Johnnythompsonum1 2024-2025 Collegiate Wrestling Season Review

 If you count prep work, JT#1 ran from July 11th of 2024 through April 14th of 2025, for the 2024-2025 collegiate wrestling season.  I don't want to think of all the hours I put in to this season, cause if I do, it may discourage me from doing it again.  

Physically I attended 15 events this year.  

8 DI 
1 DII
3 DIII
2 NAIA/1 NJCAA
1 Women's 

Wanted to attend more, but work is not easy to get off & the good ol' winter weather kept me from about 3 other events.  A family emergency from another. 


I wrote 228 articles this year.  

74 DI (33%)
45 DII (20%)
49 DIII (21%)
29 NAIA (13%)
NJCAA (7%)
OTHER (6%) 

Not as evenly distributed as I wanted to be, but considering that many other publications are usually between 90% to 99% DI, I don't feel that bad.  

Readership wise, I seem to be stuck on an average of 25,000 readers per month.  I think that's where I'm at and where I'm going to stay.   December was my best month this season, at 31,668 readers.  Would I like to have a lot more? Sure.  I'd love to be pulling in 100,000 readers a month or even 50,000 readers a month.  Yet, honestly I'm pretty happy with the average of 25K.   I'm a one man show that operates on a budget that can't afford a shoe-string.  

For right now I'm going to take a much needed break from wrestling.  I don't know anyone who is more passionate about this sport than I am, but even I need to get away from it for a while.  Going to increase my gym time.  I got my bench press up to 405 lbs, but also ballooned up to 242 lbs to accomplish that goal.  I'm at about 230 lbs now & hope by Fall to be down to something like 210 or so.  Maybe even a solid 200. Who knows? I know that in losing weight, I don't want to lose too much strength.  Right now I can still go in and do three sets of 315, 3 to 5 times.  I want to maintain at least that much strength.  (When I was at 242 & consuming 300 grams of protein a day, I was doing 315 8-11 times.) 

Going to be watching a lot of college baseball the next couple of months.  While not near as fixated with baseball as I am with wrestling, it is my second favorite sport and I enjoy it a lot.  


AS TO NEXT SEASON? 

My life at the current time is pending.  There are a lot of things that could happen & depending on what happens, my life could go in a lot of directions.  Things could stay the same.  They could also go in a direction that causes me to have even less from time than what I do now.  This year, I was mainly only able to attend wrestling events on the weekends.  A lot of my prep work and writing happened on the weekends.  I'd do what I could before & after my shoot job.    

There's a chance that things could go in a direction that gives me more free time.  If that's the case, I hope to increase the number of live events I go to by at least double.  The only thing I know for sure that I'm going to right now in '25-'26, will be the NCAA DIII championships in Cedar Rapids.  

I've invested in a new computer, I've been exploring doing more video & youtube, maybe even my own podcast.  I don't think JT#1 is going to grow with only the written word.  I think if I want JT#1 to ever get bigger than the 25,000 readers I have per month, I'm going to have to start getting more visuals.  

I've talked with Coach Bettinson of St. Ambrose, Coach Kearney of St Mary & Aiden Reeves of Grand View.  I want to see if I can't figure out the whole computer to computer interview thing.  I also have an actual video camera, that if time permits I'd like to put into use next year. 

As always, thanks for being a fan.  I originally started out writing this stuff & keeping it to myself.  Then Dan McCool of the Des Moines Register said that others might be interested in what I had to say too. I figured being a nobody from itty bitty Sigourney, Iowa, who would?  Never did get around to buying that dinner I owed McCool on that bet, but I'm glad he won it. 

Thanks again. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 HWT

 

Ryan Herman
Maryville

Here's a guy that really put it together in his final season of collegiate competition.  Ryan Herman 7th in the D2 nation a year ago & a match shy of placing at the Midwest Classic, won both tournaments this season, calling himself the best at D2's two toughest competitions.  6th-1st-1st at Super Region IV. 

Dorian Crosby
Gannon

A two-time NCAA DI qualifier for Bucknell, Dorian Crosby decided to spend his final season of collegiate competition in NCAA D2 competing for Gannon.  Representing the Golden Knights, Crosby went 27-4 on the year, placing 5th at the Midwest Classic, 1st at Super Region I & 3rd in the D2 nation. 

