2025 Great Plains Athletic Conference Preview (Fri Feb 21st & Sat Feb 22nd)

 

The Great Plains Athletic Conference.  What most everyone refers to as the "G" PAC.   Always a bit reminiscent for me, as if I had chosen the wrestling path instead of the theatre path in college, this is the conference I would have been competing in. Or to be more realistic and honest, watched the teammates who beat me out for the starting spot compete in.   I have a lot of memories of this tournament, both good and bad.  Watched my favorite wrestler on our team win back to back GPAC titles.  Watched another wrestler I really like, finish a match shy of NAIA qualification.  Wrestling is an emotional rollercoaster, especially in tournaments like these where so much is on the line.  A lot of positive and a lot of negative is bound to happen this tournament.  Hosted this year by Hastings, 2025 will be one to remember. 

125

The finalists are our two allocations in the GPAC at 125 lbs, and I believe they will be Hunter Bennett of Doane & Dante Rigal of Briar Cliff.  Bennett showed tremendous promise at the Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this season, making the finals.  Rigal is a returning NAIA qualifier, who placed 3rd at last year's GPAC.

#9
Matt Terrence
Doane
133

A transfer from Vanguard, the Clovis, California native showed how much improvement he has made by taking a very impressive 3rd place finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  GPAC is only taking the champion here, and he's a strong favorite to win it. 

141

A two-time GPAC runner-up, Concordia (NEB) listed Creighton Baughman's career as a said and done thing after he wrestled his last match in '23-'24.  Had things ended there for the Bulldog that would have been quite a respectable career, but Baughman wasn't ready to hang things up quite yet.  He came back for a final year, and what a year it has been thus far.  An Oppenheim champion, he took runner-up honors as the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational.  He'll look for gold this weekend in his final GPAC. 

Here to challenge him will be Devin Avedissian & Zach Zitek who competing at different weight classes both finished 4th in the GPAC last season.  Noah Parmelee, one of the standouts for the Red Raiders will also be contending in this bracket.  He was one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

149

The favorite to win a GPAC title at 149 lbs will be last year's champion Nathan Lendt, who also finished 6th in the NAIA nation.  The real story here I believe, will be who he'll possibly face in the finals.  Seeding heavily suggests that it'll be one of two Concordia (NEB) Bulldogs.  Hagan Heistand or Steve Barnes. Ironically enough, both DI transfers.  Heistand, who took 6th place honors at the Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year, formally competed for Campbell.  Barnes, a former Cyclone of Iowa State.   Also in this bracket, Tyler Okada, an NAIA qualifier in the past, who finished one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational, having placed in 2024.  I asked around, but never got any confirmation on how effected Okada's home & family were by the massive fires that took place in and around Los Angeles, California.  Hope for the best, and would love to see Okada have a great tournament, in spite of the trials and tribulations he has been through. 

157

Our favorite here to win a GPAC title is last year's champion Ben Miller, who won the Oppeheim Open earlier this season.   Look for his finals opponent to be two-time NJCAA All American (5th & 8th) Cole Price of Iowa Western, who is now having a standout season for Concordia (NEB). 

#24
Blaine Christo
Morningside
165

The Mustangs look to crown a champion this weekend in Blaine Christo, a tough sophomore out of Omaha. 

#19
Ben Dobler
Doane
174

The Hungarian has had a pretty successful collegiate career thus far & look to add another NAIA qualification with a GPAC title to his resume this weekend.   He was the Oppenheim runner-up earlier this season. 

184

When I first began to really dive into NAIA wrestling, I mean take a serious dive into it, one of the first wrestlers I took note of was Tyson Beauperthuy.  What a strange & unorthodox career this young man has had.  An NAIA finalist as a freshman for Midland, his career has yet to soar back to those heights.  A cup of coffee at Grand View, it seems he is finally at home competing for Doane.  He won the GPAC title last season, and for the second time in his career finished one match shy of earning another All American honor at the NAIA championships.  Ranked #3 in the nation, he is wrestling as well as he ever has.  Winner of the Falcon Invite earlier this year. 

