Pittsburgh Vs Lehigh Dual Preview (Sunday 11-24)

 

Have a good east coast battle this Sunday between the #23 Pittsburgh Panthers & the #18 Lehigh Mountain Hawks.  7 of the 10 matches stick out in particular. 

#16 Nick Babin Vs #15 Sheldon Seymour
125        

Ranking & result favor the Mountain Hawk in this match up.  Sheldon Seymour is one spot higher than Nick Babin in the rankings and he won their last head-to-head by a 7-2 decision.  

#30 Vince Santaniello Vs #1 Ryan Crookham
133

This match ended in bonus points for the Mountain Hawks the last time the two met.  A 10-2 major decision for Crookham over Santaniello.  It very well could end in bonus points again. Crookham finished 3rd in the DI nation last season. His only loss to the national champion, whom he had beaten twice earlier in the year.  So far he's #1 until someone proves otherwise.  If Santaniello can keep this match to a decision, that in itself would be a victory.  

U.R. Anthony Santaniello Vs #20 Malyke Hines
141

Another match that heavily favors the Mountain Hawks.  However, I do believe that Anthony Santaniello is much better than his current unranked status.  I believe he will contend for NCAA DI qualification this season & I think he'll display that potential this Sunday against #20 Malyke Hines. An upset? Probably not, but I do think he makes Hines work for his points and I see this match ending in a decision. 

#29 Finn Solomon Vs #30 Kelvin Griffin
149

In dual situations, these are the types of matches you love to see.  Although these two have never met collegiately, rankings suggest that these two are neck and neck.  An opportunity for either wrestler to come alive and earn and important win for himself and his team. 

#18 Luca Augustine Vs U.R. Rylan Rogers
174

I think we have a similar situation to 141 lbs, except this time the match heavily favors the Panthers.  I do think Rylan Rogers will prove to be a valuable asset within time for the white and brown, and I think he'll display some skills against Augustine, even if the match ends in a loss.  3 points on the board for Pittsburgh is my prediction here. 

#6 Michael Beard Vs #14 Mac Stout
197

Right now the talk of the town is Terrell Barraclough.  How he transferred out of Penn State & has proven himself to be a contender at the 165 lbs weight class. How he was lost in the shuffle at PSU & how he's one of the hottest names in wrestling at the moment now competing for Utah Valley.  Well, he isn't the only example.  Michael Beard has and continues to prove himself much in the same manner.  He's been an excellent addition to the Lehigh squad.  How he matches up against the likes of Buchanan, Cardenas, Ferrari & Elam this year, I don't know.  What I do know is that he's a two time All American with a very strong shot at becoming a three time.  The last time he wrestled Mac Stout, he took it to him in an 18-3 technical fall.  Do I think Stout can keep the match closer this time? Yes, I do.  I think he can even keep it to a decision.   

To be honest I don't know a thing about either wrestler at 165 lbs. Have no idea how to predict how that match will go.  (I follow DI, DII, DIII, NAIA & NJCAA wrestling to the best of my ability. I can admit when there are wrestlers I'm unfamiliar with.)    157 quite heavily favors Lehigh, while 184 quite heavily favors Pittsburgh.   My point here is that while lost on the 165 lbs match, to me the over/under favors Lehigh in 5 matches and Pittsburgh in 4.  Getting bonus or not giving up bonus could be very crucial in this match.  Both Aaron Sweazy and I believe that Pittsburgh for years has often had the artillery but for some reason or another been unable to fire those guns at full capacity.  This dual against Lehigh gives the Panthers an opportunity to showcase what they have. 

U.R. Owen Trephan OR #10 Nathan Taylor Vs #13 Dayton Pitzer
HWT

 A lot to digest here. 

I knew that with the rules being the way the rules are, that we would see some in-season transfers this year.  Owen Trephan wasn't able to get past Isaac Trumble for the varsity spot at North Carolina State, so now he's at Lehigh.  The question here is, is he beating out Nathan Taylor for the varsity position?  Taylor is no slouch himself.  Obviously, he's ranked #10 for good reason.  