Jake Swirple 
Minot State

Also an offensive lineman for the Beavers, Jake Swirple earned All American status twice during his collegiate wrestling career.  8th in the D2 nation as a sophomore, he was 6th this year as a senior.  3rd-4th-1st at Super Region V, he was 4th at the Midwest Classic. 

La'Ron Parks
St Cloud State

Representing the real Notre Dame during his first three seasons, La'Ron Parks placed 3rd-3rd-3rd at the Super Region, going R12-R12-4th at the NCAA D2 national tournament.  Transferring to St. Cloud State for his senior season, Parks looked poised to be one of the top contenders for the national title.  Unfortunately injuries got the best of the former Falcon now Husky & he ended up 6th at Super Region V.   Had a win over Swirple on the year & 81 career victories in total. 

Oggie Atwood
UNC-Pembroke

Atwood was one year at Mount Olive & then spent the bulk of his career at Pittsburgh-Johnstown, wrestling his final season for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke.  The future Social Studies teacher made the most of his final season of competition winning a Super Region II title & finishing one match shy of All American honors. 

Lloyd Reynolds
UW-Parkside

Lloyd Reynolds was a two-time NCAA DII qualifier for the Rangers during his career.  2nd in Super Region V last season, he was 3rd this year.  On the year, both a 10-3 win over national champ Ryan Herman & a 2-1 tiebreaker over Jake Swirple. 

Mason Kump
Belmont Abbey

Starting his career off competing in the NAIA for Southeastern, Mason Kump transferred to Belmont Abbey to compete in NCAA Division II.  Placed 4th at Super Region IV, ending his career one match shy of D2 qualification. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 197 lbs

 

Derek Blubaugh
Indianapolis

Grandson of Olympic Gold Medalist Doug Blubaugh, I think it is safe to say that Derek Blubaugh at 2nd-2nd-2nd-2nd, is the best wrestler in the history of NCAA DII wrestling to never win a Super Region title.  2nd-2nd-1st-1st in the D2 nation, more than proves that theory correct. 

Tereus Henry
Fort Hays State

The El Paso, Texas native had two outstanding finishes at the NCAA DII championships during his career.  As a sophomore he placed 3rd & this year as a senior he made the finals.  At Super Region VI, he was 3rd-1st-1st-2nd.  He also made the Midwest Classic finals as both a sophomore & a junior. 

Dom Murphy
St. Cloud State

Dom Murphy had an outstanding career competing for the Huskies.  4th-1st-1st-1st at Super Region V, Murphy earned D2 All American honors of 4th-5th-8th. 

Wyatt Miller 
Grand Valley State

Starting off his career at Appalachian State, Wyatt Miller finished off his collegiate wrestling days competing for the Lakers of Grand Valley State.  7th & 6th in the D2 nation, he was 3rd in both his junior & senior seasons at Super Region III. 

Dakoda Rodgers
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Dakoda Rodgers enjoyed a very successful career competing for the Mountain Cats. 5th-3rd-1st-1st Super Region I, Rodgers was R12-8th-R12 at the NCAA DII championships.  He placed 3rd at the Midwest Regional as a junior. 

Logan Kvien
McKendree

"All that matters/all that counts is the national tournament" is a famous saying that many in the wrestling community adhere to.  I'm not one of them.  Matter of fact, I HATE that saying and think it's absolute bullshit.  Why? Because of guys like Logan Kvien.  6th & 3rd in the D2 nation as a sophomore & junior, Kvien came up short of his third All American honor this season.  You know what?  Many questioned whether Derek Blubaugh would win another D2 title this season & Kvien was the reason why.  He handed Blubaugh two losses this season.  3rd-3rd-1st at Super Region IV & a Midwest Classic champ this year, things may not have ended as grand as they could have, but I still say Logan Kvien had a great career. 