In the war to meet Beauperthuy in the finals, Mongolian sensation Temuujin Mendblieg who was 4th at the Missouri Valley Invitational, will duke it out with Kolton Kammeyer a teammate of Beauperthuy's, who ironically enough also competed for Midland at one time.   Throw in Hunter Weimer, 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational, and we have ourselves a pretty tough bracket. 

I tell you what, Santa Clause isn't coming to Hastings this weekend, but someone else from North Pole, Alaska is.  Brad Antesberger a two-time NAIA All American won't be coming with a bag of toys & he isn't looking for milk and cookies as he reward.  No sir, the Tiger is coming here for one thing and one thing only & that is to collect his third gold medal from the GPAC championships.   Chances of having an all Tiger final? I'd say very good.  Teammate Kasten Grap is an All American in his own right, who recently shared the Missouri Valley Invitational title with Antesberger.  He was 3rd to Antesberger's 2nd at the Oppenheim Open. 

Also in this bracket will be Burt Brandt, a Falcon Invitational finalist from earlier this season & Torrance Keehn, who took 7th place honors at the Missouri Valley Invitational.   Kaleb Lind, a tough wrestler for Northwestern (IA) looks to be our other qualifier in the bracket that will take the top 5 to nationals.  The Red Raider has had 2nd & 5th place finishes within the GPAC so far & was 3rd at the Falcon Inite earlier this year. 

HWT

Two-time GPAC runner-up Jakob Jerabek looks to add a gold medal to the two silver medals he already has in his collection.  The Mustang was 3rd earlier this season at Oppenheim.  Here in the fight, will be a very tough freshman Koen Mattern of host Hastings, who took 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational.   Zeph Sivels was one match shy of placing & Eli Criblez who was 4th in the GPAC last year, comes in a two-time Missouri Valley Invitational 7th place finisher. 

The biggest mystery in all of the GPAC, is why in the world Alton Allen, is neither ranked nor an auto-allocation. The guy is a two-time GPAC place-winner of 4th & 5th.  He was runner-up at both the Falcon Invite & at Oppenheim earlier this season.  All I can figure is that he is either injured or redshirting.  In include him in this writeup because IF he is competing this tournament I guarantee you that not only CAN he steal a spot, he most likely WILL.  

Speaking of stealing spots, another likely thief is Mason Garcia of Concordia (NEB).  The Bulldog has posted some notable W's in his career & was one match shy of placing at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

2025 Cascade Collegiate Conference Preview (Fri Feb 21st & Sat Feb 22nd)

 

52 allocations speaks for itself, but it is far from the only testimony that proves that the Cascade Collegiate Conference is the toughest conference in the NAIA.  It has happened in the past, & it could very happen again this year, where wrestlers place lower here, than what they will at the NAIA national tournament. Some weight classes have as many as 7 allocations & none have less than 4.  #5 Embry Riddle & #6 Providence look to duke it out for a team title, with #9 Southern Oregon, #13 Corban & #21 Eastern Oregon all looking for favorable finishes as well. 

Keep in mind, as insane as the Cascade Collegiate Conference is, it could be even crazier.  Menlo is in transition to NCAA Division II status.  Imagine how much tougher the CCC would be if the Oaks were involved.  I predict, with good measure, that we'd be up to 59 allocations.   To give you an idea of what Menlo would add to the mix....

133 lbs Jovan Garcia, both a CCC & NAIA champion last year.  
141 Logan Barajas a tough wrestler, pretty sure he'd be in the mix
157 Kana'i Tapia a CCC runner-up last year & 3rd in the NAIA nation
165 Seth Borba 4th here a year ago
174 Ledger Patracek, 6th here a year ago
174 Isaiah Morales, CCC champ last year & R12 in the NAIA nation
197 Diego Morales, only a freshman, but has an 11-3 record, and took #2 Brad Antesberger to a 2-1 match

Let's tap into the madness, shall we? 