What to take away here? 

Head to head, Nathan Taylor actually owns a 6-2 decision over Trephan.  HOWEVER...let's compare the two in their matches to Dayton Pitzer, the wrestler that one of these guys will face this Sunday. 

Trephan has defeated Pitzer twice.  7-3 and 3-1 s.v. decisions. 

Taylor has lost to Pitzer twice, a 10-1 major decision & a 2-0 decision. 

Makes it fun doesn't it? 

Iowa Vs Iowa State (Saturday 11-23)

 

Wrestling is a funny sport isn't it?  If this were basketball or football or baseball, or pretty much any other sport other than wrestling, we could take the information provided to us and make a logical conclusion.  I mean it's simple isn't it?  A #2 vs a #11 team.  Iowa State lost to Stanford, while Iowa beat Stanford handedly.  Simple right?   

Wrong

It's not anywhere near that simple.  Hate to say it, but the Cyclones weren't taking the dual against Stanford all that seriously. In a sport where most still put the only stock, the only value on the post season, Coach Dresser and company aren't all that concerned with a loss to the Cardinal.  Now a dual against Iowa, look at Iowa State's schedule. Other than Oklahoma State, there isn't a dual that they're going to take more seriously.  Coach Dresser is coming into Iowa City to do war.  He'll have his men prepared....

And so will Brands & Co.  As far as the B&G is concerned, they're leading the C&G to slaughter.  Tom and Terry are both ready to lash out in 300 esque banner, "THIS IS IOWA CITY!!!" 

What is most peculiar to me about this upcoming dual is that in all 10 matches, none of these wrestlers have met collegiately before.  An Iowa Hawkeyes Vs Iowa State Cyclones showdown, and none of the wrestlers have wrestled before.  I can't say for sure but in my 32 years of watching college wrestling, I think this may be the first time this has ever happened. 

Let's go to war....

#31 Kale Petersen Vs R.S. Adrian Meza
125

Iowa State may very well wrestle Osmany Diversent, but with the rules being that a current redshirt can have so many varsity matches & still keep their redshirt, it wouldn't surprise me to see Adrian Meza take the mat in Carver on Saturday.  Iowa State wants to put themselves in the best possible situation they can, and at 125 lbs, that is Adrian Meza who is coming off of winning the Grand View Open.   A redshirt freshman himself, this will be Kale Petersen's first real opportunity to see how he performs for the Hawks in a high pressure situation. It's one thing to wrestle against and up and coming program in Kentucky. It's a whole other to compete at CHA in one of your team's most intense rivalries. Both of these young wrestlers wanting to win the love, approval and satisfaction of their diehard fanbases, this (if it is the match that happens) will be a good one. 

#9 Drake Ayala Vs #5 Evan Frost
133

The loss to Tyler Knox of Stanford still lingers as Drake Ayala heads into this Saturday. What a statement of redemption and affiliation it'd be for the Hawkeye if he were to knock off #5 Evan Frost.  While circumstances obviously favor the Hawkeyes in this dual, they're still going to want to win the toss up matches and this is one of them.  While Frost is four spots higher than Ayala in the rankings, it'd still be a big deal for the young Cyclone to garner a win over an NCAA DI finalist.  From both a team perspective & from an individual standpoint, this is a very important match. 

#32 Ryder Block Vs U.R. Zach Redding
     141

With the unfortunate and depressing news about Casey Swiderski, I'm going to imagine that the Cyclones go with Zach Redding as the starter at 141 lbs.  Don't let the U.R. next to his name fool you.  Redding is a tough competitor who has done some big things for the cardinal & gold in the past, including finishing a match shy of All American honors in 2023.  I'd be shocked if he isn't top 33 by the end of '24-'25.  So yes, to those who only look at pieces of paper with #'s on them, despite what that says, this would be a very nice win for Ryder Block if he's able to achieve it.  This is also an excellent opportunity for Iowa State to pull off an upset. 

