Top Fifteen Backups in NCAA DI Wrestling

Let's be perfectly clear about something before I begin.  When I say backups, I mean backups. I mean guys that legitimately sought and fought for a varsity spot in the  2018-2019 and ended up losing it to another wrestler on their team. I DO NOT mean guys who are currently redshirting and I DO NOT mean guys who lost their spot do to an unfortunate injury.  Now that I've said that I have a feeling that I'll still be asked why I left off so and so who is currently redshirting or why so and so who is out with a knee injury wasn't mentioned.

The point of this blog is to illustrate and give testimony to just how tough NCAA Division I wrestling is. Expectations for National championships and All American statuses are often overly abundant. It's tough enough just to make the NCAA tournament, let alone secure a place in the top eight.  Hell, it's tough enough just to make the varsity lineup!  And hopefully this blog I've written will convince you as to why.

NICK NEVILLS
SENIOR - HWT
PENN STATE

I think it goes without question that the best backup in the country this season is Penn State HWT Nick Nevills.  Behind #3 Anthony Cassar, Nevills would most likely be ranked in the top five in the nation if he were varsity.  He took third at the BIG 10's and fifth at the NCAA's as a sophomore and then placed third again at the BIG 10's with a seventh place finish at the NCAA's as a junior.   Even this year as the Nittany Lion's backup he has had a fairly standout season.  A major decision over #20 Billy Miller of Virginia Tech, as 7-1 decision over #18 Joey Goodhart of Drexel and a 2-1 decision over #16 Matt Voss of George Mason.  To top it off a third place showing at the prestigious Southern Scuffle tournament.

DAKOTA GEER
SOPHOMORE - 197 lbs
OKLAHOMA STATE 

The 2017 EWL champion/Freshman of the year who qualified for the NCAA championships and finished 31-10 as a true freshman.  This year Geer has victories over Jacob Seely of Northern Colorado 13-2, Noah Adams of West Virginia 10-6, Kellan Stout of Pittsburgh 7-2, #19 Randall Diabe of Appalachian State F 5:18 and #14 Chris Weiler of Lehigh 13-5.  No doubt about it, Geer will help lead the Cowboys to all sorts of success in 2020 and 2021 but in 2019 he is a backup to #6 Preston Weigel.

JEREN GLOSSER
JUNIOR - 157 lbs
IOWA 

Behind #7 Kaleb Young, Eddyville-Blakesburg head coach Brett Little would be the first to tell you how tough Glosser is.  But don't take his word for it alone, results speak for themselves.  This year Glosser has defeated #16 Jack Van Brill of Rutgers 9-2 and he's handed #13 Eric Barone of Illinois two losses including a 3-1 sudden victory and sticking him at 6:31.  If that's not enough, he's also defeated Iowa State's Chase Straw twice this season 13-9 and 5-4, as well as Army's Luke Weiland 5-2, both of whom in the BIG XII and EIWA will be contending for NCAA qualification respectively.

JAMAL MORRIS
SENIOR - 141 lbs
NORTH CAROLINA STATE

You know those films like Disney's PARENT TRAP where twins will switch places during a scene to confuse others? I honestly think that the Morris brothers could get away with that during tournaments.  It has to be strange for Jamel knowing that the guy he has to battle for the starting position is his brother Jamal.  It'll be Jamel who starts at the ACC championships here in a few weeks, but don't fool yourself. If it was Jamal he'd most likely earn his way to the NCAA's as well.  He defeated likely SOCON champ Chris Debien 11-6 as well as #17 Sa'Derian Perry earlier this year.

VINCE TURK
JUNIOR - 141 lbs
IOWA 

A man's man, a true team player Vince Turk is always their when the Hawkeyes need him.  Currently behind #16 Max Murin, with Carter Happell, Jason Renteria and Justin Stickley in the room, he's in an all out war every practice of his life.  Nevertheless I know damn good and well based on a fifth place finish at last year's BIG 10 tournament and a 6-5 win over #11 Ian Parker of Iowa State this year, that if need be, the Hawks could most certainly rely on him.

AUSTIN ASSAD
JUNIOR - 125 lbs
MICHIGAN 

Assad has battled a number of injuries during his career and that maybe why he's currently behind #13 Drew Mattin. It may not be too as Mattin is one tough hombre himself, take nothing away.  However Assad has proven that on another team, he might be varsity.  This year alone he has a 4-0 victory over Indiana's three time NCAA qualifier Elijah Oliver and a 7-5 victory over #18 Drew Hildebrandt of Central Michigan.

PAUL GLYNN
SOPHOMORE - 133 lbs
IOWA 

Paul Glynn is certainly no #3 Austin DeSanto, but do I believe that if he were varsity that he'd be a top twenty wrestler? Yes, I do.  Glynn's a smart wrestler who knows how to get the W in desperate situations.  He's proven that twice this year over likely NCAA qualifiers Josiah Kline of Arizona State and Dylan Duncan of Illinois who he defeated both by 3-1 sudden victory scores.

BO PIPHER
SOPHOMORE - 157 lbs
PENN STATE 

Gotta mention Bo Pipher who is behind arguably the best wrestler in the nation right now #1 Jason Nolf.  Pipher already showed us what he's capable of and what to expect next season out of him by placing second at this year's Southern Scuffle.