125

A mess of talent here at 125 lbs, Landon Smith of Embry Riddle looks to try and win a CCC title after placing 5th the past two seasons as a freshman & sophomore.  He's looked as good as he has ever looked, taking a runner-up finish at the Falcon Invitational & winning the Mile High Open.  The Alaskan looks to soar high this tournament.   Here to challenge him, will be a tough Kobi Johnson of Providence, a former NJCAA standout for North Idaho & Kolton Powers, a sophomore who showed tremendous potential for what he has in store with an outstanding Missouri Valley Invitational performance where he placed 3rd.  Vonn Fenn, a NAIA qualifier was 4th here a year ago & while replacing a wrestler like NAIA champ Hunter Sparks is a mission that might as well be labeled impossible, freshman Kai Carson has held his own this year.  

133

It's not often we see freshmen rule the roost at this level of wrestling, but it certainly seems to be the rule of the land here at 133 lbs in the CCC.  Rookie Sean Archuleta is having himself one heck of a good season, including winning the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year.  Looking to challenge him is fellow freshman Dylan Clark of Southern Oregon, who has managed to place himself ahead of teammate Simon Graeber in the rankings.  Graeber was a runner-up here last season. 

Also in the mix, Allan Hendricks who has shown at various times this season, he knows how to wrestle tough in the wrestle-backs.  He was 3rd here a year ago & 3rd at the Falcon Invite earlier this year.  Jason Ramirez, who pushes Archuleta in the room, was 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational in his own right. 

Could we possibly see any thieves within this bracket?  Top 5 are allocated qualification spots, and I wouldn't put it past Blake Runion to steal one of them.  Winning the Mountaineer Open earlier this year, he was 6th here a year ago.   Blake Woolsey also strikes me as one who might possibly make a steal. 

141

Returning CCC champ & NAIA runner-up Evan Potter is the odds on favorite to win this weekend's title.  The battle for runner-up honors is more so the issue.  Christian Lopez was 4th here a year ago, and 3rd earlier this season at the Mile High Open.  Challenging him will be Tristan Bremer of Providence & teammate Adam Stanley, who has made tremendous strides in '24-'25, after barely batting .500 last season.   Don't fool yourselves, Luke Jensen, who was a CCC runner-up last year will also be in the fight to once again take silver. 

149

Bronze the past two CCC championships, Jonah Chew who was also NAIA R12 last year, is looking to win his first gold medal within the conference.  It'll be a tough road, as Jalen Vladic, 4th here a year ago has shown his potential to earn gold as well.  He was 3rd in a tough Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year.  Also looking to qualify will be J.R. Downing, a tough NCAA Division II transfer, formally of Lander & Dougie Swanson who was a match shy of earning a medal at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

157

Seven allocations & four of those seven ranked within the top 10, we are looking are not only the toughest weight class in the CCC, but arguably the toughest weight class in all of the NAIA qualifiers.  An NAIA runner-up, and perhaps the best wrestler in the NAIA yet to win a national title, David Rubio will be going for his third CCC title.  Here to challenge him will be Aaron Gandara, 4th here a year ago, and a CCC champion himself in 2023.  Aden Graves, a 2023 CCC runner-up, who will be looking to redeem himself after not placing last year. 

Pig Hobbs will also be in this bracket, looking for a top finish.  He was 6th here a year ago & one match shy of placing.  Logan Hancey was 3rd at the Falcon Invite earlier this year & Dylan Straley is a tough wrestler out of Southern Oregon.  Justin Windauer took 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

165

Move up 8 lbs, and the CCC has yet another NAIA national champion contender in Keller Rock, who was runner-up in both the CCC & the NAIA last season.  The battle to make the finals will be a three man race between Travis Waldner, Bridger Hall & William Schwertscharf who finished 5th, 6th & 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational respectfully.  Hall is a two-time CCC place-winner, with finishes of 5th & 3rd. 

174

Russian sensation Daniil Gorshkov is one of the best wrestlers in the NAIA yet to make All American, and 3rd in the CCC he'll try and win a title this weekend.   It won't be easy.   Abel Nava Jr, who had an outstanding showing at last year's NAIA championships placing 3rd, will be every bit as hungry for gold as will the Eagle. Tyson Stover has made some vast improvements and is bound to place much higher than the 8th place he took last season.   8th-6th-5th, look for Devin Crawford to have the highest placing he's ever had in the CCC too. 