#4 Kyle Parco Vs #7 Anthony Echemendia
149                

Now we're getting into the marquee matches ladies and gentlemen.  I've been saying that Kyle Parco looks poised and determined to win an NCAA DI title this season.  Saturday will be his first real test against a formidable opponent in Anthony Echemendia.   Parco currently 3-0, with a very impressive 15-0 tech over Jaden Abas.  Echemendia defeated Abas 11-5.   For whatever that's worth, this won't be a time to leave your seat.  I promise you that. 

#1 Jacori Teemer Vs #11 Paniro Johnson
157

I really hope you don't have to use the bathroom at the start of the 149 lbs match, because you're going to want to hold it through 157 lbs too.  If 149 lbs isn't the match of the night, 157 may very well be.  I'm looking very forward to this match. You have two wrestlers with similar styles going head to head.  Both of these guys are fast, quick and extremely difficult to score on.  Ranking alone, the B&G faithful might not realize how much of a challenge Paniro Johnson truly is.  It wouldn't surprise me at all if this match went into sudden victory or tiebreakers. 

#2 Mikey Caliendo Vs #9 M.J. Gaitan
    165

Wrestling fans and wrestling media alike don't talk about it near as much as they did in years past, but boy oh boy did Mikey Caliendo demonstrate the Iowa conditioning against Hunter Garvin when the Hawkeyes wrestled Stanford. He's got one hell of a frame & the engine rooms smooth, with tremendous horsepower, but D-A-M-N! He was the polar opposite of Jackson Browne. He was runnin' on FULL!  That type of go 110% all seven minutes is going to be difficult for anyone to keep up with.  With that said, M.J. Gaitan is a go-getter in his own right.  Coming in here and defeating Caliendo on his mat in front of his people? Tall order.  

#10 Nelson Brands Vs U.R. Aiden Riggins
174

This is where the Hawkeyes can really separate themselves from the Cyclones. I've ran team scores a couple of different ways, and 174 lbs is where the Hawkeyes win the dual, unless the Cylcones not only pull off an upset, but do it in an unforeseen matter like a major or a fall.  Aiden Riggins is a former Hawkeye himself who spent two years in Iowa City before packing his bags and heading northwest to Ames.  Nelson Brands is going to welcome him back to Carver and I'd be surprised if it is anything less than a major decision.  Lots of tossups in this dual. Far more than "on paper" suggest, but this isn't one of them.  This is a win for the B&G. 

#8 Gabe Arnold Vs #16 Evan Bockman
184

Gabe Arnold really took it to Tye Monteiro when the Hawks wrestled Stanford, but he struggled against Bellarmine's Devan Hendricks who did a good job of keeping him tied up and grounded most of the match.   Arnold still came away with the W, in a 5-3 score, but he wasn't his usual put points on the board left and right self.  Evan Bockman is tall, long and lanky.  A three time NCAA DI qualifier at 197 lbs, he still has that 197 lbs build.  A lot of Arnold's power and best offense is in getting in close and executing.  If Bockman can capitalize on his reach, this could very well frustrate the Hawkeye.  Then again, easier said than done when you have 16,000 people hootin' and hollerin' against you.  I know how much some wrestling fans hate any reference to professional wrestling, and that alone is why I'll use the following reference.  The good guys often say how much difference it makes and how much adrenaline and extra power it gives them when their fans are shouting encouragement towards them.  I think that's true in collegiate wrestling too.  Arnold's going to have those same 16,000 cheering FOR him and in an important match like this, that DOES make a difference. 

#2 Stephen Buchanan Vs #20 Christian Carroll
197

Christian Carroll really impressed me with a solid win over Stanford's Nick Stemmet.  However, Stephen Buchanan made it look easy with a technical fall over Stemmet.  Matter of fact, I don't agree with the current rankings that have Buchanan #2 & A.J. Ferrari #1.  I personally feel that Buchanan deserves that #1 spot.  But...whatever.  It is what it is.   I do think Carroll is going to eventually fair very well under the leadership in Ames, but I think Buchanan is on a whole other level.  A going to win Iowa an NCAA DI title at 197 lbs level.  I know Carroll can keep this match to a decision, but inside Carver, Buchanan could very well get on a role. 

