DII)
Lake Erie (DII)
Tiffin (DII)
Ashland (DII)
Cleveland State (DI)
Ohio (DI)
Ohio State (DI)
Kent State (DI)

Oklahoma-6
Northeast Oklahoma A&M (NJCAA)
Bacone (NAIA)
Oklahoma City (NAIA)
Central Oklahoma (DII)
Oklahoma State (DI)
Oklahoma (DI)
Oregon-6
Clackamas (NJCAA)
Southwest Oregon (NJCAA)
Southern Oregon (NAIA)
Warner Pacific (NAIA)
Pacific (DIII)
Oregon State (DI)

Pennsylvania-35
Thaddeus Stevens (NJCAA)
Mercyhurst (NJCAA)
Messiah (DIII)
Elizabethtown (DIII)
Scranton (DIII)
Waynesburg (DIII)
Wilkes (DIII)
Lycoming (DIII)
Thiel (DIII)
Delaware Valley (DIII)
Ursinus (DIII)
Gettysburg (DIII)
Kings (DIII)
Muhlenberg (DIII)
Delaware Valley (DIII)
Washington and Jefferson (DIII)
Pittsburgh-Johnstown (DII)
Mercyhurst (DII)
Seton Hill (DII)
Gannon (DII)
East Stroudsburg (DII)
Millersville (DII)
Shippensburg (DII)
Kutztown (DII)
Franklin and Marshall (DI)
Edinboro (DI)
Bloomsburg (DI)
Lock Haven (DI)
Clarion (DI)
Drexel (DI)
Lehigh (DI)
Bucknell (DI)
Pennsylvania (DI)
Penn State (DI)
Pittsburgh (DI)


Rhode Island-4

Rhode Island College (DIII)
Johnson and Wales (DIII)
Rogers Williams (DIII)
Brown (DI)


South Carolina-5
Spartansburg (NJCAA)
Limestone (DII)
Anderson (DII)
Newberry (DII)
Citadel (DI)



South Dakota-4
Dakota Wesleyan (NAIA)
Augustana (DII)
Northern State (DII)
South Dakota State (DI)
Tennessee-3
Cumberland (NAIA)
King (DII)
Chattanooga (DI)


Texas-1
Wayland Baptist (NAIA)


Utah-1
Utah Valley (DI)

Vermont-1
Norwich (DIII)

Virginia-8
Southern Virginia (DIII)
Washington and Lee (DIII)
Ferrum (DIII)
George Mason (DI)
Old Dominion (DI)
VMI (DI)
Virginia Tech (DI)
Virginia (DI)

Washington-1
Highline (NJCAA)


West Virginia-7
West Virginia Tech (NAIA)
Wheeling Jesuit (DIII)
Ohio Valley (DII)
Alderson-Broaddus (DII)
West Liberty (DII)
Ohio Valley (DII) 
West Virginia (DI)


Wisconsin -12
Milwaukee School of Engineering (DIII)
Whitewater (DIII)
Stevens Point (DIII)
Concordia (DIII)
Eau-Claire (DIII)
Lakeland (DIII)
Oshkosh (DIII)
LaCrosse (DIII)
Maranatha Baptist Bible (DIII)
Platteville (DIII)
Parkside (DII)
Wisconsin (DI)

Wyoming-3
Northwest (NJCAA)

Western Wyoming (NJCAA)
Wyoming (DI)

D.C.-1
American (DI)

British Columbia (Canada) - 1
Simon Fraser (DII)


States Without Collegiate Wrestling

Getting College Wrestling in States without College wrestling


I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Alabama will field a varsity wrestling team this upcoming season. I think this is a huge step for the sport of wrestling and it feels good to erase a state from the list states that do not have varsity college wrestling opportunities. That's the good news. 

The bad news is, we still have 7 states that currently have no collegiate wrestling opportunities. These states include, Alaska, Mississippi, Hawaii, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana and Nevada. 

Alaska and Hawaii are going to be damn near impossible, simply because of Geography. How colleges in Hawaii manage to have any varsity sports at all is incredible. Travel, pretty much writes off these two states. 

I hate to be pessimistic but I just don't see Mississippi coming on board anytime soon. It is still the only state that has yet to sanction high school wrestling. I know Tyron Woodley has done some work generating interest in the state, as have others. Hopefully things change.

That leaves us with four States, Florida, Louisiana, Delaware and Nevada. 