184

I'm sticking next to my position that 157 lbs is the toughest bracket in the CCC, but I tell you, 184 lbs is a close second.  We have a very competitive field to see who is crowned the Cascade Collegiate Conference champ.  Kyle Knudtson, also a pitcher on the Mountaineer baseball team, is going to have to throw a mess of fastballs, sliders and curves if he wants to get out of this one in a perfect game.  8th in the NAIA nation a year ago, he's thus far collected silver and bronze CCC medals as he goes for gold. 

Not more than a bald man's hair behind him will be both Sawyer Hobbs & Rylin Burns.  Hobbs is already a two-time CCC champion, and it'll be a cold day in Phoenix, Arizona, before he gives that status up.  Rylan Burns 4th here a year ago, has shown that the higher pressure the situation, the more he is going to show up.  He had a miracle 5th place run at the NAIA championships last year & he more recently made the Missouri Valley Invitational finals.   Adrian Chavez Morales was 6th here a year ago, as Isaiah Twait was 5th. 

197

Another loaded weight class, that will feature six allocations.  Our *1 seed here looks to be Caleb Werner, who placed 7th here a year ago.  Challenging him will be Oregon State transfer Asher Ruchti who is doing very well thus far in his first season within the NAIA.  Austin Vanek, a 2023 NAIA All American, had to rely on wildcard status last year to make the national tournament.   He'll be in the hunt for a title.  Also in this bracket is Trenton Bloomquist, a very tough freshman competing for Embry Riddle.  Add in Eric Karas & Hunter James as transfer from Menlo, a two-time NAIA qualifier.

HWT

 
When you stop and think about it, 1/4 of the qualifiers for the NAIA national tournament in the HWT class will be from the CCC.  7 qualifiers in total.   All American Ken Kopley leads the way, 3rd here a year ago, he won the Mile High Open earlier this year.  Utah Valley transfer Nico Rodriguez will be in the mix, as will be Antonio Garcia a former Southern Oregon rep, now at Corban.  Shane Mattson placed 6th earlier this year at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  As we round out the competitors, Ethan DeRoche was 5th here a year ago. 

2025 Appalachian Athletic Conference Preview (Fri Feb 21st & Sat Feb 22nd)

 

One of the toughest qualifiers in the NAIA, the Appalachian Athletic Conference has allotted 38 qualification spots for the national tournament. Among the talent 6 All Americans from last season & 4 others who were R12.  Going to be a tough tournament. 

This year's championships are hosted by #2 Life, with #3 Southeastern right on their tail in hunt for the team title.  #12 Reinhardt, along with many other teams will also be in competition. 

125

An AAC runner-up last season, Angel Banda looks to try and trade in silver for gold this weekend as the experienced one will have his toughest competition coming from rookie teammate Lee Camp.  Camp actually finished ahead of Banda at the Oppenheim Invitational & Camp also took 2nd place honors at the Patriot Open.   Also in this bracket will be a tough Conner Hueck of St Thomas 6th at the Missouri Valley Invitational, who is looking to improve upon the 4th place finish he had last year. 

133

Tough bracket that returns two All Americans from last season.  Thaddeus long is the returning AAC champion & the returning NAIA national finalist.  Aaron Lucio is currently quite a few places ahead of Andrew Voiles, but despite, keep in mind Voiles was runner-up here last year & 7th in the NAIA nation.  When on the line, some guys turn it on at the right time. 

141

I'm currently only 35 minutes from where Kael Brisker went to High school, but I tell you, looking outside at a pile of snow in 27 degree weather, I sure wish I was 35 minutes from where he's currently going to college instead! I've been following him for quite sometime, & I'm anxious to see how he does in his final post season.  He was a runner-up here last year & 4th in the NAIA nation. 

Also anxious to see how Thomas Williams ends up doing.  The AAC historically has not been good to the Bobcat. He was 7th here two seasons ago & 5th here last year.  An NAIA R12'er in '24, Williams recently placed 6th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational.   