Chase Stegall
UW-Parkside

Watching Chase Stegall find himself again was one of the most rewarding aspects of the '24-'25 season for me as a fan.  An NCAA DII qualifier as a freshman, Stegall seemed to fall apart in his sophomore & junior seasons.  He came back strong as ever in his final season of competition, placing 5th at the prestigious Midwest Classic & 3rd at Super Region V.  He was one match shy of All American honors. 

Gabriel Carranza
Colorado Mesa

The California native was a two-time NCAA DII qualifier for the Mavericks during his career.  3rd at the Super Region V as both a junior & a senior. 

Kaine Morris
Ashland

In his final season, Kaine Morris qualified for the NCAA D2 championships with a 2nd place finish at Super Region III. 

Matt Kaylor
Mary

5th in the D2 nation two seasons ago, the final two years of collegiate wrestling didn't quite go the way Matt Kaylor was hoping that they'd go.  Overall still a very successful career.  Over 80 career wins, he was 3rd-3rd-5th-4th at Super Region V. 

Cannon Potts
Minot State

Cannon Potts never made the NCAA DII championships during his career, but still had many accomplishments, nonetheless.  Was 4th & 5th at Super Region V. 

Bruce Vaughan
Millersville

Another super tough wrestler who came up short of NCAA DII qualification during his career was Bruce Vaughn, who had 4th & 5th place finishes at Super Region I during his final two seasons. 

Lucas Salmon
Tiffin 

Yet another senior who illustrates how difficult it can be to even make it to the NCAA D2 championships during a career.  Twice 5th at Super Region III, Salmon was 6th at the Midwest Classic this season. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 184 lbs

 

Ty McGeary
West Liberty

The story of Ty McGeary is one that every wrestler who has ever doubted him or herself should here.  During his high school days, McGeary made the high school state tournament twice & only placed once. Hard to believe, considering the phenomenal collegiate career he had wrestling in NCAA Division II.  A three-time NCAA D2 finalist, McGeary won the NCAA D2 title the past two seasons.  He was 3rd-1st-1st-1st at Super Region III. 

Matt Weinberg
Kutztown

The Bear had an outstanding career full of many credentials and accomplishments.  4th-2nd-3rd in the D2 nation, Matt Weinberg was 2nd-1st-1st at the Super Region I & 6th & 1st at the Midwest Classic. 

Cade Mueller
Augustana (S.D.)

It's uncanny how ironic wrestling can be. Coming into '24-'25, I easily named Cade Mueller as one of the best yet to All American at 184 lbs. Low & behold in order to achieve that goal, he had to defeat someone who had been an All American thrice in his career.  Mueller was 1st-3rd-2nd-1st at Super Region V. 

Jacori Deal
Nebraska Kearney

Like brother Jacobi, Jacori Deal came to Nebraska-Kearney after a standout career at Fort Hays Tech Northwest where he won an NJCAA title.  In his final season for the Lopers, Deal earned a runner-up finish at Super Region VI & an 8th place finish in the D2 nation. 

Reece Worachek
UW-Parkside

I've said it many times in my 23 years of covering collegiate wrestling.  This sport can rip the heart straight out of your chest.   Yet in looking over someone's career, it's important to see it as a journey & not a destination. 8th-7th-4th in the D2 nation in his first three seasons, Worachek came up a match short of his fourth All American honor.  With that said, what Worachek did achieve this year, was the rare distinction of becoming a four-time Midwest Classic place-winner with finishes of 6th-7th-4th-2nd.  He was also a four-time Super Region V finalist with finishes of 2nd-1st-1st-2nd. 

Bryce Fitzpatrick
St. Cloud State

A two-time NCAA DII qualifier for the Huskies, Bryce Fitzpatrick took an 8th place finish at the D2 national tournament last year as a junior.  He was 5th-3rd-3rd at Super Region V. 

Austin Gibson
Fairmont State

In his final season with the Fighting Falcons, Austin Gibson qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place showing at Super Region I. 

Jason Bynarowicz
Colorado Mesa

We could very well be looking a future Detective Bynarowicz of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  During his collegiate wrestling career, Jason Bynarowicz saw NCAA DII qualification finishing 4th-3rd-6th at Super Region VI. 

Colter Bye
Upper Iowa

Most of the time in wrestling if you see you have a Bye, that's a good thing.  Not the case with Colter.  The Peacock was an NCAA DII qualifier during his career, with 2nd-4th-6th place showings at Super Region V. 