Florida - I think Florida is best approached from the NJCAA level. If we could get wrestling started at a good number of the many junior colleges in Florida, I think that could grow into the NAIA and DII schools of Florida adding wrestling as well. Think about it. Let's say that ASA Miami, Eastern Florida State College, Gulf Coast State, Indian River State, Lake Sumter, Palm Beach State, Pensacola state, Polk State, Seminole State, St Johns River State, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee Community College all add wrestling that is 13 NJCAA schools that can all compete against one another within doable travel distance. This could lead to the Division II schools of Barry, Eckerd, Flagler, Lynn, Rollins, Tampa and West Florida as well as the NAIA schools of Florida Memorial and Southeastern University all adding wrestling as well. A major concern of adding wrestling in Florida is the travel distance. With 7 DII schools all having wrestling programs, there is a large chunk of the schedule right there. The NAIA programs could wrestle against the nearby NAIA schools in Georgia. No reason Florida shouldn't have wrestling opportunities. 

Louisiana - Much like Arkansas, Kentucky and Georgia have been, Louisiana needs to be hit hard from the NAIA level. Dillard, LSU-Shreveport, Loyola, Southeastern University of New Orleans and Xavier are all NAIA schools within relatively close distance to one another. Plus add in LSU-Alexandria as well. This could lead to NJCAA schools of Baton Rouge, Delgado Community College and Southeastern University to add as well. Maybe even a slight chance at getting DIII's Centaury of Louisiana and Louisiana College to add too. 

Delaware - Based on the state itself, it seems a bit more challenging, but it's not all that far from New Jersey, Virginia or Pennsylvania. If the Tech colleges in Owens, Stanton and Terry were to add programs, that would mean 3 NJCAA opportunities. DIII wrestling is rich in the surrounding states, so if Wesley were to add wrestling, I think they could do their schedule with relative ease. Wilmington would be a good addition to DII. 

Nevada - Nevada seems like the toughest challenge, but still one that should be approached. what makes Nevada hard to tackle is that it has no DIII schools, no DII Schools and no NAIA schools. This posses a problem. On top of that it only has two NJCAA schools in Western Nevada College and College of Southern Nevada. Not sure if the locations of these schools would be fit to compete against schools in the California Community College system or not. Sure would like to see wrestling in Nevada though. 

A BIG 10 Preseason Preview

125 - The 125 lbs weight class in the BIG 10 is going to be lead by seniors Jesse Delgado of Illinois and Nico Megaludis of Penn State, as Delgado goes for this third BIG 10 title and Megaludis for his first, in their highly decorated careers.  Iowa sophomore Cory Clark who already has a victory of Delgado, could possibly knock off either one or both for a BIG 10 title.   Look for Wisconsin sophomore Ryan Taylor, who has a victory over Clark, to make some noise this upcoming year as well.   Rounding out the weight class is NCAA qualifiers, Tim Lambert of Nebraska, Connor Youtsey of Michigan and Joey Duca of Indiana.  While he did not qualify for last year's NCAA championships,  sophomore Sam Brancale of Minnesota proved just how dangerous he can be when he stuck Clark during a duel meet in Iowa City. 

133 - Graduation has certainly made this weight class more up for grabs and as of right now it looks to be as if Iowa sophomore Thomas Gilman, who sat behind Clark and Ramos last season, could be the forerunner.  I believe that Ohio State's talented, but often inconsistent Johnni DiJulius could have something to say about that too though.  DiJulius had two rather decisive wins over Northern Iowa's Joe Colon who finished third last year and he could very well be a darkhorse national champion.  Maryland returns Geoff Alexander off of a redshirt, as Penn State has either senior Jordan Conaway or sophomore Jimmy Gulibon either of which can come in and do some damage.   The weight class rounds off with Michigan's Rossi Bruno, Northwestern's Dom Malone,  Illinois's Zane Richards and Rutgers Vinne Dellafave.  Although he didn't see any varsity action last year, Nebraska's Eric Montoya a transfer from Campbell, could possibly open up some eyes this year as well. 