JAROD VERKLEEREN
FRESHMAN - 149 lbs
PENN STATE 

He might actually be the starter by the BIG 10's. I'm not for sure.  If not it'll be #11 Brady Berge and if that's the case, it makes Verkleeren one of the best backups in the country.

FABIAN GUITTERREZ
SOPHOMORE - 125 lbs
CHATTANOOGA 

Without a doubt Guitterrez is the second best wrestler in the SOCON. Having split matches with teammate Alonzo Allen this season, he arguably might even be the best.  Nevertheless it looks like Allen is going to get the nod and Guitterrez who has a 6-1 win over Indiana's Elijah Oliver and a 6:55 fall over Ohio's Shakur Laney, will have to wait till next year.  With that said, look for him to become a two time SOCON champion.

BRANDON COURTNEY
FRESHMAN -125 lbs
ARIZONA STATE

With the return of Ryan Millhof which will now knock him out of the starting lineup, I think something needs to be said on behalf of Brandon Courtney.  With Millhoff out, Courtney did a great job of holding down the fort for the Sun Devils.  Victories included a 3-1 sudden victory over Dack Punke of Missouri, a 5:25 fall over likely NCAA qualifier Trey Chailfoux of Army and a 9-6 victory over likely SOCON champ Alonzo Allen of Chattanooga.

YAHYA THOMAS
SOPHOMORE - 141 lbs
NORTHWESTERN 

I'm not 100% sure what is going on at Northwestern and who will be starting where at the BIG 10 championships.  What I do know is that there is a chance that Yahya Thomas might be sitting this one out and others might be wrestling at 141 and 149 lbs.  If that's the case, have to point out Thomas's third place finish at this year's Midlands, as well wins over L.J. Bentley of Pittsburgh, Joey Gould of Bucknell and Vince Turk of Iowa.

JONCE BLAYLOCK
SENIOR - 157 lbs
OKLAHOMA STATE 

A winning record every season, Jonce Blaylock is one of many Cowboys over the years who would have not only made the varsity on many other teams, but most likely would have been an multiple time NCAA qualifier. Instead, like other pokes before him, he'll end his career having never wrestled in a BIG XII championship. Having noteworthy wins every season, this year's include a 6-5 over Air Force's Alex Mossing, a 3-1 over Iowa State's Chase Straw and a 5-4 over Lock Haven's Alex Klucker.

ANDREW SHOMERS
JUNIOR - 165 lbs
OKLAHOMA STATE 

A former EWL runner-up for Edinboro, Shomers may drop back down to 157 lbs to challenge Wyatt Sheets for the starting spot. If he doesn't, come BIG XII time, he'll be behind #10 Chandler Rogers at 165 lbs.  Wins over Justin Thomas of Oklahoma, Dewey Krueger of Central Michigan and Gordon Wolf of Lehigh suggest that he'd be a varsity start/NCAA qualifier at other schools.

JAKE JAKOBSEN
SOPHOMORE - 197 lbs
LEHIGH 

Currently behind #14 Chris Weiler, Jakobsen has wins this season over West Virginia's Noah Adams F 6:35 and Michigan's Jackson Striggow both of whom could end up one of the thirty-three qualifiers for the NCAA tournament.


Are there more?  Without a doubt. I thought of as many as I could and came up with fifteen, but now as I end this Willie Scott of Rutgers, 174 lbs comes to mind.  Currently behind Joe Grello, Scott placed fifth at this year'd Midlands championships.  An accomplishment worth mentioning, especially for a backup.

It makes one wonder if this would be an issue if all of the teams that used to have wrestling still had wrestling.   Next year with the addition of Arkansas-Little Rock, Presbyterian College, Cal Baptist and Long Island University we will be up to 80 teams.  I'm not 100% positive how many wrestling teams there would be if no school had ever dropped wrestling, but I can tell you this. Out of all the schools that I know for a fact used to have wrestling, if they still all had wrestling today there would be 223 teams in Division I.  Or a least close to it because some of the schools I mention I'm not sure if they'd be DI or DII.

Regardless over double the amount of schools we have today.  And would it make a difference in relevance to the question I ask?  The answer is maybe.  I do think that if we had more opportunities for kids to wrestle that they might choose to wrestle. Especially those from states without much or any opportunity.  Some kids want to stay close to home, and when Georgia, Nevada, Florida, Texas, ect don't give them that opportunity, they might chose to stay home anyway and not wrestle.

Yet the other side of the coin is that some kids will always want to go to a top tier program. They'd rather sit on the bench for four years for an opportunity to win a national title at Penn State or Oklahoma State or Iowa, than they would go to a smaller school and be the stud that puts that program back on the map.

So I guess it works both ways, but never the less I'd like to see the sport continue to grow like it will next season.  UALR and Presbyterian are hopefully the start of something to continuously happen.  No more Eastern Michigan's dropping, and more and more schools adding.  That is my hope.

2019 EIWA - My Thoughts

The EIWA places the top eight at each weight class out of sixteen teams and I tell you what, in some weight classes you are a freaking stud if you can manage to take eighth place. While the EIWA doesn't get the recognition or attention that the BIG 10 does, it is in many ways an extremely tough conference. I'd argue in some ways the second toughest conference in all of NCAA DI wrestling.  As you'll be able to easily tell throughout this preview, it most certainly has the most amount of parity.


