I was asked the other day how many NAIA wrestling programs we have lost over the years. It's a great question and a difficult one to answer. I for one don't think it's fair to list programs of schools, when the school itself no longer exist. For example Dana, South Dakota Springfield, Westmar, Si Tanka, Ashford & Yankton. Yes, the schools no longer have wrestling programs but they no longer exist at all. So I don't count those.
One also has to take into effect the number of schools that have since transitioned to another division. There have been many schools that no longer have wrestling programs that had success at the NAIA level. However they moved to Division III, II or I before dropping the program. I think it's only fair in that case to consider them to be a dropped DIII, DII or DI program, considering that is when they dropped wrestling.
If you're curious as to the numbers on that statistic we're talking 62 teams that had success of some sort on the NAIA level, that moved up to NCAA DIII, DII or DI and have since dropped wrestling.
I feel when speaking about NAIA programs that have dropped wrestling, that the only fair thing to do is to speak of the schools that are still NAIA in athletics.
With the tremendous growth of NAIA wrestling over the past 19 years, its difficult to believe that we have lost NAIA programs. Even more difficult to believe that some of these NAIA programs were rather successful. The beauty of it is, I don't think it'd be difficult to reinstate wrestling in these schools, especially with the history that some of them have.
TAYLOR University in Upland, Indiana was rather successful throughout the mid to late 70's. They placed 6th in 1976, 10th in 1977, 7th in 1978 and 10th in 1979 at the NAIA tournament. 11 All Americans earning 15 All American honors and one national champion.
VALLEY CITY STATE in Valley City & MAYVILLE STATE in Mayville would both be excellent additions to collegiate wrestling in North Dakota. Valley City state placed 9th in 1997. They have 18 All Americans earning 27 All American honors & four individual national champions. Mayville has 9 All Americans earning 13 All American awards.
OLIVET NAZARENE in Bourbannais, Illinois had 7 All Americans earning 10 All American awards, with two national champions.
BACONE in Muskagee, Oklahoma had 12 All Americans earning 16 All American awards.
PERU STATE in Peru, Nebraska had three All Americans and one national champion.
DAKOTA STATE in Madison, South Dakota had an All American.
The most successful team in the NAIA that no longer has wrestling would have to be MONTANA WESTERN in Dillon, Montana. A dominant team throughout the late 80's through the mid 90's. Five top four NAIA finishes, including winning the 1994 team title. 32 All Americans earning 38 All American honors. 8 individual national champions.
Then there's also Alaska Pacific in Anchorage, Alaska, which I'm not sure how to categorize. From what I understand they don't have sports at all anymore. If they did, I wonder if they'd still be NAIA. I like to include them in this blog because I don't think many are aware of the success they had in wrestling. I think many would shocked to learn. Alaska isn't a state where you'd think collegiate wrestling could thrive, let alone survive. For one look at the travel schedule. You have to go through an entire other country just to get to your closest dual! Yet look at what they did when they had a wrestling program. 1987 they took second at the NAIA championships and then placed 4th in 1988 and 8th in 1990. 13 All Americans earning 17 All American awards. Two National champions. I guess I think of that when negative and pessimistic attitudes of "what can't be done" is brought up in talking about the potential growth of wrestling.
I write all of this because I think there is a misconception that all plausible growth to the NAIA would be brand new programs. A lot of them are, but there is still a place for reinstating teams that were once successful.
I know I'm excited. I have a ton of reason to be. Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Florida & Georgia. Five states where when I was in high school there was no collegiate wrestling. Now all of them have varsity programs. Some of them even more than NAIA.
And look at the potential for growth. This is more than a day dream. This is realistic expectations. In the past few years we now have three NAIA programs in Florida. There are seven more NAIA schools. 8 more we could add in Georgia. 8 more in Kentucky. 4 in Alabama.
California could sure use more wrestling programs and there are I believe 6 NAIA schools in California without wrestling.
There's no collegiate wrestling in Louisiana, but six NAIA schools.
How cool would it be to see wrestling at the only NAIA school in Nevada or do what seems impossible at the moment and see wrestling at one of the four NAIA schools in Mississippi?
Hell even my beloved Iowa has room for growth. St. Ambrose to reinstate their wrestling program and for Mount Mercy, Dordt & Clarke to all add wrestling for the first time.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
THE BATTLE AT THE CITADEL: Preview and Thoughts
I I don't think this tournament is going to be as locked and loaded as the Michigan State or Southeast Open but there is still quite a bit here that could prove to be rather interesting.