141 - Head and heels above the rest, a God among men, will be three time BIG 10 and NCAA champion Logan Stieber.   Wrestling is as much known for it's heartbreak as it is it's triumph however and looking to ruin the moment for Stieber is Penn State sophomore Zain Retherford.  Retherford not only had a phenomenal season last year as a true freshman, finishing fourth at the NCAA's, but he also did the unthinkable when he defeated Stieber in a duel meet.   Look for Chris Dardanes of Minnesota, to perhaps shock the wrestling world by not even giving Retherford a chance to face Stieber in the finals.    Rounding out this weight class will be All American Stephen Dutton of Michigan, and NCAA qualifier Josh Dziewa of Iowa.   With Rutgers coming into the BIG 10 it'll be interesting to see exactly where Anthony Ashnault finishes among his contemporaries.  Although he didn't qualify last season,  Wisconsin's Jesse Theilke is one of the most dangerous throwers in NCAA wrestling today.  One wrong move and before you know it, Theilke has you on your back.  

149 - Definitely an extremely tough and interesting weight class, 149 seems to be in the clutches of returning NCAA champion Jason Tsirtsis of Northwestern.  However, the weight class has proven to have an ample amount of parity and their are a number of individuals who could take the crown here.   Many wrestling fans conclude Nebraska senior Jake Sueflohn to perhaps be the best wrestler going into the 2014-2015 season who has yet to make All American.  He can beat anyone at his weight class.   Also look for Nick Dardanes of Minnesota to throw a wrench into things and as always Hunter Stieber will be gunning for the title as well.   Lastly I'll say that what makes this weight class so interesting is that we also have three individuals who could also make a run for the title, who didn't even qualify for the NCAA last season.   Iowa fans have put a ton of faith into Brody Grothus, who has multiple wins over All Americans and qualifiers, despite not qualifying himself.   Penn State fans are hopeful to finally get out of Andrew Alton what they've been hoping for since his freshman season and if you want to talk about a plausible sleeper, look no further than Illinois's Caleb Ervin.    Wisconsin's T.J. Ruschell could possibly throw in an upset or two as well. 

157 - Without a doubt this is the toughest weight class in the BIG 10.   Matter of fact, I'll go as far as to say that anyone finishing in the top eight in this weight class, has as much ability and predictability to finish as an All American at the NCAA tournament, as does anyone.   That is how tough this weight class is.    First the weight class returns NCAA finalist, Dylan Ness of Minnesota and last year's BIG 10 champion and NCAA third place finisher James Green of Nebraska.   All American Anthony Perrotti of Rutgers makes his way into the BIG 10 as well, after wrestling in the EIWA the last two seasons.   Indiana's Taylor Walsh, who led the nation in falls last year, could headlock his way to a title as well.   What I'm really interested to see here is the return of Ohio State's Josh Demas, who always gave Iowa's Derek St. John a lot of trouble and how a healthy Brian Murphy of Michigan will do.   The biggest question here, is without a doubt Penn State's Dylan Alton.   After an extremely successful freshman campaign which saw third place finishes at both the BIG 10 tournament and NCAA tournament, as well as victories over James Green, he has had less than stellar, very disappointing seasons as a sophomore and junior.   If he is on, and wrestling to his full potential, he'll be a serious threat for a BIG 10 title.   Not sure if Iowa will place Mike Kelly or Aaron Sorenson here and look for possible qualification out of Michigan State's Ryan Watts and Illinois's Zac Bunson. 

165 - Polar opposite of 149 and 157, is 165, which looks to be the weakest out of the BIG 10 weights.   I'd like to go ahead and pencil in Iowa senior Nick Moore as the 2015 champion, but while he has proven his ability to beat anyone during the regular season, he has thus far disappointed in the post.   Ohio State fans, already are picking Bo Jordan to perhaps be freshman of the year, and I'm sure that Michigan fans aren't to happy that too many critics are over looking the ability of Taylor Massa.  Illinois's Jackson Morse looks to be the sleeper in this weight class, and the Minnesota faithful have confidence in Chris Pfarr. 

174 - Four individuals in this weight class, each of which are about dead tied with the other in terms of head to head competition amongst one another.   Nebraska's Robert Kokesh looks to defend his title but Penn State's Matt Brown who won the title two years ago as a sophomore, would like to add another one to his resume as well.   Perhaps it won't be either one of them though, as Iowa's Mike Evans and Minnesota's Logan Storley both look to be crowned king of the BIG 10 as well.    The weight class really drops off after the top four here though,  and fifth through eighth place are really up for grabs.   Among those in contention will be Wisconsin's Scott Liegel, Purdue's Pat Kissel, Ohio State's Mark Martin and Michigan's Collin Zeerip. 