125 lbs

Very young group of guys here at 125 lbs in the EIWA.  Three freshman and one sophomore that I see being the qualifiers out of the weight class.  With a 4:31 fall over Glory, the #1 seed will go to Arujau although I see the finals match being much closer. Chailfoux with a 12-5 decision over Ryder should take the #3 seed.


133 lbs

I only see the EIWA allotting two at this weight class.  I'm very confident that those spots are meant for Cornell's Chaz Tucker and American's Josh Terao.  I'm also confident that with a better record and more consistent showing that Tucker will get the nod for the #1 seed over Terao.   The reason I'm including three other wrestlers in my preview is because of Terao's unpredictability and inconsistency.  He like Tucker is a former EIWA finalist and when on, Terao can beat just about any body. Guy has some of the best and may I add unique defenses I've ever seen in amateur wrestling.  Yet, when off he's susceptible to loss and any of the three I included above will take full advantage of any mistakes that he might make on the mat.

141 lbs

I think we can all agree that Diakomihalis gets the #1 seed here at 141 lbs in the EIWA. I think most if not all would agree that Navy's Nic Gil has more than earned the #2 seed.  It's really a shame in an instance like this that the NCAA only allows 33 wrestlers per weight class into the championships because I have a feeling that some of these guys I have listed will be staying home.  It's a shame.  Gould has a major decision over Wisconsin's Tristan Moran 9-1 and Wil Gil of F & M beat Gould 6-4. Then there is also American's Jack Mutchnik who can be tough when need be and Army's Corey Shie capable of an upset himself. It'll be interesting to see how the EIWA seeds third through sixth.

149 lbs 



Everyone and their dog wants to point out the recent upset Matt Kolodzik took against Drexel's Parker Kropman but let me assure you of two things.  A, Matt Kolodzik will still be the #1 seed at the EIWA's and B, Parker Kropman will still go into the EIWA tournament without an allotment. With that said, the idea of him stealing one is certainly feasible.  The win over Kolodzik, an overtime loss to Artalona and a two point loss to Sprague illustrate that he is capable of earning a trip to the NCAA's. 

#2 seed here should be Navy's Jared Prince although I'm not sold he defeats Artalona in what should be an exciting semi-final. If he does win, I can see him upsetting Kolodzik in the finals though.  I can see the EIWA taking as many as five from this weight class.  I do not think Binghamton's Frankie Garcia will be one of them with the disappointing season that he has had thus far this year.  Yet I remind myself that he already owns a silver medal from last year's championships and could surprise us all again.


157 lbs


To say that this weight class gave me a headache would be an understatement. To say that it gave me a migraine still wouldn't be an accurate description. To tell the truth, I think it may have given me a tumor.  The parity of this weight class is insane!  I believe that the EIWA could allot as many as six or seven and I included records verses one another in the picture above. 

I think even with the recent loss to Reed, the #1 seed still ought to go to Hartman. As to #2 through #7, your guess is as good as mine.  Not 100% positive that Santoro will be the starter for Cornell. I debated between he and Fredy Stroker who I believe would be seeded about the same regardless.

This is without a doubt the toughest weight class in the EIWA.  You take a top eight medal here, you did something in your career worth bragging about.

165 lbs 


Brown's Jonathan Viruet has no question earned the #1 seed here at 165 lbs, but winning the championship will be no easy task.  Ebed Jarrell as shown what he is capable of this season and then there is always the dangerously quiet Gordon Wolf of Lehigh who often lingers in silence only to make big noise when it counts.  Not sure how many allotments will be given here, but look for Skidgel, Kosoy and McCormick to battle fiercely for them.

174 lbs 


I feel pretty confident that the NCAA will allot four spots here at 174 lbs out of the EIWA and I feel strongly that Kutler, Womack, Harvey and Carey will be the four that get them. With that said, it would not surprise me at all if Vincent DePrez were to steal one of them.

I in particularly look forward to what I believe will be the finals match.  2017 EIWA champion Brandon Womack of Cornell Vs 2018 EIWA champion Jordan Kutler of Lehigh.  I think it will be a very good match.

184 lbs 


I believe their will be five allotments for the EIWA at 184 lbs and I believe the five I listed are the five that will qualify for the NCAA's.  Ryan Preisch ought to be the #1 seed and may I say that if he wins his second EIWA title, I hope to see him get wrestler of the tournament.  He's placed third, second, champion thus far in his illustrious career. I think there is something to be said for not only placing four times in the EIWA, but placing that high every year.  As to the #2 seed, I'd give it to DePrez. I realize that Dean is ranked higher, but DePrez won their head to head meeting 5-3 s.v.


197 lbs 


Indisputably Patrick Brucki has earned the #1 seed and has separated himself from the rest of the field at 197 lbs.  It dumbfounds me to think that if it weren't for Ben Darmstadt being injured that Ben Honis of Cornell would be spending his final season as a backup.  Now, I honestly see him as the #2 seed with a great shot at making the EIWA finals. Just goes to show how incredibly tough NCAA wrestling can be and if I may get on my high horse for a second, why it is a travesty for these young men that they only have less than 80 teams to compete on. 

As to seeding third through seventh? The parity here isn't as bad as it is at 157 lbs, but it is still a nightmare.  Caywood beat Loiseau and Roetman, but lost to  Phipps.  Roetman has owned Phipps in two matches 5-0 and 6-0.  For the record Roetman is 1-1 against Honis, losing a tight 7-6 decision and then turning around and pinning him at the buzzer in the third period.   So I'm lost on exactly how to seed these guys.

