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