For the most part I'm pretty content and satisfied with the NCAA qualification process. Matter of fact, I'll go as far to say that not only do I support it, I often praise it. For the most part I'm not going to raise to much of a fuss because I believe in most cases the best 33 wrestlers per weight class are the wrestlers that we're going to see compete for All American honors in Pittsburgh. However there are a few that I don't agree with. One that outright boils my blood. As far as I'm concerned there are 10 wrestlers this year that in particularly stick out.
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LUKE WERNER
SOPHOMORE -125
LOCK HAVEN
31-11 Record
|
Werner is one of them. Not only a decent record but a win over NCAA qualifier Alonzo Allen of Chattanooga 5-2 who was selected as an at large bid. He also tech'd PSU golden boy Gavin Teasdale for whatever that is worth now. Apparently not as much as it was then.
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KYLE AKINS
SENIOR - 125
BUFFALO
18-11 Record |
I would at least like to think the selection committee took a long hard look at 2017 NCAA qualifier Akins. Loses out to West by 'caught' fall Vs legit sticking him in 4:30 earlier in the season. One match shy of qualifying legit at the MAC tournament. If he's not #34, I'd like to know who is.
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BABY J BANNISTER
SENIOR - 149
MARYLAND
14-9 Record
|
Not many will but I'm going to go to bat for Baby J Bannister. I'm not sure who Kerry McCoy ticked off but drawing Bannister against the #1 seed at the BIG 10's was a cruel and unusual punishment, one that may I add was unwarranted. The two time NCAA qualifier this season defeated PAC-12 champion Requir Van De Merwe 3-2, EIWA runner-up Jared Prince 3-2, and EWL Champion Tejon Anthony 5-3 s.v. Not to mention he took EIWA champion Anthony Artalona into sudden victory as well.
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JACOB WRIGHT
FRESHMAN - 157
FRESNO STATE
28-11 |
I really, really disagreed with only giving one allocation to 157 lbs in the BIG XII and looking at Wright having to stay home helps to illustrate as to why. He's 1-1 with champion Chase Straw of Iowa State, who earlier this season he beat 5-4 t.b. Has three more seasons to compete. Wouldn't at all be surprised to see him become a three time NCAA qualifier for the Bulldogs.
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ALEX MOSSING
SENIOR - 157
AIR FORCE
24-13 record |
Gawd did Alex Mossing look good at the BIG XII championships this past weekend. Not only capturing a third place finish but ending his career with a 7-4 victory over Oklahoma State's Wyatt Sheets who had tech'd him earlier this season. Have to say if he would have wrestled that way all season, I have no doubt he'd have been in this year's NCAA tournament. One match from a medal at CKLV and one match from a medal at Southern Scuffle. If there ever be an example of a guy who was "right there" it's Alex Mossing.
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PAUL FOX
SENIOR - 157
STANFORD
22-9 Record |
I'm legit ticked about this. My blood is boiling. Seriously leaving 2017 All American and 2018 R12, Paul Fox at home? He took third at the PAC-12's, same as he did as a sophomore and as a junior, and they take him those years but leave him home this one? His record is identical as well. Reno champion, fifth place at the Southern Scuffle. NCAA selection committee I am not happy with you about this decision at all.
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JELANI EMBREE
FRESHMAN - 184
MICHIGAN
13-7 record
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I could go either way on Embree. I think they made the right choices at 184, but if they had selected Embree I'd have been cool with it. Tech fall victory over Dom Ducharme 22-7 for whatever that's worth. In the future not only do I believe he'll be an NCAA qualifier, but as he develops I think he'll be one to bring home a medal or two from the NCAA tournament.
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JORDAN ATIENZA
SENIOR - 184
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
19-11 |
I was a little shocked when I didn't read Atienza's name amongst the list of NCAA qualifiers. Not as shocked as I was not seeing Paul Fox's name at 157, but still shocked. 10-8 win over Jackson Hemauer, a 8-5 win over Cam Caffey and a 5-4 win over Max Lyon. I'd like to hear the justification for making him stay home every bit as much as I would for Fox. This doesn't anger me as much as it does Fox, but it still doesn't feel right.
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ALAN CLOTHIER
SOPHOMORE - 184
APPALACHIAN STATE
19-14 record |
Like Embree, I'm take it or leave it with Clothier. His win over Chris Weiler sticks out as does his seventh place finish at the Southern Scuffle. Yet that's about all that does. I think he makes it the next two years though.
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BEN SULLIVAN
FRESHMAN- HWT
ARMY
21-13 Record |
It seems every year since 2009 when I look through and see the best wrestlers per weight who did not qualify for the NCAA tournament, Army wrestlers almost always seem to make the list. Ben Harvey a couple of years ago and now Ben Sullivan. I have to admit, looking it over HWT was bizarre this year and extenuating circumstances are what most likely left Sullivan out of the selection. He's a tough kid though. A future AA. Keep your eye on him.
There you have it. I'm sure there are others I left out that should have been mentioned. If you're wondering if I'm still hot about Fox being left at home, I am. That just isn't right.
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