184 - Michigan sophomore Dominic Abounader who finished a very impressive third at last year's BIG 10 tournament, looks poised to win his first of what could be three BIG 10 titles this season.  While it may not seem so as of today based on prior results,  challenging him for the title could very well be Michigan State's John Rizqallah who in spite of his inconsistency has proven his ability to beat top tier competition before.   The BIG 10 gives out medals for the top three wrestlers per weight class, and the fight for the third place bronze medal will be interesting as well.   It could be Ohio State's Kenny Courts, Iowa's Sammy Brooks, Indiana's Luke Sheridan or Nebraska's T.J. Dudley.  

197 - Minnesota senior Scott Schiller has earned his right as the clear favorite and I don't see anyone knocking him off for a BIG 10 title.   I can already hear Ohio State fan's in my ear going on and on about how good Kyle Snyder is going to be this year, but I'll have to actually see him actually defeat Schiller on the mat before I just go ahead and believe it.   Rumors like to circulate in the wrestling world like they do anywhere else, and from what I've heard there is a possibility we could see former Ohio State Buckeye Andrew Campolattano in a Rutger's singlet this season.    Iowa fan's sure would like to see Nathan Burak step it up a notch, and while I see him as a possible finalist, I do not see him taking Schiller for the title.   I tell you who I will grant a slight dark horse's chance to though and that is Purdue's Braden Atwood.  Rounding out this weight class is the continuously improving Alex Polizzi and Timmy McCall of Wisconsin. 

HWT - Northwestern's Mike McMullan will go into the season ranked #1 in the BIG 10 and most likely #2 in the NCAA, but don't kid yourself, he hasn't walked away with the 2015 HWT BIG 10 championship yet.  Michigan sophomore Adam Coon, who looked extremely promising as a potential BIG 10 and NCAA champion last year during the regular season, completely fell apart at the BIG 10 tournament and finished one match shy of All American honors at the NCAA tournament.   Look for the MichCoon Redemption as I don't think he'll ever let that happen to him again and he'll be making runs for titles at every tournament he enters from here on out.   Also looking for his first BIG 10 title will be Iowa's Bobby Telford and coming to the BIG 10 for the first time from the ACC Maryland's Spencer Myers.   Penn State senior Jon Gingrich has shown his worth to the Nittany Lion wrestling program on more than one occasion with his ability to upset higher ranked opponents.  He's done it before, he'll do it again.   Lastly look for possible upsets out of Wisconsin's Connor Medberry, Rutger's Will Smith and Ohio State's Nathan Tavanello. 

I see Iowa being the team to beat in the BIG 10 and while it may tick off a lot of Penn State fans,  I see Minnesota and Ohio State giving the Hawkeyes more of a challenge for that team title than I do the Nittany Lions.   Those in the know, already have Nebraska penciled in as a dark horse team that could take the BIG 10 title.   I personally look for Michigan to surprise everyone and finish as high as third.    I don't see either Rutgers or Maryland making much noise in their first year in the BIG 10, but perhaps they could finally give Michigan State an opportunity to finish something other than dead last for once. 

A quick look at the Individual Forerunners for 2015

125 lbs

The Forerunners -Jesse Delgado Illinois, Nico Megaludis Penn State and Nahshon Garrett Cornell 
Illini senior Delgado looks to end his illustrious career with a third NCAA title, but going head to head with him will be fellow senior Megaludis, who has thus finished 2nd-2nd-3rd  during his campaign as a Nittany Lion. The two have split back and forth, each having wins over the other. Not far behind either of them will be Garrett who after finishing 3rd-2nd thus far in his career, hopes to add what will be one of two NCAA titles to his resume. 

Darkhorses Joey Dance Virginia Tech, Alan Waters Missouri and Thomas Gilman Iowa 

It's hard to believe that as well as he wrestled last season, that Dance was only a year removed from high school. As a true freshman, he finished 4th in the nation. If he was that good as a true freshman, it's plausible to imagine he'll be even better this year as a sophomore. Perhaps he'll be good enough to contend with Delgado, Megaludis and Garrett. 

More of a question mark than Dance, will be Missouri's Alan Waters who will be finishing up his career this year for the Tigers after redshirting this past season. Waters could prove within due time to be NCAA champion material. 

Lastly, Hawkeye sophomore Gilman could pose a threat to the NCAA crown as well as he has proved his ability to defeat top competition in the past. 