#12 Ben Kueter Vs #5 Yonger Bastida
HWT

It's time to stop messing around.  Predictions, premonitions, foresights, all of that is great, but it's time to really find out just how good Ben Keuter is.  He's defeated some good wrestlers, but he hasn't faced anyone of Yonger Bastida's level yet.  You have to remember that Bastida was undefeated going into last year's NCAA DI championships.  If not for an unfortunate hand injury, who knows how he would have finished?  This match is huge for both of these guys.  I would imagine that the dual will start at 125 lbs and anyone who leaves the arena early to avoid traffic is an outright fool.  This match is too good to miss.  This gives Kueter is first real opportunity to show the B&G faithful that he is indeed for real and it gives Bastida the opportunity to showcase that he's healed up 100% from his injury and he's as much (if not more) of a force to be reckoned with now as he was last year. 

====

Rutgers Vs Virginia Tech Preview (Friday 11-22)

 

We have a good dual this Friday between the #17 Scarlet Knights & the #7 Hokies.  Lots of good matches to look forward to, each with its own unique storyline making this dual as interesting from an individual perspective as it is from a team perspective.  

#9 Dean Peterson Vs #13 Eddie Ventresca
125

Define irony.  It's amazing how much things can change in a year.  Last year at this time, Eddie Ventresca was in a serious slump, struggling like crazy. Peterson on the other hand was doing quite well.  Now here we are approximately 12 months later & the two have switched.  Ventresca has been wrestling really well lately, 5-0, with a win over Cooper Flynn.  Peterson is the one struggling, with a 1-2 record, including a loss to an unranked wrestler from Long Island University.  When the two met last season, Peterson walked away with a 2-0 win.  What happens this Friday?  We will see. 

#6 Dylan Shawver Vs #10 Connor McGonagle
133

Both of these wrestlers have looked pretty good thus far in '24-'25.  Shawver is currently undefeated, but he hasn't faced the caliber of competition that McGonagle, who has one loss has.  McGonagle also pulled off a very nice win over Kade Moore of Missouri recently as well.  Some feel that Virginia Tech is one of those teams that could potentially take home a top four trophy this year.  If so, they're going to need guys like McGonagle, getting wins over guys like Shawver.  From the Scarlet point of view, Rutgers has a team full of wrestlers with the talent, ability, & potential to do far better than their current ranking suggest. Opportunity knocking, who opens the door? 

#22 Joey Olivieri Vs #18 Sam Latona
141

I've thus far enjoyed the Sam Latona redemption story & it's been rewarding seeing him wrestle well after a disappointing end to '23-'24.  With that said, he has himself a very tough challenge on Friday night.  Joey Olivieri hasn't quite cemented himself as AA material, but a win over Latona would at the very least, put the idea into the head of those paying attention.  Both of these guys want to keep climbing the ladder. While an upset for Olivieri, it'd still be a good win for Latona. 

U.R. Andrew Clark Vs #1 Caleb Henson
149

2023 NCAA DI qualifier Andrew Clark has yet to find himself in the rankings after an injury plagued '23-'24 season.  The question in this dual I believe is whether he can keep the match to a decision Vs the returning NCAA DI champ.  V.T. will be expecting bonus points in this match, and they may very well get it.  

#13 Jackson Turley Vs #4 Lennox Wolak
174

We have two seniors here, both looking for their second All American honor by season's end.   Turley was 8th in the nation back in 2021 & Wolak was 6th last year.  A win here for Turley would be vital for the Scarlet Knight.  Ever since earning All American status four seasons ago, he has yet to place himself back within that status. He's been lingering around close to it, within the suburbs, but has yet to step back into Top 8 City.  He defeats Wolak on Friday, he's back.   Despite what the rankings say, a win for Wolak here as far as I'm concerned is still a win over a fellow All American. 