125 lbs
#7 Michael McGee of Old Dominion should the top seed here although he'll be challenged by #12 Jakob Camacho of North Carolina State and #17 Gabriel Townsell of Stanford. I also look for currently unranked Gage Curry of American to perhaps knock one of these ranked wrestlers off along they way to a high placement. He has habit of remaining in the shadows, being overlooked and then pulling off an upset.
141 lbs
There's a lot here that catches my eye. First off #12 Tariq Wilson of North Carolina State & #15 Sa'Derian Perry of Old Dominion. Both were All Americans in 2018 but failed short of capturing a second medal in 2019. The precedent is often set early in wrestling and this gives us a glimpse at where they're at. It'll also be a great opportunity to see #17 Real Woods of Stanford. I predict that by year's end he could be one of our top freshmen. Anxious to see him against Wilson and/or Perry. Lastly I'm anxious to see where Sal Profaci stands in the mix of things. While at Michigan he had a respectable career, qualifying for the 2017 NCAA tournament. Now wrestling for American, if healthy I think he makes it into the rankings relatively soon.
157 lbs
Are we going to get lucky enough to see #1 Hayden Hidlay of North Carolina State vs #4 Larry Early of Old Dominion? I doubt it. These early season tournaments usually avoid such marquee matches but wouldn't that be exciting? Early knocked off Hidlay in a dual last season and it'd be anxious to see if he could do it again. Also curious to see if currently redshirting Dom Mandarino of Stanford enters the tournament. If so, he'll give whoever he meets in the semi-finals all they can handle.
165 lbs
Tom Bullard #11 for North Carolina State vs #9 Shane Griffith of Stanford is the finals match I think we'll see. I'd love to see unranked Dazjon Casto of the Citadel do something to capture the attention of the wrestling community. Watching him wrestle last season it was obvious that he has a lot of talent and potential. Very aggressive, he simply needed to fine tune a few things and I think a lot of his losses would turn into wins. I'm anxious to see how much he's improved since last season.
174 lbs
I doubt Matt Finesilver of Duke who is redshirting enters the tournament but he might. If he doesn't then #15 Daniel Bullard of North Carolina State shouldn't have any trouble winning the title
184 lbs
On the surface this looks like an easy win for #15 Trent Hidlay of North Carolina State. Yet I think #18 Tanner Harvey of American may prove to be a bigger challenge than some would predict. I also think that Judah Duhm of Stanford could possibly make some noise here as well.
197 lbs
#8 Nick Reenan of North Carolina State looks to be the forerunner here but #10 Nathan Traxler of Stanford should give him all he can handle.
HWT
Haydn Maley of Stanford currently enjoys a #20 ranking but ironically his stiffest competition here looks to be teammate Trevor Rasmussen. A chance to see a great wrestle off between the Cardinal.
125 lbs
#7 Michael McGee of Old Dominion should the top seed here although he'll be challenged by #12 Jakob Camacho of North Carolina State and #17 Gabriel Townsell of Stanford. I also look for currently unranked Gage Curry of American to perhaps knock one of these ranked wrestlers off along they way to a high placement. He has habit of remaining in the shadows, being overlooked and then pulling off an upset.
141 lbs
There's a lot here that catches my eye. First off #12 Tariq Wilson of North Carolina State & #15 Sa'Derian Perry of Old Dominion. Both were All Americans in 2018 but failed short of capturing a second medal in 2019. The precedent is often set early in wrestling and this gives us a glimpse at where they're at. It'll also be a great opportunity to see #17 Real Woods of Stanford. I predict that by year's end he could be one of our top freshmen. Anxious to see him against Wilson and/or Perry. Lastly I'm anxious to see where Sal Profaci stands in the mix of things. While at Michigan he had a respectable career, qualifying for the 2017 NCAA tournament. Now wrestling for American, if healthy I think he makes it into the rankings relatively soon.
157 lbs
Are we going to get lucky enough to see #1 Hayden Hidlay of North Carolina State vs #4 Larry Early of Old Dominion? I doubt it. These early season tournaments usually avoid such marquee matches but wouldn't that be exciting? Early knocked off Hidlay in a dual last season and it'd be anxious to see if he could do it again. Also curious to see if currently redshirting Dom Mandarino of Stanford enters the tournament. If so, he'll give whoever he meets in the semi-finals all they can handle.