MY PICK: Nico Megaludis Penn State - He's been in the kingdom, and he's worn everything but the crown. They say it's very difficult to do something three times in a row, and I think Delgado will have to settle for the silver or bronze medal this year, as Megaludis takes the gold. I think he's too technical and reactive for Garrett and I don't see Dance, Gilman or Waters giving him any trouble come do or die time either. 

133lbs

The Forerunners - A.J. Schopp Edinboro 

At the time being Schopp looks to add an individual NCAA crown as a part of the FightingScotts hopes for a top four NCAA team finish. He looks unstoppable and unbeatable onpaper at the time being, putting him a notch above the rest. 

Darkhorses - Cody Brewer Oklahoma, Mason Beckman Lehigh, Johnni DiJulius and Cory Clark Iowa 

Brewer has steadily improved each year during his time thus far as a sooner. The two time All American proved his ability more than once during his career to defeat opponents that he has previously lost to. He's a quick and dangerous wrestler who could give Schopp some fits this season. 

Beckman at the current time is ranked 2nd under Amateur Wrestling Newsmagazine's (AWN) current rankings, after finishing 6th in the nation last year. I don't see him holding that ranking throughout the season, as I believe he'll be vulnerable to lose a couple of matches here and there. However, I dare not count him out in his abilities to be an NCAA champion. 

DiJulius is perhaps the most unpredictable, thus dangerous wrestler at this weight class. When on, as he proved last season with wins over Northern Iowa's Joe Colon, he has the skills to beat anyone. Yet, when off, he also has the opportunity to be beaten by anyone. 

Clark most certainly showed promise of an NCAA title at 125 lbs and it'll only be a matter of time before the Hawkeye sophomore proves the same at 133. 

MY PICK: Johnni DiJulius Ohio State - As a rather big fan of Brewer's I'd love to see him atop the award stand this year, but I have a gut feeling that it'll be DiJulius who takes the Division I wrestling world by storm this season. After a disappointing BIG 10 andNCAA tournament last season, I see the Buckeye junior perhaps even going undefeated this season. At the current time he is ranked 7th by AWN. 

141

The Forerunners - Logan Stieber Ohio State

Stieber, need I say more? The Buckeye senior looks to become only the fourth four time NCAA champion in the history of NCAA Division I wrestling this season. The chances of anyone keeping him from this feat are slim to none. He's one of the all time greatest wrestlers that has ever graced the mat and most likely will walk off the mat crowned champion at the end of the year. 

Darkhorses Mitchel Port Edinboro and Zain Retherford Penn State 

If there is anyone that can do the impossible and knock Stieber off his throne it is Fighting Scott senior Port. Port will show Stieber no respect and go after him with a license to kill. As one of the most exciting and exhilarating wrestlers in Division I wrestling today, look for Port to be Stieber's biggest concern. 

Retherford has already proved his ability to defeat Stieber as he caught the Buckeye off guard during a duel meet and upset him. While I don't see Stieber allowing this to happen again, I won't count it out as a possibility. 

MY PICK: Logan Stieber Ohio State - I just don't see anyone keeping Stieber from winning four NCAA titles this season. If anyone is going to do it though, I hope that it is Port. I don't see that happening though. 

149 lbs 

The Forerunners - Jason Tsirtsis Northwestern, Josh Kindig Oklahoma State, Hunter Stieber Ohio State, David Habat Edinboro and Drake Houdashelt Missouri 

The 149 lbs weight class is one of the most competitive weight classes in NCAA Division I wrestling this upcoming season. Even though sophomore Tsirtsis returns as the champion, I don't count his chances of repeating any greater than the other four men listed alongside him. The parity at this weight class is unreal and those listed as the forerunners aren't the only ones capable of winning this year's championships at 149 lbs. 

Darkhorses - Chris Villalonga Cornell and Jake Sueflohn Nebraska 

It's rather ironic that two of the very best wrestlers in the nation, going into their senior year, who have yet to be crowned All Americans would be in the same weight class, but they are. Both Villalonga and Sueflohn has proven their ability to beat anyone and be NCAA champions. While even getting on the podium has eluded them thus far throughout their careers, I have no doubt that both will be on the podium this year and that the very top of it is a very realistic possibility for either. 

MY PICK: Jake Sueflohn Nebraska - Thinking back over the years, I am reminded of Ben Cherrington of Boise State every time I see Sueflohn. A wrestler who after finishing shy of All American status a couple of times during his career, ended it with an undefeated season and an NCAA title. I don't see Sueflohn going undefeated as 149 lbs is just too competitive of a weight class for that, but I do see him wrestling as he is capable and winning both a BIG 10 and NCAA crown at the end of the year. 