#20 Brian Soldano Vs #5 T.J. Stewart
184

Here's another opportunity for a Scarlet Knight to demonstrate that he's much better than the current ranking he is at. T.J. Stewart is coming off of an upset loss to Colton Hawks of Missouri & it'll be interesting to see where his mind is at as a result of it this Friday.  This could give Brian Soldano an opportunity to hand Stewart his second loss via upset.  With that said, the loss to Hawks might very well fire up the Hokie.  I think Soldano is good enough to keep this match to a decision, but Stewart might very well be out for blood.   Again a top #7 team ranking does suggest that if firing at all cylinders the Hokies could contend for a top 4 trophy.  From that perspective, a #5 would want to major a #20. 

#12 John Poznanski Vs #13 Andy Smith
197

There's going to be a lot of good matches this dual, but this could very well end up the best match of the night.  Both John Poznanski & Andy Smith finished a match shy of All American honors last March.  After finishing 4th in the DI nation back in 2021, it seemed that Poznanski was destined for better results than what we've seen the last couple of years.  A redshirt gives him both this year & next, and it's very plausible that he could end his career as a three time All American.  In order to do so though, it's going to take wins, like the one he'll be going for Friday night against Smith.   Smith wants to stand on the award stand in March every bit as much as Poznanski.  Same principle applies.  It'll take wins like the one he's going for against Poznanski Friday night.   

The last time these two met, it was a 4-2 decision for Poznanski. 

Minnesota Vs North Dakota State Preview (Friday 11-22)

 

The #12 Minnesota Golden Gophers take on the unranked North Dakota State Bison this Friday.  While the dual itself is out of reach for the Green & Yellow, opportunity still presents itself for the Bison to walk away from this matchup with some big victories. Some very big victories actually.  Let's take a look. 

#14 Cooper Flynn Vs U.R. Tristan Daughtery
125

While it is Cooper Flynn who has the #14 ranking Vs an Unranked Tristan Daughtery, it is Daughther who owns a 2-1 decision against Flynn. If Daughtery can pull off another win, what a huge upset that would be for the Bison as they host the Gophers. Easier said than done to beat someone of Flynn's caliber two times in a row. 

#8 Tyler Wells Vs U.R. Kyle Burwick
133

The journey has been pretty smooth sailing for Tyler Wells. The sophomore put together a pretty impressive season last year & nearly made All American honors in his first attempt in the nation's toughest collegiate tournament.  The road has been far more bumpy for Kyle Burwick, who has struggled as of late with an up & down showing.  With the facts in front of us, it should be noted that just last year, Burwick gave Wells a very hard fought 6-3 s.v. match.   Talk about bringing the Fargo crowd to their feet.  This is a within reach mission for Burwick.  Think about what it'd do for his confidence going forward. 

#5 Vance VomBaur Vs U.R. Kellyn March
141

Personally, I find it kind of insulting that NCAA DI rankings go all the way to #33, and somewhere within those rankings, they can't find room to put Kellyn March?  I have to remind myself that health/injuries kept him out of the game last season & so far this season, it looks like health/injuries might still be giving him fits.  With that noted, let me remind everyone else that we're talking about a Southern Scuffle champ here. This guy knows how to win big matches and by the end of '24-'25, he'll be a lot higher than "U.R.", I'll confidently guarantee that.   Now how does he fare against returning All American #5 Vance VomBaur?  I say that heavily depends on where his health is Friday.   Even if he is 100%, beating VomBaur is an extremely difficult task.  VomBaur himself made tremendous improvements between '22-'23 & '23-'24, so it's only natural to believe he's made more in '24-'25.  

If March is 100% (and that's a very big if) then we're looking at a good match between two good wrestlers.  If March isn't 100% (which I fear may be the case) then we're looking at a for sure victory for the Golden Gopher.  The thing is, March can defeat VomBaur, BUT he's going to have to be 100%.  Anything less, won't get the job done.  99.99% ain't gonna cut it. 

#23 Drew Roberts Vs U.R. Max Petersen Or #32 Gavin Drexler
149

Either way, I think the Bison have an opportunity to pull off an upset in this match. If it's U.R. Max Peterson, he's already defeated #23 Drew Roberts 10-8 & the other match they had, he took Petersen into the tiebreakers before ultimately losing 2-1.  I'd say Drexler is probably in a similar situation.  Either way, it's going to be a hard fought match for the victor, be it Golden Gopher or Bison. 