What I think is that all seven deserve an allotment to the NCAA's.  We'll see if that happens.

HWT 


Last year's HWT EIWA championships ended with Wood as champion, Goodhart as the runner-up and Sweany in third place. Honestly I can see this year's EIWA's ending the exact same way.  Antonio Pelusi (accidentally named Anthony) in the picture had himself a 26-10 record last season with a fifth place showing at the EIWA that lead to an NCAA qualification. Currently at 22-7, I see him having similar ending this season.


LEHIGH 
I see the Mountain Hawks sending everyone to the NCAA tournament with exception to 125 lbs.  Not sure if they'll have the bonus points to win the team title but as far as man power, they have the numbers.

CORNELL
I'm fairly confident that the Big Red will be sending at least seven if not eight to the NCAA tournament.

PRINCETON 
I think the Tigers will only send four to the NCAA tournament but I see all four placing top three or better in their weight class. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see all four make the finals.

ARMY 

Perhaps I'm being too optimistic but I can honestly see the Black Knights sending as many as nine to the NCAA's. I think a more realistic number is six, but nine is doable.  I knew it would only be a matter of time before head coach Kevin Ward began to get things done at West Point, and by the looks of it that time is now.

HOFSTRA 
Not a good year for the Pride.  I think they will for sure send Ryder but I think that will be it.

AMERICAN 
I see a trio of seniors traveling to their last NCAA tournament together.

NAVY
Five as many as six qualifiers for the Navy

FRANKLIN & MARSHALL
FRANKLIN & MARSHALL 
The least covered, most often ignored team in all of NCAA DI wrestling or at least one of them and I think they'll qualify a wrestler, maybe two to the NCAA's.  Considering all of the obstacles they're up against, getting two wrestlers to the NCAA's (which they are very capable of) is a Hell of a statement for the program.

BUCKNELL 

We already knew we were in a rebuilding year with the Bison but it looks like they're already on to a great start.  Hartman looks poised to win his first of what could be four EIWA titles and Phipps and Gould look to join him in all three's first trip to the NCAA's. 
PENNSYLVANIA 
Down year for the Quakers but they will send Artalona at 149 lbs.

DREXEL 
Three, maybe four going to the NCAA's for the Dragons

BINGHAMTON
I think one or two is most realistic for the bearcats this tournament but man if Frankie Garcia can get hot out of nowhere, then make it three.

SACRED HEART 
I keep on hoping one of these years I can add at least one Pioneer to the list of who I think will qualify for the NCAA's out of the EIWA's.  I would if I could, but I just do not see it happening this season.

HARVARD
Not sure what is going on at Harvard. Not to long ago they were sending quite a few wrestlers to the NCAA's every year, fighting for EIWA individual championships and NCAA All Americans.  While I think they do send one wrestler to the NCAA's, I'd like to see the to the level of Jesse Jantzen's and J.P. O'Connor's.

BROWN 
I believe the bears will send two to the NCAA's this year.  Love to see Christian LaBrie surprise me and make it three, but his weight class is loaded!!!

COLUMBIA 
I see the lions sending two to the NCAA's this season.

2019 EWL My thoughts

You know it's always sad whenever anything comes to an end. The first EWL tournament was held in 1976 and the last one will be held in Fairfax, Virginia, hosted by George Mason on March 9th. Forty three years of the  Eastern Wrestling League and it comes to a finale in less than a month.  I think of the beloved and sorely missed Alan "Stovepipe" Brown and the dedication, love and passion that he had for collegiate wrestling, especially the EWL. I think of him in spirit as I write what will be my final words on the conference.


125 lbs 

I believe our #1 seed and sole qualifier at 125 lbs will be sophomore Luke Werner of Lock Haven.

133 lbs 


Fehlman and Cefolo have only met once this year, with Fehlman taking a 6-4 decision. Therefore the #1 seed has to go to Fehlman, but with that said, keep in mind that Cefolo defeated Fehlman twice last season.  As to who wins this tossup, I think it relies heavily upon where the match is wrestled. If Cefolo can keep it on their feet and stay out from underneath Fehlman I give him the advantage. If Fehlman can keep the action on the mat, I give him the advantage. There's something about those Lock Haven wrestlers. They all seem to be tough on top.

Fehlman qualified for the NCAA championships in 2017 as a freshman, but failed to qualify last season as a sophomore.  Cefolo has never been to the NCAA's.  Obviously both are hungry and it should make for an exciting EWL finals.

141 lbs 

If you want your wrestlers to learn some great techniques from the top position, I recommend having them watch who I believe will be our 141 lbs EWL champion and sole qualifier, Kyle Shoop of Lock Haven. I look for him to major and tech using a variation of tilts and turns his way through his final EWL tournament. 

149 lbs


After two fourth place finishes as a freshman and as a junior, senior Tejon Anthony of George Mason looks to capture the 149 lbs EWL championship. 

157 lbs 


I believe Alex Klucker of Lock Haven will become a two time EWL champion this tournament and be the sole qualifier at 157 lbs.