165 lbs
Tom Bullard #11 for North Carolina State vs #9 Shane Griffith of Stanford is the finals match I think we'll see. I'd love to see unranked Dazjon Casto of the Citadel do something to capture the attention of the wrestling community. Watching him wrestle last season it was obvious that he has a lot of talent and potential. Very aggressive, he simply needed to fine tune a few things and I think a lot of his losses would turn into wins. I'm anxious to see how much he's improved since last season.
174 lbs
I doubt Matt Finesilver of Duke who is redshirting enters the tournament but he might. If he doesn't then #15 Daniel Bullard of North Carolina State shouldn't have any trouble winning the title
184 lbs
On the surface this looks like an easy win for #15 Trent Hidlay of North Carolina State. Yet I think #18 Tanner Harvey of American may prove to be a bigger challenge than some would predict. I also think that Judah Duhm of Stanford could possibly make some noise here as well.
197 lbs
#8 Nick Reenan of North Carolina State looks to be the forerunner here but #10 Nathan Traxler of Stanford should give him all he can handle.
HWT
Haydn Maley of Stanford currently enjoys a #20 ranking but ironically his stiffest competition here looks to be teammate Trevor Rasmussen. A chance to see a great wrestle off between the Cardinal.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
THE SOUTHEAST OPEN: PREVIEW AND THOUGHTS
Hosted by Virginia Tech, the Southeast Open looks to be another season opener with some excitement. From a bird's eye view, the beginning battles for what could prove to be just shy of half a year wars between conference foes of both the ACC and the Southern Conference. An opportunity for those currently unranked to position themselves into the top twenty.
125 lbs
The only ranked wrestler at this eight is Virginia Tech's Korbin Myers. I'm anxious to see if the Hokies wrestle him or backup Joey Prata. Either one should place in the top six. Fresman Joey Melendez of North Carolina will get to show us first hand where he stands. I look for Dack Punke of Missouri, who I feel should be ranked to show us why. What interest me here most is the potential battle between Campbell's Korbin Meink and Chattanooga's Fabian Gutierrez, what will most likely be this year's final at the Southern Conference.
133 lbs
Nothing sticks out to me too much here. I think #14 Noah Gonser of Campbell wins this one without much, if any scare.
141 lbs
Another look at what could be a Southern Conference final come March. Two time SoCon champion Chris Debien of Chattanooga currently ranked #20 and #14 Josh Heil of Campbell. In regards to the ACC North Carolina's Zach Sherman who finished third at last year's Midlands is currently unranked. He'll have a chance to see where he stands against #18 Mitch Moore of Virginia Tech.
149 lbs
A chance to see #1 Austin O'Connor of North Carolina vs #2 Brock Mauller of Missouri? I doubt it. I just can't see with coaches worried about rankings and seedings, allowing us a marquee match of that caliber this early. There will be other exciting things happening here though.
As of right now Mason Smith of Campbell currently ranked #19 in the nation is the frontrunner for a SoCon title. Yet I'm anxious to see if perhaps unranked Tanner Smith of Chattanooga might give him more of a challenge than initially thought.
You also have George Mason's Colston DiBlasi here as well. Like the three bears who found one porridge too cold and another porridge too hot before finding the one that was just right; I think DiBlasi is in the same situation. 149 was too much of a cut and he wasn't big enough for 165. I think 157 is just right for him and I think he'll prove that to us here.
I'm also anxious for the return of Brent Moore of Virginia Tech. He showed a lot of promise at 141 lbs a couple of years ago. Anxious to see how he does at 149.
157 lbs
A battle of the wills could potentially take place between #16 Jarrett Jacques of Missouri & #17 B.C. LaPrade of Virginia Tech. Austin Kraisser of Campbell marks himself as one itching to get into the rankings and we could see rematch wrestle-off between A.C. Headlee & Josh McClure of North Carolina. Headlee won 10-6 recently.
165 lbs
As of right now it looks like #4 Daniel McFadden of Virginia Tech has this one in the bag but I think it'll be more challenging on the mat than it is on paper. Kennedy Monday of North Carolina is much better than his current #16 ranking. He's capable of upsetting McFadden. Then there's also #17 Nick Kiussis of West Virginia as well. Look for unranked Quentin Perez of Campbell to perhaps pull off an upset as well.
174 lbs
#10 Connor Flynn of Missouri will take the #1 seed here but he'll have his hands full with both #16 Devin Kane of North Carolina and #17 Neal Richards of VMI. Richards is the best shot for a Keydet All American since Leslie Apedoe who placed sixth in 1999. Wins over both Kane and Flynn, which he is capable of doing help him to get closer to that goal.