West Virginia Vs Appalachian State Preview (Fri 11-22)

 

The Battle of the Mountaineers!  On paper it looks like #19 West Virginia should easily win this dual over U.R. Appalachian State but I do say the black & gold gives the blue and gold a good fight & will be more competitive in some matches than rankings suggest. 

#11 Titus Jordan Vs U.R. Sean Carter
141 

This match is going to be a lot better on the mat than what it suggested on paper.  Matter of fact, after Sean Carter defeated Sam Latona, I'm a little surprised that he isn't ranked.  He was also wrestling Kai Orine very well too before having to injury default.  I say that he gives Jordan Titus a good match & I won't even rule out an upset.  Sean Carter is a tough wrestler & win or lose here, he'll be top 33 by year's end, no doubt. 

#3 Peyton Hall Vs #8 Will Miller
165

Peyton Hall has been wrestling extremely well as of late.  He has earned his #3 ranking.  He's on a high right now after sticking Hunter Garvin (5:54) at the All Star Classic.  The last time he met up with Will Miller on the mat, he won via major decision 10-2.  I don't know if he'll bonus him again or not. Miller's made some improvements himself & he's never been ranked this high before.  Still taking Morgantown over Boone in this one, but I think it ends in a regular decision. 

#24 Brody Conley Vs U.R. Luke Uliano
174

Again, I believe we have a better match here on the mat than what is suggested on paper.  Uliano recently had a very nice, decisive win over Darrien Roberts & he's had some nice wins in the past too, including Gerrit Nijenhuis.  Still favor WVU in this matchup, but I think Uliano will give him a run for his money.  Not completely ruling out an upset either. 

U.R. Ian Bush Vs U.R. Tomas Brooker
184

These are the kind of matches that make duals a lot of fun.  Two guys who have yet to really be recognized or celebrated by the collegiate wrestling world, ready to do battle for their teams.  Honestly, Brooker was someone I was expecting a little more out of this year.  He keeps Caleb Hopkins from winning his fourth SOCON title last year, I can't help but think he has a lot more big moments in his career.  He's only a sophomore, and I'd think that huge 5-4 upset over the Camel would only be the start of what he's capable of.    Ian Bush is a tough kid too.  Inconsistent, but a lot of potential.  He had a 8-5 s.v. over Gavin Kane not too long ago.  Both of these guys ARE top 33 material. Be fun to see who wins this match. 

Stanford Vs Cal Poly Dual Preview (Saturday 11-16)

 

I've been covering collegiate wrestling for 22 years now.  First started when I was 18 & I turn 40 in May.  Been running Johnnythompsonnum1 for the past 10 years. Unfortunately, for many of those years, I've had to talk about the negatives surrounding California wrestling.  CSU-Fullerton dropped, UC Davis dropped, Life Pacific dropped, Fresno State dropped.  The list goes on.  To a guy who loves college wrestling it's been distressing, somber and bleak. In recent times though, California wrestling has given us a reason to celebrate. Something to give us hope.  Speaking of hope one of the newest teams added to California collegiate wrestling this season is Hope International.  Along with the addition of Westcliff & the reinstatement of Cal Poly Humboldt.  

Another reason to celebrate California wrestling has been the commitment to excellence and improvement that both Stanford and Cal Poly have made as of late.  Despite a worthless A.D. who tried to ax the program, Stanford has put together a very impressive team this year that could very well qualify 8 wrestlers to the NCAA championships. The efforts being done in San Luis Obispo have also been quite commendable.  The Mustangs have a tough team this year too.  I can see up to 6 qualifiers.  With all that has gone wrong as to California collegiate wrestling, Stanford and Cal Poly are two examples of where it is going right. 

I present to you the #23 Stanford Cardinal Vs the #30 Cal Poly Mustangs. 