165 lbs 
 
This is without a doubt the toughest weight class in the EWL

. Returning All American Chance Marsteller with an 11-5 win over Dellavecchia will be the #1 seed.  As to who gets the #2 seed, I would imagine that the EWL will go with Dellavecchia over DiBlasi due to his higher ranking in the NCAA.  Regardless, all three have wrestled well enough this season to have earned allotments to the NCAA tournament. 

174 lbs


I only see one allotment at 174 lbs for the EWL and for that being intended for #1 seed Jacob Oliver of Edinboro. With that said, there is no reason to think that either Dean Sherry of Rider or Jared Siegrist of Lock Haven couldn't plausibly steal the spot from Oliver. Even though Oliver defeated Sherry 10-8 earlier this season, Sherry is the returning EWL champion.  His wild 18-16 match with Siegirst in early February has me thinking that this will be a fun weight class to watch. 

184 lbs 

I think there will be one allotment here at 184 lbs for the EWL and the fight for qualification will be between Lock Haven's Corey Hazel and Bloomsburg's Trevor Allard. Edging Allard 3-2 in their only meeting earlier this season, the #1 seed has to go to Hazel.  Seeing how short of wind the Bloomsburg wrestling has been as of late, it'd be refreshing to see Allard upset Hazel and breathe some life back into the Husky program.

197 lbs


I believe our champion and sole qualifier at 197 lbs will be Clarion's Greg Bulsak. 

HWT

The finals match at HWT between Lock Haven's Thomas Haines and George Mason's Matt Voss should prove to be an exciting one.  Voss won a 5-2 decision back in November, but was 0-2 verses Haines (including once being tech'd) up until that point.  Haines thus far has finished twice runner-up in the conference.  Both regardless of who wins, should be allotments into the NCAA's.

It amazes me how not too long ago I could have easily have predicted as many as six plausible conference champions for Edinboro, and today I'm not even sold that they'll have at least one qualifier.  Sean Russell to Minnesota, Pat Lugo to Iowa, Korbin Myers to Virginia Tech, Dakota Geer to Oklahoma State, Andrew Shomers to Oklahoma State, and Billy Miller to Virginia Tech.  I think Iowa State may be close in itself, but as to transferring out, that has to be some sort of a record. Talking it over with Jason Bryant, while I'm sad that the EWL will be no more after this season, we both feel that the move to a new more prestigious conference will benefit the Fighting Scots. It hurts to see them in such condition and I'd love to see them to the heights they were not all that long ago in 2015.

While I just mentioned a pro of the EWL's disbandment, a major con is looking at Lock Haven.  I see six for sure and as many as eight bald eagles qualifying for the NCAA's this year.  As soon as Lock Haven comes into their own and shows to dominate and own the EWL, it ends before it even really begins. Oh well, hopefully on to newer and better things for the crimson and white.

George Mason should send three to the NCAA championships and I can see Rider sending as many as three too. If not, at least two for Rider.

Clarion is definitely sending one and Bloomsburg at least stands a chance of sending one as well.

I'd love to predict that Cleveland State would send at least one, but with Evan Cheek redshirting this season I can't do that.

My final thoughts are that I'll miss the EWL.  It's never fun to see something with such a rich history come to an end.

2019 Southern Conference Thoughts

The 2018-2019 wrestling regular season is over. Let the post season begin! It's time to take a look at the Southern Conference and see who all from about as deep south as collegiate wrestling gets will be making a trip to the NCAA tournament.

125 lbs
I think our champion and sole qualifier at 125 lbs will be returning champion Alonzo Allen of Chattanooga. I can't see anyone challenging him, although I predict Campbell's Korbin Meink to meet him in the finals and for it to be a closer match than their recent 7-2 decision.  It's really a shame that Fabien Gutierrez is on the same team as Allen, as he too is NCAA qualifier material.

133 lbs 



Here's where this gets a tad bit complicated.  I see one of three possibilities here.  A, the NCAA has two allotments at 133 lbs for the SOCON, sending both Noah Gonser of Campbell and Codi Russell of Appalachian State to the NCAA's.  B, the NCAA only has one allotment, Gonser wins the SOCON championship and Russell stays home.  C, the NCAA only has one allotment, Russell wins the SOCON championship and Gonser is an at large selection.  Russell did defeat Gonser at the beginning of the season 6-3, but recently lost to him 4-1.  Gonser also has a more impressive record at 17-7 vs 15-9. Not to mention he was also the runner-up at this year's Midlands.  Very confident that he'll be the #1 seed.

141 lbs 




I can see the NCAA taking as many as three at 141 lbs from the SOCON. 2017 champion Chattanooga's Chris Debien will be the #1 seed with a 6-2 victory over Nathan Boston of Campbell and a 9-4 win over Irvin Enriquez of Appalachian State. Even though Enriquez was the SOCON champion last year, with his loss to Debien and being pinned by Boston in 1:36, he should enter the #3 seed, with Boston as the #2.


149 lbs 

I'm pretty confident that the selection committee will allot two spots for the SOCON at 149 lbs.  Campbell's Josh Heil will take the #1 seed over Appalachian State's Matt Zovistoski due to a recent 3-1 sudden victory.  Their finals match should prove to be one of the most exciting.  Both have similar records, Heil placed sixth at CKLV, while Zovistoski placed eighth at the Southern Scuffle. All of their matches have been close.