Drew Jones a tough sophomore out of Mountain View high in Oregon, is the top candidate for that 3rd place slot & final qualification spot in this bracket.  I don't think it is a shoe-in though. While Kael Brisker majored Garrett Pace earlier this season, I think Pace gives Jones a better match.  I haven't seen many "stealers" as I like to call them, but I know throughout these qualifiers, we'll have plenty of theft.  Pace strikes me as one who might steal a spot here. 

149

Sometimes you can just sense chaos and this is one of those times for me.  I think 149 lbs in the AAC is going to be absolute pandemonium, and I do not expect seeds to hold.  Devin Griffin, a tough wrestler out of Nevada has earned his high ranking & his probable *1 seed, but has he got a road ahead of him if he wants to bring home AAC gold.  Chris Kelly was a runner-up here last year & one match shy of being an NAIA All American last year.  Add in two Runnin' Eagles, also starved, talons sharpened, ready to rip & shred the competition.  Brett Minor himself was one match shy of being an NAIA All American last season, and Pat Gould is a very interesting story.   4th in the NAIA nation in 2023, he started off '23-'24 ranked #1 & then showed us that perhaps he has a career in magic post his collegiate wrestling career, because he D-I-S-A-P-P-E-A-R-E-D!  Now he's back, and I have a feeling he's going to show us magic of another kind this weekend & again at the NAIA national tournament. In other words, I say he's better than his #19 ranking. I say he's better than the probable *4 seed he'll receive, and I say he proves it.  

Also in this bracket will be a tough Mario De La Torre, a CCCAA runner-up who traveled 2,509 miles across country to compete for the Fire. 

157

Only the finalists advance here at 157 lbs.  Fabian Padilla a three-time New Mexico high school state finalist, who shined in the NJCAA ranks for Iowa Western is our forerunner for a championship title.  Considering that he tech'd Aushaud Evans 17-2 in dual two weeks ago, I'd say he looks pretty good on the over/under.  For good measure, he also defeated Evans for 3rd place at the Patriot Open. 

165

Now here's a tough bracket.  Semis, Finals, consolation finals, we're going to see some really good wrestling at 165 lbs.  R12 in the NAIA nation last season, thus far Matt Jenkins has been 3rd & 2nd in the AAC.  He'll have as tough of a road as will anyone if he wants to walk out of here champion this weekend.  Among his competition will be Tony Federico, a grad student who between Fresno State & Illinois, spent the bulk of his collegiate career competing in NCAA DI. He was 6th at the Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year.  Steve Villalobos was the AAC champion last year & 4th in the NAIA nation.  You know good & well he's gunning for another gold medal this weekend.   To top things off in a bracket that will be taking the top six to nationals, we also have Reese Jones, Nathan Napolitano & Angel Hernandez all in competition as well. 

174

Another tough weight class, that is rather interesting for a variety of reasons.  Kris Ketchem was a standout NJCAA wrestler for Nassau the past few seasons, capturing 3rd & 2nd place finishes in the community college national championships.  He's been every bit as successful thus far in the NAIA, including winning a very competitive Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this season.  His top challenger here in the AAC, will be a Graham Calhoun, who had a very unusual season last year.  Starting off competing for Wisconsin, he transferred mid-season to Southeastern.  3rd in the AAC, he made it to the finals of the NAIA championships.   Also in this bracket, is a tough Alex Couto, who spent a majority of last season as a backup to the talent Life already had at 174, thus proving how deep the Runnin' Eagles are in each weight class.  Trace Braun, a returning All American of 7th place from last season, & Jevian Ross, another NJCAA standout who competed for Triton.  He was 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational himself. 

184

1st-2nd-1st within the KCAC, J.D. Perez is now in the AAC looking for gold of another conference.  The former Brave, now Runnin' Eagle has also been 5th-6th-3rd in the NAIA nation, and will look to become a four time All American.  This could very well end up an all Life final, as our other probable finalist, is fellow Eagle Kendall Norfleet.  Brother of Arizona State four-time PAC-12 champion, Kordell Norfleet, Kendall won the Patriot Open earlier this season.  Look for Zahquel Davis, a tough freshman for Brewton Parker to take home the bronze. 