184 lbs
A finals match here looks to be between #9 Hunter Bolen of Virginia Tech and #14 Dylan Wisman of Missouri. However Missouri may wrestle Canton Marriott, one of the best backups in the country instead. Or they might even wrestle both. Another interesting story that could possibly unfold is that between Campbell's Andrew Morgan and Chattanooga's Dominic Lampe, both of whom are gunning for this year's SoCon title.
197 lbs
The only ranked wrestler here right now is #14 Noah Adams of West Virginia but I'm not sold on him winning the championship. I think both Wyatt Koelling of Missouri and Stan Smeltzer of Virginia Tech could prove to be worthy challengers.
HWT
I think by year's end Jere Heino of Campbell currently ranked #8 in the nation will cement himself as an NCAA title contender. I do believe he is that good. We'll get a glimpse of whether he is or he isn't against #11 Zach Elam of Missouri.
Like the Michigan State open, not all of these matches are going to take place. Yet I think quite a few of them do. Last year's Hokie Open, which is essentially the same tournament with a different name had quite a few exciting matches. I think this year's tournament will too.
125 lbs
The only ranked wrestler at this eight is Virginia Tech's Korbin Myers. I'm anxious to see if the Hokies wrestle him or backup Joey Prata. Either one should place in the top six. Fresman Joey Melendez of North Carolina will get to show us first hand where he stands. I look for Dack Punke of Missouri, who I feel should be ranked to show us why. What interest me here most is the potential battle between Campbell's Korbin Meink and Chattanooga's Fabian Gutierrez, what will most likely be this year's final at the Southern Conference.
133 lbs
Nothing sticks out to me too much here. I think #14 Noah Gonser of Campbell wins this one without much, if any scare.
141 lbs
Another look at what could be a Southern Conference final come March. Two time SoCon champion Chris Debien of Chattanooga currently ranked #20 and #14 Josh Heil of Campbell. In regards to the ACC North Carolina's Zach Sherman who finished third at last year's Midlands is currently unranked. He'll have a chance to see where he stands against #18 Mitch Moore of Virginia Tech.
149 lbs
A chance to see #1 Austin O'Connor of North Carolina vs #2 Brock Mauller of Missouri? I doubt it. I just can't see with coaches worried about rankings and seedings, allowing us a marquee match of that caliber this early. There will be other exciting things happening here though.
As of right now Mason Smith of Campbell currently ranked #19 in the nation is the frontrunner for a SoCon title. Yet I'm anxious to see if perhaps unranked Tanner Smith of Chattanooga might give him more of a challenge than initially thought.
You also have George Mason's Colston DiBlasi here as well. Like the three bears who found one porridge too cold and another porridge too hot before finding the one that was just right; I think DiBlasi is in the same situation. 149 was too much of a cut and he wasn't big enough for 165. I think 157 is just right for him and I think he'll prove that to us here.
I'm also anxious for the return of Brent Moore of Virginia Tech. He showed a lot of promise at 141 lbs a couple of years ago. Anxious to see how he does at 149.
157 lbs
A battle of the wills could potentially take place between #16 Jarrett Jacques of Missouri & #17 B.C. LaPrade of Virginia Tech. Austin Kraisser of Campbell marks himself as one itching to get into the rankings and we could see rematch wrestle-off between A.C. Headlee & Josh McClure of North Carolina. Headlee won 10-6 recently.
165 lbs
As of right now it looks like #4 Daniel McFadden of Virginia Tech has this one in the bag but I think it'll be more challenging on the mat than it is on paper. Kennedy Monday of North Carolina is much better than his current #16 ranking. He's capable of upsetting McFadden. Then there's also #17 Nick Kiussis of West Virginia as well. Look for unranked Quentin Perez of Campbell to perhaps pull off an upset as well.
174 lbs
#10 Connor Flynn of Missouri will take the #1 seed here but he'll have his hands full with both #16 Devin Kane of North Carolina and #17 Neal Richards of VMI. Richards is the best shot for a Keydet All American since Leslie Apedoe who placed sixth in 1999. Wins over both Kane and Flynn, which he is capable of doing help him to get closer to that goal.
184 lbs
A finals match here looks to be between #9 Hunter Bolen of Virginia Tech and #14 Dylan Wisman of Missouri. However Missouri may wrestle Canton Marriott, one of the best backups in the country instead. Or they might even wrestle both. Another interesting story that could possibly unfold is that between Campbell's Andrew Morgan and Chattanooga's Dominic Lampe, both of whom are gunning for this year's SoCon title.