157 lbs 


There's a ton of parity at this weight, no one really stands out and I'm doing nothing more here than throwing a name in the wind. I'm not confident in anybody and I'm almost positive that the end result will look nothing like the seeds. However, if I had to make a guess at who wins the championship, I'm going to have to go with Mason Wallace of Chattanooga.  Do I think they'll start him over Resnick? Yeah, I do. Better record and better chance at a higher seed.  Whoever wins this weight will be the only 157 lbs wrestler to go to the NCAA's from the SOCON.

165 lbs

Runnin' Bulldog senior Tyler Marinelli looks to make history in route to becoming Gardner-Webb's first two time SOCON Champion.  Anything can happen in this crazy sport, but it's a fairly safe bet considering all of his in conference matches have ended in falls, technical falls or major decisions.


174 lbs 



If you want the most dangerous wrestler at 174 lbs in the NCAA, I'll give it to you.  The answer is VMI's Neal Richards. Wrestling for VMI in the Southern Conference, he'll go into the NCAA's quietly, either a low seed or unseeded. A recent 5-0 loss to Penn State's Mark Hall, where Hall had to earn each point.  VMI hasn't had an All American since Leslie Apedoe in 1999, nor have they had a conference champion since Josh Wine in 2011. The keydets are long overdue and Richards looks to provide.

With that said, it should be noted that Campbell's Andrew Morgan did defeat Richards earlier this season 5-2. However their most recent meeting ended in a 14-7 decision for Richards.  Both should be automatic qualifiers, seeing that they meet in the finals.

184 lbs

I see the NCAA allotting one spot at 184 lbs from the SOCON and it'll be an all out war to see who gets it between Chattanooga's Dominic Lampe and Appalachian State's Alan Clothier.  Clothier has the better record and the more impressive results. Clothier placed seventh at this year's Southern Scuffle compared to Lampe going 2-2.  Yet, when the two met it was Lampe who won, in a tight 3-2 contest. With the head to head victory, the #1 seed has to go to Lampe, but as to who wins the SOCON title here, it could go either way.


197 lbs 


Both Appalachian State's Randall Diabe who finished third at last years SOCON championships and Sawyer Root of The Citadel who finished second, were NCAA qualifiers in 2018.  Both have wrestled well enough to where the SOCON should be given two allotments at 197 lbs. Diabe will take the #1 seed to Root's #2, as he won a tight 3-2 matchup at the Southern Scuffle, and Appalachian State made a strategic move by not wrestling him in the dual verses The Citadel. Should prove to be another good finals match.

HWT

Undefeated in the conference and the best showing of any HWT in the SOCON, the title looks like it'll be going to Cary Miller of Appalachian State.



I hate saying this but I don't see Davidson even remotely challenging at any weight. They only have one wrestler with a winning record this season and that is Kyle Gorant at 133 lbs.  He has yet to wrestle Gonser this season, but he recently lost a 13-5 major decision to Russell. Only a freshman I can see him qualifying for the wildcats in the years to come, but he's not doing it this year.

The Citadel, Gardner Webb and VMI should all send one wrestler and there is a decent probability that all three end up winning SOCON titles.

I see Chattanooga and Campbell both sending four wrestlers to the NCAA's, with Appalachian State having the greatest probability of sending six.

The most I see coming out of the SOCON will be 17 but I think a more realistic number is 15.

2019 BIG 10 My Thoughts

Pull up an easy chair and relax. This is going to be long.  I'm going to provide in this preview a weight by weight analysis that will include the following:

1. A breakdown of every wrestler I feel is eligible for an allotment, an at large selection or a plausible steal.  Also included will be their BIG 10 Record Vs one another and former BIG 10 (Or other) accomplishments. 

2. What I would seed them (Pay attention to the colors above)

3. My thoughts

Then a wrap up at the end that includes how many wrestlers I think each team ought to qualify to the NCAA's.

 125 lbs
1. Rivera
2. Lee
3. Russell
4 Foley
5 Piotrowski
6. Mattin
7. Moisey
8. Oliver
9. Schroder 

I think our finals match, one of the most anticipated matches of the BIG 10 tournament, is pretty much set in stone.  Rivera Vs Lee part II, the sequel that should prove to be every bit exciting if not outdo the original.  On paper Moisey is the last person to look at going 1-5 against the field, including being pinned twice. However come post season he always finds a way to turn it on and it's never safe to bet against him.  I see the NCAA allotting eight slots for qualification here and I'm going to give Purdue's Schroder plausibility in possibly stealing one.


133 lbs
1. Micic 
2. DeSanto
3. Suriano 
4. Pletcher
5. Lizak 
6. Bravo-Young
7. Thornton 
8. Duncan 

I can see a lot happening here. I have a ton of thoughts regarding 133 lbs in the BIG 10.  First off regarding DeSanto. In 17 years of doing previews he marks the first time I've ever contemplated predicting a disqualification. I've been assured by the bleeders of black and gold that it is all under control but I've always found more comfort in proof than I ever have faith. I think I fairly seeded Lizak putting him at fifth but I highly doubt that's where he'll end up.  A big tournament wrestler known to show up when it counts, placing fifth in his final BIG 10 tournament, held in his house? I don't think so.  Pletcher seems to want every match he's in to be decided by a point and it'll be interesting to see if he lives or dies by it this tournament.  Look for Thornton to live up to his name and possibly be a "thorn" in the side of his opponents. He's kept it close a number of times this season. There's no reason to think that he couldn't turn one of those close losses into a win.  Lastly although I don't think it's likely, Michigan State's Anthony Tutolo, Northwestern's Collin Valdiviez, Indiana's Paul Konrath and Wisconsin's Jens Lantz could steal spots. Not counting on it though.