197

Another super tough weight class that will allot six wrestlers to the NAIA championships.  Leading the pack, Khalil Abdush-Shakur, a skilled wrestler in multiple styles who won the Patriot Open earlier this season.  Another possibility created for an all Eagle final, as Tre Morrisette returns having earned AAC runner-up honors last season.   No guarantee though, as we have a lot of new and young talent hungry for that spot.  

HWT

Life (literally this time) can be full of many surprises.  Sometimes those surprises can be very good.  When 2022 NAIA champ Gage Braun failed to place at the 2023 NAIA championships, I was heartbroken for the Fire.  Hate seeing things end in a disappointing fashion like that.  When I saw his name pop up in the results earlier in '24-'25, I was shocked.  I'm still not sure how in the world he has eligibility left, but he does.  This weekend he'll be going for an AAC title, ironically enough, against another wrestler who seemed to vanish, then reappear out of nowhere, Earnest Johnson.  7th in the NAIA a few years ago himself, competing for Keiser, he now competes for Life (the school this time) looking for another All American honor. 

2025 AMC/SAC Conference Preview (Saturday Feb 22nd)

 

The American Midwest Conference/Sooner Athletic Conference championships will be held this Saturday, February 22nd.  Ironically enough, host #22 Oklahoma City is the favorite to win this year's team title.  With that said, we'll see plenty of good wrestling out of many of the other teams in participation.  While the conference is rather small compared to some of the others in the NAIA, it has grown tremendously over the past few seasons.   My job today is to look at the allocations per weight class and determine who I think will be our representatives' come nationals. 

#24
Garrett Johnson
Oklahoma City
125

Call me a soothsayer if you will, but I find it peculiar that there's a good chance we could crown two of the Stars this tournament as four-time AMC/SAC champions.  Makes we wonder if we could be looking at a future four-time AMC/SAC champion when we look at Garrett Johnson.  Only a freshman, he's the favorite to win the 125 lbs class this Saturday. 

133

Three allocations, our favorite to win the 133 lbs AMC/SAC title is last year's champion Dom Chavez, who also took 4th in the NAIA nation.  Our battle for runner-up status will be between teammates Darryl Mills & Dillon Witt.  While Mills currently has the upper-hand via the rankings, Witt has the experience of already being a two-time AMC/SAC finalist.  He was also R12 at the NAIA championships last year as well.  Should prove to be a semi-final worth watching. 

141

Back to back NAIA 5th place finisher Cade Manion has the opportunity this weekend to become a rare four-time AMC/SAC champion.  In fact, I think sense the merge, he will literally be the first to do so.  The only thing that could possibly stand in his way would be Tyler Deen of Missouri Baptist.  The Spartan spent the majority of his career competing in NCAA DI, wrestling for both Nebraska & Cal State Bakersfield.  The odds strongly favor Manion, but Deen lingers within the back of my mind. 

149

If Cade Manion wins his fourth AMC/SAC title this Saturday, he may very well have to share the spotlight with teammate Keegan Luton, who is also going for his fourth AMC/SAC title.  I believe his journey to a fourth title, may be a bit more challenging than will be Manion's.  Standing in Luton's way is a very tough Alex Pena, who has tasted AMC/SAC gold in his own right. (Champ in 2023, 2nd last year).  Pena, who was also R12 at last year's NAIA championships, gave Luton a close 5-3 match earlier this season. 

#23
E.T. Rodgers Jr
Missouri Baptist
157

Phone it home, E.T! I believe the Spartan will be our AMC/SAC champ at 157 lbs this weekend! 

#15
Braeden Baller
Texas Wesleyan 
165

I've been watching Braeden Baller compete for quite some time now.  Tall, holy cow is this guy tall.  Uses that leverage to his advantage. A guy that gets on the mat as much as he can, I'm surprised he hasn't legally changed his name yet.  We call basketball and baseball players ballers, right?  He's more of a matter, or a grappler.  A two-time AMC/SAC champ, going for his third title, I'm surprised he isn't ranked a bit higher than what he is.  R12 at last year's NAIA championships, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Ram finally make the award stand. 