#12 Tyler Knox Vs #13 Zeth Romney
133   

Redshirt freshman Tyler Knox is on a high after knocking off Iowa's NCAA DI runner-up Draka Ayala in Iowa City last Saturday.  The celebration comes to an end tomorrow though, and it's time to go back to work. Zeth Romney is a young, hungry grappler himself. One that includes the kitchen sink when he throws everything else at you.  If you enjoy fast paced, in you face action the entire match, this is going to be one to keep an eye on.  Should be some slick, as well as downright sick maneuvers in this encounter. 

#12 Jaden Abas Vs #8 Chance Lamer
149   

He's an Abas, so you know damn good and well that he's mentally tough.  When you're the son of Gerry & the nephew of Stephen, that goes without saying.  However, it's also a fact that Jaden Abas has been in a slump as of late.  The senior who was an All American as a freshman is looking to reclaim his status and he's once again met with a tough challenge tomorrow.  Chance Lamer, who himself has been R12 twice at the NCAA's, owns two victories over the Cardinal.  A 7-2 decision & an 11-3 major decision.  Abas owns a 4-3 decision over him.  Be interesting to see what happens. 

U.R. Grigor Cholakyan Vs #33 Legend Lamer
         157

Against the #1 ranked wrestler in the nation last Saturday, despite the score, Grigor Cholokyan showed some impressive skills. He hand fought very well, had some definable defense and even nearly pulled off some offense.  That's not easy to do against a wrestler many believe can win an national title this year.   The idea of pulling off an upset over Legend Lamer & finding himself among the rankings is rather visible.  On the same hang though, Lamer is a three time NCAA qualifier looking for his fourth qualification this year.  He's been ranked much better and much higher than #33 before.  I'm sure he'd like to be again.   

#7 Hunter Garvin Vs #21 Luka Wick
165

Technique and ability wise, Hunter Garvin has proven himself to be a top notch wrestler.  However, despite whatever the reasoning may be, the gas tank has been a big issue for him.  He ran out of wind against Barraclough earlier this season & if the tank was plumb empty against Caliendo last Saturday, it was spitting fumes.  This could pose in favor of the Mustang looking to make a name for himself this season.  If he can keep Garvin from racking up the points in periods 1 and 2, he might be able to go in for the kill if Garvin's for the picking by the 3rd.  In a sport of strategy, that may very well be what CP is hoping for. 

#9 Lorenzo Norman Vs #20 Adam Kemp
   174

Lorenzo Norman looked very sharp and very smooth against Nelson Brands last Saturday.  Wrestled a patient, smart and tactical match.  He's gotta be on a high feeling good and feeling confident after that performance.  With that said, Adam Kemp is looking to open up some eyes and say, "remember me?"  He's dealt with some setbacks in his career, but is still looking to go out with a bang.   This may be a #9 Vs #20 match on paper, but I believe on the mat it'll be more like these guys are neck and neck.  I expect this to be a very good match...if of course Kemp is 100% healthy. 

#21 Nick Stemmet Vs U.R. Jarad Priest
197

Phenomenal technique, conditioning, strength, flexibility, athleticism.  I am not one of these people that buys into the balderdash that wrestling is "all mental."   However, I do know that the mental aspect of wrestling does have A LOT to do with it, even if it isn't all of it.  As I take that into consideration, I wonder how Nick Stemmet will look this weekend.  He's had some disappointing performances lately.  He could really use a good win here.  A win over Jarad Priest would be a good win for him. With that said, being in a slump can sometimes make wrestlers underperform.  That presents itself an opportunity for Priest. 

Missouri Vs Virginia Tech Preview (Tonight Friday 11-15 6:00 p.m.)

 

Have an outstanding dual later on tonight between the #7 Missouri Tigers and the #5 Virginia Tech Hokies.  Going to be a lot of really good wrestling.  This will not be one you want to miss. 