141 lbs 

1. McKenna
2. Lee
3. Carr
4. Moran
5. McKee
6. Storr
7. Red
8. Murin 
9. Lipari
10. Limmex 

Lee won the head to head Vs McKenna, but I believe McKenna will get the nod over Lee, due to Lee's loss to Moran. Speaking of Moran, there be not a 141 lbs'er in the nation that is more inconsistent and unpredictable. Making the finals or failing to place in the top eight, take your pick.  Carr upset Lee in the semi-finals last season, and we could see a repeat of that.  I believe this weight will allot the top eight, with Lipari and Limmex possibly stealing spots.  Austin Eicher of Michigan State thus far hasn't shown me that he'll challenge for qualification, but he's done some big things in the past, and that lingers in the back of my mind.

149 lbs 



1. Ashnault
2. Jordan
3. Lugo
4. Thorn
5. Martin
6. Berge
7. Amine
8. Bannister
9. Thomas 

First off I made a couple of guesses. Penn State could go with Verkleeren instead of Berge. I think they'll go with Berge, but that is a possibility.  I'm not sure what Northwestern is going to do.  They could put Thomas at 141 and Oster at 149.  Or maybe they'll put Alec McKenna at 141 and Thomas at 149. I'm not sure, so I made a guess.  With all that out of the way....

Pat Lugo's hot streak as of late gives an ounce of suggestion that the finals could be something other than Jordan Vs Ashnault but I think we'll see a repeat of this years CKLV finals which proved to be most exciting.  I'd like to think that Thorn might come alive this tournament and make some noise seeing it's his last and it's in front of a hometown crowd.  I have to admit that's wishful thinking seeing how painfully harsh the move up to 149 lbs has been on him this season. I see the NCAA allotting eight spots, and I think the eight I suggested will be the eight to go.

157 lbs

*NOTE* - Forgot to include previous placements in picture, included down below.

1. Nolf (16'2nd 17'1st 18'5th/6th)
2. Berger (16'7th 17'3rd 18'4th)
3. Deakin (18'6th)
4. Pantaleo  (15'4th, 16'3rd, 17'1st)
5. Hayes (18'3rd)
6. Barone
7. Young
8. Bleise (MAC 16'3rd 17'4th  BIG 10 18'7th)
9. Parriott
10. Van Brill
11. Danishek
12. Tucker 

This weight class is what collegiate wrestling is all about.  Twelve of the best 157 lbs'er in the nation and none of them have been afraid to wrestle one another this season.  This in my opinion is the most fun weight class. I see the BIG 10 allotting 9 and (not that it ever does, but hypothetically speaking) if all goes according to plan there's no reason at all that 10, 11 and 12 shouldn't be given at large selections. 

Nolf at last on paper has this one in the bag, but as to who takes second, that may be up for grabs.  Berger, especially when it matters always seems to find a way to win.  Yet I can't count out Deakin, who proved with titles at both this year's CKLV and Midlands that he knows how to get the job done. Then there's Pantaleo who won a title in 2017. Incredibly loaded weight class.

165 lbs 


1. Marinelli
2. Joseph
3. Wick
4. White
5. Massa
6. Gunther
7. Campbell
8. Martin 

I got some of you throwing a fit about seeding Marinelli over Joseph. I know I do, but I am 100% behind my case.  BIG 10 seedings are meant to be a reflection of this season's results and based on this season's results how could you not put Marinelli ahead of Joseph? Based on criteria and fairness, wrestling ought to be rewarded. He beat Wick twice, and to me that justifies in giving him the #1 seed.

With that said, what happens on the mat is a whole other story.  I certainly not count Wick out from the title hunt. It's hard to beat someone three times in a row, especially someone as good as Wick.  I'm not even counting Massa out from the title hunt, nor am I counting out White.  Massa has beaten Marinelli before and as illustrated in posted results, recently took Joseph into overtime.

My thinking here is absolutely Hollywood but can you imagine Vincenzo Joseph winning four NCAA titles but never winning a BIG 10 title? 

The eight I have listed I believe will be given allotments and the eight I think will go.   I try so damn hard not to overlook anyone when I do these previews, but I always miss someone. Sorry Hoosier fans! I didn't mean to originally leave off Bryce Martin. Wasn't on purpose.

174 lbs 

1. Hall
2. Amine
3. Lydy
4. Labriola
5. Smith
6. Christensen
7. Skatzka
8. Hughes 
9. Grello
10. Sebastian
11. Bowman

On paper looks to be another individual title for the Nittany Lions. As it looks today Amine is on a fast track to becoming another Dan Marino in the wrestling world.  One of the best wrestlers at his weight, one of the all time best and certainly the class of 2020's best to never win a BIG 10 or NCAA title. I hope to eat crow on that statement and realize how premature my words were when I typed them.  He's right on the fence and he needs to do something to get over that hump.  BIG 10's would be an opportune time to come in, get that win over Hall and secure himself a legitimate title threat.

As to the weight class in general I see the NCAA allotting eight spots and eleven guys fighting over them.  Lastly I want to say that I think Christensen is one of the most overlooked and underappreciated wrestlers in NCAA wrestling and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him out wrestle his seed.