Shylik Scriven
UNC-Pembroke

During his career with the Braves, Shylike Scriven placed 5th at the Super Region II on three occasions. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 174 lbs

 

Jacobi Deal
Nebraska-Kearney

After an NJCAA All American career at Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Jacobi Deal put together an outstanding senior season for the Lopers of UNK.  Winning a Super Region IV title, he made the NCAA DII finals. 

Matt Ortiz
McKendree

What a great final two seasons of wrestling it was for Matt Ortiz of McKendree.  Made the finals of Super Region IV twice & took a 5th place showing at the NCAA D2 championships this year.  Was also 7th & 2nd at the prestigious Midwest Classic. 

Owen Butler
Frostburg State

After success on both the mat and the track & field at Indianapolis, Owen Butler decided to spend his final season of wrestling at Frostburg State.  A three-time NCAA Division II qualifier, Butler was 3rd-3rd-3rd at the Super Region. 

Cole Hernandez
Western Colorado

Things didn't quite end the way for Cole Hernandez the way he was hoping that they would, but nonetheless, what a great career for the Mountaineer.  3rd-1st-4th at Super Region VI, Hernandez made D2 All American status of 6th & 7th in his sophomore & junior seasons.   He was 7th-3rd-3rd at the prestigious Midwest Classic.  This year alone, he tech'd Josh Kenny 20-5 and had both a 19-4 tech & a 15-2 major over Gus Dalton. 

Trey Sizemore
Indianapolis

5th in the D2 nation last year, Trey Sizemore unfortunately faced a series of injuries this year and was unable to make it back to the national championships. Starting off his career for the Illinois Fighting Illini, it should be noted that he was a Midlands place-winner before coming to NCAA Division II.  He was 3rd-6th at Super Region IV. 

Zane Coleman
Central Oklahoma

Zane Coleman spent the bulk of his career at Arizona State before coming to Central Oklahoma.  In his final season of competition, Coleman came within one match of being an NCAA DII qualifier with a 4th place finish at Super Region IV. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 157 lbs

 

Gabe Johnson
Central Oklahoma

It doesn't get much better than what it was for Gabe Johnson during his collegiate career.  Success was no stranger to the Broncho. In fact, it turned out to be a close personal friend.  7th as a sophomore in the D2 nation, Gabe Johnson would go on to win back-to-back NCAA D2 titles in his junior & senior seasons of competition.  1st-1st-1st at Super Region IV, he also enjoyed a tremendous amount of success at the Midwest Classic, placing 2nd-1st-1st. 

Aaden Valdez
Adams State

An outstanding career for the Grizzly, as Aaden Valdez captured three Super Region VI titles & D2 All American honors of 7th & 3rd in his final two seasons.  Went 20-2 on the year. 

John Ridle
Central Missouri

John Ridle had an outstanding sophomore season a couple of years ago, winning a Super Region IV title & placing 5th at both the Midwest Classic & the NCAA D2 championships.  Unfortunately injuries got the best of him in his junior season, as he finished one match shy of placing at the Midwest Classic & finished 5th at Super region IV.  At the end of that season, John's father told me John wasn't sure if he wanted to wrestle another season or not.  He was still making up his mind.  I told John's Dad that I supported him either way & hoped the best for him no matter what decision he made.  I also told him that it was important to realize this last opportunity would be it for wrestling.  Once it was over it was over.  John did decide to give it one more go & I'm sure glad he did.  Had another stellar season, which saw a second Midwest Classic medal earned with a 4th place finish.  He then took runner-up honors at Super Region IV, besting everyone in front of him into the finals, & giving NCAA DII champ Gabe Johnson a good match.  He then earned his second DII All American honor, capping off a great career with a 6th place finish. 

Jake Nicolosi
Mount Olive

2nd-4th-6th-1st at Super Region II, Jake Nicolosi enjoyed much success during his time as a Trojan.  Was one match shy of D2 All American honors this year, but did make the finals of the prestigious Midwest Classic.  Anxious to see if he ends up a member of the Mount Olive coaching staff next year, to help out younger brother Brent. 