174

The toughest weight class in the AMC/SAC, as far as allocations are concerned.  174 lbs is granting four spots to the NAIA national tournament, and here are the four I believe we'll see qualify.   As to who places 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, I'm anxious to see how that all folds out.  Joel Campbell has the highest ranking, but Jonathan Ward majored him 13-4 earlier this season. Daxton DeFrange owns an 11-8 victory over Ward & Campbell owns an 11-8 victory over Jordan Lomeli.  Both Lomeli and Ward are transfers.  Lomeli competed for Ottawa last season & placed 3rd in the KCAC.  Ward competed for Ozarks. 

#23
Bryce Milster
Oklahoma City
184

Another Star looking to shine this AMC/SAC championships will be Bryce Milster, the favorite to win a title at 184 lbs. 

#22
John Bray
Wayland Baptist
197

A former NJCAA standout, John Bray is now showing us his skills within the ranks of the NAIA.  A favorite to win the AMC/SAC title at 197 this weekend. 

HWT

Been quite the journey thus far for Emmett Bivens, but he seems to be on track and settled in his new home of Wayland Baptist.  Looking to possibly win an AMC/SAC title this Saturday, but will face a good challenge from Wilbert Martin of Texas Wesleyan, who is also gunning for gold. 

Plains District Preview (Saturday Feb 22nd)

 

Most certainly one of the toughest NJCAA qualifiers, the Plains District championship will feature #1 Western Wyoming, #8 Southeast CC, #17 Northwest Wyoming & #21 Northeastern CC.  Hosted by Otero, look for some of the best NJCAA wrestling this weekend to happen here. 

#4 
Seffy Douglas
Western Wyoming
125

153-3, Seffy Douglas ended '23-'24 as one of best wrestlers to ever come out of the state of Wyoming. Now he's representing the Western Wyoming Mustangs, and looking strong to win the Plains District title this Saturday. 

#3
Zach Marrero
Western Wyoming
133

A tough freshman out of Colorado, with an extensive background in Greco-Roman, look for Zach Marrero to win the 133 lbs Plains District title this weekend. 

141

I believe this match will be much more competitive than what ranking may suggest.  Dmitri Alarcon has had himself a very good season this year, and he is most likely to receive the *1 seed this weekend.  Challenging him will be last year's champion, Ely Olberding who was also 6th in the NJCAA nation. 

149

I tell you what, I'm anxious to see if Coach Pack can keep a hold of Keith Smith for another year of NJCAA eligibility.  The way that he's been wrestling this season, I can't help but think that he already has many 4 year institutions already knocking on his door.  The guy has looked phenomenal this season & I believe he'll be our Plains District champ.  With that said, Tommy Dalton is no slouch.  A three time state champ in Wyoming, he has looked very good in his own right. 

#10
Jack Lounsbury
Northwest Wyoming
157

3rd in the Utah High School State championships last season, Jack Lounsbury plans to win the Plains District title this weekend. 

165

Anxious to see this match up at 165 lbs, our likley final here at the Plains District.  Also anxious to see if eventually Fayzullaev joins his brother at Arizona State. 

#8
Sam May
Western Wyoming
174

Look for the Mustangs to put another wrestler on top of the podium this Saturday.  Sam May at 174 lbs. 

184

I said at the very beginning of the season that I thought that 2024 NJCAA runner-up Isaac White could end up the Bobcats first ever NJCAA champion.  I still believe that. However, first things first.  White is going to have to figure out a way past Banks Love, a wrestler out of Utah, that has cemented himself in the list of plausible NJCAA champs.  This could end up the best match, not only speaking to NJCAA, but in all collegiate wrestling this weekend. 

197

197 lbs ought to feature another really good final between Corey Hyatt of Southeast CC & Austin Richins of Northwest Wyoming.  Both of these guys, All American candidates. 

#1
Dmarian Lopez
Western Wyoming 
HWT

A Plains District champ last year & 3rd in the NJCAA, look for top ranked Dmarian Lopez to walk out of here wearing a gold medal!