184 lbs

1. Martin
2. Rasheed
3. Venz
4. Parker
5. Wilcke
6. Gravina
7. Reinhardt
8. Lyon
9. Embree
10. Caffey

In regards to the seeding I have to say this: Seeding 3-5 was a headache.  With the parity among Venz, Parker and Wilcke I wasn't happy with myself regardless of how I seeded them. I tried every combination and no matter what order I put them in I wasn't satisfied. I had to have a tiebreaker and I  used current rankings. So that's how I seeded 3-5.   With that out of the way....

After being a nose hair away so many times, I think Martin finally gets his BIG 10 crown. The only thing standing in his way is Rasheed. While I think Martin will be the aggressor, I can see Rasheed catching him off guard and his cradle offense becoming effective. It's the only offense I see working for Rasheed against Martin.  Also want to say real quick that I am anxious to watch Caffey.  His liberal approach to wrestling may be his best asset against a bunch of guys who will wrestle conservatively. He has a no fear, go after it approach to wrestling and I can see him upsetting his way to as high as sixth.

197 lbs

1. Nickal
2. Moore
3. Warner
4. Schultz
5. Brunner
6. Striggow 
I think the BIG 10's is going to be a cake walk for Nickal.  I feel sorta guilty for saying that because Moore is a two time BIG 10 champion himself, but after watching Nickal manhandle him and stick him in a little over a minute and a half, I can't help but think this will be nothing more than a little extra conditioning before nationals.  Nickal is that good.

As to the weight, I see the NCAA allotting six spots here.  I can see Beau Breske, Zack Chakonis, Matt Correnti and Andre Lee possibly stealing spots. I don't give it a high probability but I give it enough of one to say it can happen. Nothing would make me happier than to see Lee have a good tournament.  It's his last shot.  He's been "right there" as they say a couple of different times this year. He's came so close to having a big win.  Even if it doesn't mean qualification, a big win and maybe even getting onto the award stand in seventh or eighth place would be awesome to see.

HWT 


1. Steveson
2. Cassar
3. Jennings
4. Parris
5. Hillger
6. Singletary
7. Jensen
8. Stoll
9. Hemida 
Honestly if for some reason Cassar were to get sick or injured and had to be replaced by Nick Nevills, I still think Penn State would have a finalist. Just goes to show how tough the PSU lineup is and loaded they are at some weights. 

As to other thoughts, can anyone challenge Steveson?  From where I sit I can see him maybe having a close match, but that's about it.  Until proven otherwise, he's the "big thing" right now.

I sure would like to know why it seems everyone and their dog seems to ignore the fact that Jennings has two wins over Parris. Maybe if he gets a third win over him, he'll start to get some credit. 

I see nine allotments here and these are the nine guys I think will get them.


IOWA
I feel pretty confident that Iowa can get nine to the NCAA tournament.  The only wrestler I question at this point is Mitch Bowman at 174 lbs. I did worry a bit about Sam Stoll, but his 1-0 win over Hemida gives me reason to believe that he'll at least wrestle well enough for qualification.

MINNESOTA

I see host Minnesota sending seven wrestlers to the NCAA tournament.  
NEBRASKA 

I see the cornhuskers sending eight to nationals this year.

OHIO STATE 
I find it ironic that the two best teams in NCAA wrestling today don't have a good 125 lbs'er.  With that said, tOSU sends nine to the NCAA's.

WISCONSIN 
I think the Badgers will send six to the NCAA's this year.

MARYLAND 
Tough year for Maryland this season.  I only see two Terrapins going to the NCAA tournament.

RUTGERS 
Probably catch some Hell for this but I only feel strong about Suriano and Ashnault at this point.  Huge fan of Gravina but I'm not even 100% that he'll back back for the BIG 10's.  If he is back, how will injuries effect him? Talent wise, the guy is great. Not so sure health wise. Lipari, Van Brill and Grello are all qualification material, but I think all three will have to steal spots or hope for an at large selection.   So I can see as many as six Scarlet Knights going to the big dance, but right now only feel strong about two.

MICHIGAN STATE 
I can see the Spartans sending as many as four to this year's NCAA tournament. Three for sure, maybe four.

MICHIGAN 
The Wolverines are the only BIG 10 team I feel 100% confident will send their entire squad to the NCAA's.  Like I said, Iowa might too but almost positive Michigan will.

PENN STATE 
Like Ohio State, everyone but 125 lbs.  Sending nine.

ILLINOIS 
I see the Fighting Illini sending six wrestlers to this year's NCAA tournament.

NORTHWESTERN 
A lot depends on what they do with their lineup and who they put where.  I see as few as three and as many as five.

PURDUE 
I think for sure the Boilermakers send three and I can see them sending as many as five to the NCAA's.

INDIANA 
Only confident for sure in the Hoosiers sending two, but I can see them sending three.


And their you have it!  Who I think will go, how I'd seed them and a few other thoughts concerning the BIG 10.

See you in Minneapolis! Sitting in the nosebleeds!  Look for me in either a Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, Ohio State,  or Minnesota t-shirt.  I might have others, but going through my clothes that's what I've found so far.  Was hoping I had all fourteen BIG 10 teams, but I can't seem to find some and I don't think I ever picked up a Rutgers t-shirt. Need to do that!