Guy DeLeonardis
Glenville State

Guy DeLeonardis had a great final three seasons competing for the Pioneers (wrestled at Millersville freshman season).  A Super Region III champion as a sophomore, he took runner-up honors in both his junior & senior seasons.  3rd in the D2 nation as a junior, was one match shy of a medal as both a sophomore & senior.   

Noah Roulo
Lander

The Bearcats have Noah Roulo listed as a freshman on their roster, but I have no idea how that could be possible.  He was at VMI for years before coming to Lander. So he might have more time left, but his first year at VMI was '19-'20.  I think this was his final season & in his final season, he qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place finish at Super Region II. 

Nathan Conley
Indianapolis

Nathan Conley earned NCAA DII qualification honors in his final season, with a 3rd place showing at Super Region IV. 

Ben Durocher
UW-Parkside

With as many notable W's as Ben Durocher picked up during his career, it is difficult to believe that he only made the NCAA DII tournament once.  Came extremely close the other three times though as he was 5th-4th-3rd-4th at Super Region V.  With many highlights during his career, I'd have to say the highlight was this year when he captured a 3rd place finish at the Midwest Classic. 

Jaylon Otero
Ouachita Baptist

The Tulsa native is one of the toughest in DII at the 157 lbs weight class to never see the NCAA DII tournament.  Came close the past three seasons with 5th-4th-4th place showings at Super Region IV. 

Matt Kaufman
Lake Erie

Like Otero, Matt Kaufman was another super tough wrestler who never made the NCAA DII tournament. The future elementary school teacher started off his career competing for The Real Notre Dame & then transferred to Lake Erie for his final season of competition.  5th-4th-4th in Super Region competition. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 165 lbs

 

Jack Haskin
Lake Erie

What a career Jack Haskin had for the Storm! A four-time NCAA DII qualifier, Haskin finished off his time suiting up for the green & white, earning All American honors of 4th & 2nd.  4th-3rd-1st-1st at Super Region III, he was 3rd at this year's Midwest Classic.  75 career wins. 

Nick Novak
St. Cloud State

Nick Novak put together an outstanding career for the Huskies.  79-10 overall, Haskin won an NCAA DII title as a sophomore, once again making the NCAA DII finals as a junior & finishing 4th in the D2 nation this year as a senior.  A three-time Super Region V champion. 

Jace Fisher
Newman

The Kansas native made two trips to the NCAA D2 championships during his illustrious career for the Jets, ending his collegiate wrestling days with a 6th place All American honor.  2nd-4th-3rd at Super Region IV. 

Hunter Jump
Central Oklahoma

With as many injuries as Hunter Jump went through during his collegiate career it is utmost impressive what he was able to accomplish during his time as a Broncho.  It also makes you wonder how much more he would have achieved if he hadn't have broken his collar bone & dealt with other injuries during his career.  3rd in the D2 nation last year as a junior, he came up a little short of another All American honor this year, but nevertheless was able to win his second Super Region IV title & he placed 6th at the prestigious Midwest Classic. 

Kyle Botelho
San Francisco State

Also a member of the Gator Track & Field program, Kyle Botelho enjoyed a successful career on the mat qualifying for the NCAA D2 championships his final two seasons with back-to-back runner-up finishes at Super Region VI. 

Leo Mushinsky
Mary

In his final season as a Marauder, Leo Mushinsky took 3rd at Super Region V & finished one match shy of D2 All American honors. 

Will Kuster
Drury

An NCAA DII qualifier as a sophomore with a 3rd place showing at Super Region IV, Will Kuster was unable to make another trip to the NCAA DII championships in his final two seasons.  He came painstakingly close with a 5th place Region finish in 2024 & a 4th place finish this year.  Despite not making the national tournament, he did place 7th at the Midwest Classic.  He had wins over both Jace Fisher (8-6) & Dejon Johnson (7-4). 

Will Lowery
UNC-Pembroke

Will Lowery narrowly missed out on NCAA DII qualification with a 4th place finish at Super Region II.   On the year had a 3:57 fall over Trent Mahoney & a 15-12 s.v. over Guy DeLeonardis.