157 lbs

Forerunners - Dylan Ness Minnesota - James Green Nebraska - Ian Miller Kent State - Brian Realbuto Cornell 

Golden Gopher fans would like me to erase the other three names above, pointing out Ness's fall over Green at last year's NCAA championships and Husker fans would like me to erase the other three names, pointing out that Ness's fall over Green was a "fluke" and that Green defeated him 7-3 with three takedowns at the BIG 10's. Nevertheless I keep all four names above as forerunners for the simple fact that neither Ness nor Green has had much luck in the field of consistency. Both Miller and Realbuto stand legitimate chances of knocking off either or both. 

Darkhorses Nick Brascetta Virginia Tech, Dylan Alton Penn State and Max Schneider Cal Poly 

If you wanted true darkhorse predidtions you just got three of them. I'm interested to see how Brascetta does up a weight class as he returns off of a redshirt this season. Two years ago he finished in 8th place at 149 lbs and according to some of the Hokie faithful looks to be a serious contender this year at 157. 

Alton if 100% healthy, both physically and mentally, is one of the best wrestlers in the nation, I don't care what anyone says. If he is on, and wrestling to his potential, he'll beat Ness, he'll beat Green and he'll beat anyone else in his path as well. The key word here is healthy. I'd love to see the senior go out having ended his career on a high note. After finishing third as a freshman, including two wins over Green that season, I'd hate to see him have yet another disappointing season like the last two. 

You wont' get a bolder prediction out of me as far as potential NCAA champions go than Schneider. A rather non discussed and unknown wrestler thus far, I believe he will turns heads with a huge upset more than once this season. The Mustang sophomore wrestles a very in your face, aggressive style similar to that of Virginia's Jedd Moore who always gave Green trouble on the mat. Green needs space to execute his lightning fast takedowns and Schneider won't allow any of that space to accumulate if the two of them wrestle. I'm excited to see if Schneider ends up being as good as I think he will. 

MY PICK: I don't want to say right now. It's just too competitive of a weight class, with way too much parity for me to make my prediction at the time being. I will say though that I do not think it will be Green. No offense to the guy, I'd be more than happy to see him end his career as champion, but I don't think he'll win it. I think he suffers from the "must lose a match at the NCAA tournament" curse that Oklahoma's Sam Hazewinkle suffered from years ago. I'm not sure who will knock him off, but if I be a betting man, I'd bet someone will. 

165

The Forerunners- Alex Dieringer Oklahoma State 

After graduation, 165 lbs looks to be the weakest weight class out of the ten for 2015. Even though Dieringer is moving up for 157, I believe he'll prove to be far too strong, quick, technical and athletic for his opposition to pose him much, if any of a threat. 

Darkhorses Nick Sulzer Virginia - Mike Moreno Iowa State - Nick Moore Iowa - Cory Mock Chattanooga 

The battle amongst these gladiators will be for the silver medal more so than it will be for the gold, but nevertheless I will acknowledge their chances. Sulzer at the time being seems the most likely to knock off Dieringer after an impressive 4th place finish last season. Moreno has steadily and impressively improved on a tremendous level over the years and could prove to have improved to the level of national champion status. Moore has proven his ability to defeat top competition in the past, but also has a history of severely underperforming in big tournaments. Perhaps this will be the Hawkeye senior's year to finally put it all together. Mock, after having a solid season, which included a conference title, had a disappointing NCAA tournament. Much like Moore, the Moc senior has but one last chance to put it all together. 

MY PICK: Alex Dieringer Okahoma State - Unless the 8 lbs difference between 157 and 165 proves to be a world of difference in strength, I just don't see anyone giving him any trouble whatsoever. I hate it when weight classes are an open and shut case, but I strongly feel that be the case here. 

174 lbs

The Forerunners - Logan Storley Minnesota - Robert Kokesh Nebraska - Matt Brown Penn State - Mike Evans Iowa 

There is enough drama between the four of these guys that I could almost pitch a television series about it to NBC. All four of these guys are seniors and all four of these guys have seen one another multiple times throughout their careers. They're all equal in ability, not a single one of them has an advantage above the other. They'll finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the NCAA's respectively, but in what exact order, no one knows. 