#12 Noah Surtin Vs #13 Eddie Ventresca
125     

Redemption is one of my favorite things about life, so naturally it's one of my favorite things about wrestling.  I have no idea what was going on with Eddie Ventresca last season.  All I know is that it was disheartening and depressing watching him struggle so much.  To see him back to form and wrestling well, has thus far been one of the early season highlights of '24-'25 for me.  The 7th place 2023 All American has himself one hell of a challenge tonight against Noah Surtin.  Surtin himself is a four time NCAA qualifier, itching not only for his fifth qualification, but his first All American honor by season's end.  In a dual meet where two teams are only separated by two spots in the rankings, what an important match this is. 

#29 Kade Moore Vs #10 Connor McGonagle
133          

In Missouri trying to knock off Virginia Tech, this could be a vital opportunity for the Tigers to pull off an upset.  After watching Kade Moore give two time NCAA champ Vitali Arujau a wild 1 point match, I'm convinced this guy is a lot better than the current #29 ranking he has.  That's to take nothing away from McGonagle.  It's called an upset for a reason.  McGonagle, a transfer from Lehigh wants to show the Hokie nation that they picked up a good one.  A victory here may not seem like all that big of a deal, because it'd be a #10 over a #29, but I assure you, it is.  Rankings don't always tell the full story and can sometimes be misleading. 

#13 Josh Edmond Vs #18 Sam Latona      
141     

Here's the thing.  Neither one of these guys are going to be happy by season's end if they're still ranked where they are now.  Both of these guys want to be top 8 when it's said and done.  Josh Edmond finished R12 at last year's NCAA championships.  Sam Latona, a two time All American, failed to place last year. Based on nothing but observation alone, I think it was fairly obvious that the weight cut was too much for him.  That's why he's up at 141 lbs now.  A win here would be very good for either wrestler.  Edmond defeats Latona, it gives him another win over someone who's been there and done that.  An excellent confidence builder.  A win for Latona, shows him that he is a contender for AA at 141 lbs, as he defeated another wrestler who is a contender at 141. 

#24 Logan Gioffre Vs #1 Caleb Henson
149

The #1 wrestler, NCAA DI champion taking on the #24 wrestler at his weight.  Probably thinking bonus points for the Hokies in the form of a major, pin or tech.  Yeah, maybe.  Believe it or not, the last time these two met Gioffre gave Henson won Hell of a match, losing only 6-4.   Wouldn't that be the upset of all upsets?  A wrestler with an 8-9 record last season, and only 32 wins in his entire career knocking off the national champ?  Flo could make film out of it. Christian Pyles could make a short, 198 minute video talking all about it.  On the flip side of the coin, Henson could come into this match and totally dominate.  Show the wrestling world it was simply an off day for him last time they wrestled.  Kinda reminds me of Rocky Vs Apollo.  

#1 Keegan O'Toole Vs #4 Lennox Wolak
174

3rd-1st-1st-3rd, Keegan O'Toole in my opinion will be challenged this year, but I don't think he'll be denied.  The guy is so good, so technical, so sound, and so smooth. Lennox Wolak is a very good wrestler in his own right.  6th in the nation last season, proves that.  However, sometimes you gotta call it like you see it.  I think Wolak keeps it to a decision, but O'Toole, 93-4, adds another W to the record. 

#12 Colton Hawks Vs #5 T.J. Stewart
184

This match intrigues me.  We have an R12'er in Colton Hawks taking on a 7th place NCAA DI All American T.J. Stewart.  If the match is fast paced, with a lot of separation, it highly favors the Hokie.  He likes to go at a high speed and his quickness and speed allow him some beautiful outside shots.  If Hawks can slow it down, and tie-up Stewart, I think he does stand a chance at pulling off an upset.  Which in order to win this dual, is exactly what Missouri needs & what Virginia Tech needs to avoid. 

#4 Rocky Elam Vs #13 Andy Smith
197   

5th-4th-3rd-6th in the NCAA DI nation, looking to become a five time All American Rocky Elam has shut out Andy Smith on two occasions.  11-0 and 7-0.   In a dual of importance like this one, bonus points may very well be what the #7 Tigers need to upend the #5 Hokies.  Which in essence means that keeping the match to a decision is exactly what Virginia Tech needs to do.  In dual meet situations, these types of situations show how much of a strategical chess match this sport can be.