Darkhorses - There aren't any. I'll eat my hat if anyone other than these four wrestlers is crowned the NCAA champion at 174 lbs this season. 

MY PICK: Mike Evans Iowa - Yeah, I'm going to be a homer. Go ahead and call me biased, I'm fine with that. Evans is one of my favorite guys, and I want to see him win an NCAA title. He'll have to wrestle better than he did in the consolation bracket at the NCAA's last year. Nevertheless, I see him doing just that. 

184 lbs

The Forerunners - Gabe Dean Cornell and Jack Dechow Old Dominion

After not only finishing 3rd in the nation but also doing the impossible and defeating the undefeatable Ed Ruth, you'd think that the Big Red sophomore would have easy pickings for the 2015 185 lbs crown, but right behind him is fellow sophomore Dechow of Old Dominion. I look forward to the fierce battles between these two this season. 

darkhorses - None. I believe that Dean is really a Gorilla in a human suit, he is so flipping strong. His offense is unstoppable and his defense is impermeable. Dechow is virtually the same. The only one defeating either of these guys, is each other. 

MY PICK: Gabe Dean Cornell - While I'd like to see Dean be given some competition, I think that he'll not only win the title this year, but win it the next three years in a row. Unless someone with immense talent and ability comes along, I don't see Dean ever tasting defeat during his collegiate career again. 

197 lbs

The Forerunners J'Den Cox Missouri - Scott Schiller Minnesota - Kyven Gadson Iowa State 

Cox seems to be the most favorable pick, as he returns looking to add another title to his already impressive resume this year as a sophomore. Looking to knock him off will be Golden Gopher Schiller and Cyclone Gadson, who both want to be atop the podium in their final seasons. All three stand good chance of doing just that. 

Darkhorses Taylor Meeks Oregon State 

After a very disappointing NCAA tournament last season, you wouldn't think Meeks capable of winning an NCAA title, but hear me now and hear me clear, if he wrestles anything like he did two years ago, he'll be the man to beat at 197 lbs. He's a precocious and precarious wrestler with the ability to pin. 

MY PICK: Taylor Meeks Oregon State - I have a lot of faith in the Beaver senior. I see him totally redeeming himself after a head scratching disappointing season last year and I think he'll not only defeat the competition, I think he'll annihilate it. I'm very excited to see him on the mat this year. 

HWT

The Forerunners - Nick Gwiazdowski North Carolina State, Mike McMullan Northwestern and Adam Coon Michigan 

Gwiazdowski is the returning NCAA champion, but I don't think his chances are any greater than that of McMullan's or Coons. Many may wonder why I put Coon's name on the list yet leave off Oklahoma State's Austin Marsden and Iowa's Bobby Telford. It's simple. Coon simply fell apart at the end of the year after having a phenomenal rookie season. It won't happen again. He was simply a new kid, in a new place and he let the atmosphere get to him. That's all it was. He'll contend for the NCAA title his last three years as a Wolverine, I guarantee it. Marsden was very lucky to even be an All American last year, as the referee literally stripped it from the hands of Boise State's J.T. Felix and handed to him on a silver platter. Marsden will most likely repeat at an All American this season, but it won't be anywhere near first. As for Telford, I like the guy and hope to see him do well, but he's proven an inability to put together a good string of matches. He can defeat anyone, but he won't defeat them all in three day stretch. I see him finishing somewhere between 4th and 6th. 

Darkhorses - Kyle Colling Arizona State

Who? Is that what you're saying? If you are, that's fine at the moment, but you won't be saying "Who?" about a month into the season. Colling is under the radar, but won't be for long. With such wins as that over Indiana's Adam Chalfant, look for the Sun Devil senior to prove his worth this year with many notable wins. 


MY PICK: Mike McMullan Northwestern - It's hard for me to believe that McMullan is coming into his final season as a Wildcat. After finishing 3rd-2nd-3rd, I think he'll make like I believe Megaludis will as well, and finish out his illustrious career as an NCAA champion.


Quick Recap
125 - Nico Megaludis
133 - Johnni DiJulius
141 - Logan Stieber
149 - Jake Sueflohn
157 - Currently Undecided
165 - Alex Dieringer 
174 - Mike Evans
184 - Gabe Dean
197 - Taylor Meeks
HWT - Mike McMullan


NOTE:  Since writing this I have heard that both Penn State’s Dylan Alton and Arizona State’s Kyle Colling will be out with injuries.