197 lbs
The only ranked wrestler here right now is #14 Noah Adams of West Virginia but I'm not sold on him winning the championship. I think both Wyatt Koelling of Missouri and Stan Smeltzer of Virginia Tech could prove to be worthy challengers.
HWT
I think by year's end Jere Heino of Campbell currently ranked #8 in the nation will cement himself as an NCAA title contender. I do believe he is that good. We'll get a glimpse of whether he is or he isn't against #11 Zach Elam of Missouri.
Like the Michigan State open, not all of these matches are going to take place. Yet I think quite a few of them do. Last year's Hokie Open, which is essentially the same tournament with a different name had quite a few exciting matches. I think this year's tournament will too.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
THE MICHIGAN STATE OPEN: PREVIEW AND THOUGHTS
125 lbs
Last year #6 Rayvon Foley was the sole Spartan to win a title at his home tournament. #15 Austin Assad of Michigan placed third and #16 Drew Hildebrandt of Central Michigan placed fourth. Both should enter in this year's competition as well. I don't see #10 Travis Piotrowski entering the tournament as I don't see Illinois sending him. I feel the same in regards to Purdue's #11 Devin Schroeder. I think it'd be a good idea for Ohio State to enter #18 Malik Heinselman as I think he's capable of defeating both Assad and Hildebrandt. Not only would it be good for his ranking, but also for his confidence. I think both unranked Brock Hudkins of Indiana & Bryce West of Northern Illinois are more than capable of showing us that they're ranking worthy. I know unranked Christian Moody of Oklahoma is. It'll be interesting to see if they enter.
133 lbs
I think the chances of us seeing #4 Mickey Phillippi are pretty slim. I imagine Pittsburgh will wrestle a backup here instead. With no Phillippi I think returning champ, #13 Mario Guillen of Ohio will have his greatest threat from #15 Derek Spann of Buffalo and #20 Paul Konrath of Indiana. No doubt about it #18 Dylan Duncan of Illinois would also be a threat, but the Illini don't strike me as a sending starters team in this situation. What I'm most anxious to see, is Garrett Pepple. Currently unranked at the moment, the former Hoosier turned Spartan could add another title for the host team.
141 lbs
#3 Luke Pletcher of Ohio State Vs #1 Dom Demas of Oklahoma? Are we going to get that lucky to see that good of a match this early? I doubt it but one can hope. I imagine Pletcher will stay home and we'll get a good look at redshirt freshman Quinn Kinner. The other interesting thing about this weight class will be Michigan's Drew Mattin who has been at 125 lbs the past two seasons. Is he big enough for 141? We'll find out. I also think that Purdue's Nate Limmex is a top twenty wrestler. Not sure if a top placing here would convince others of that or not, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
149 lbs
Michigan's Kanen Storr is redshirting and I highly doubt he competes in this open. He could, but I don't see it happening. What I'm most excited for is a potential match-up between #8 Sammy Sasso & Ke-Shawn Hayes of Ohio State. Everyone is so hyped and big on Sasso. Which is great but I feel like Hayes isn't getting near the respect he deserves. It's not like he's a nobody. We're talking about a guy that has placed twice at CKLV and taken third at the BIG 10's. I don't feel its a stretch by any means to think he can give Sasso a run for his money. I also think it's unwise for anyone to over look #13 Griffin Parriott of Purdue. Let's keep in mind that he handed NCAA runner-up Tyler Berger a loss at 157 lbs last year.
157 lbs
Pittsburgh's #5 Taleb Rahmani has been accurately referred to as one of the best seniors this season yet to All American. If #9 Anthony Artalona of Pennsylvania, #10 Justin Thomas of Oklahoma, #15 Eric Barone of Illinois & #20 Logan Parks of Ohio all enter the tournament, he'll be tested right away. Being a home tournament I'm pretty sure that Michigan State enters Jake Tucker. He's capable of a top twenty ranking and a good showing here, especially if its against the mentioned competition would put him into it.
165 lbs
The only ranked wrestlers at this weight class as of now are Michigan State's #18 Drew Hughes & #13 Joey Gunther of Illinois. I'm not sold that'll be our finals though. For one last year's champion Caden McWhirter of Northern Illinois will be here. There's also Tyler Keller of Buffalo & Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh. Not to mention, Gunther might not even wrestle here. I think he should though. I think winning this tournament which he is more than capable of would be good for him for an assortment of different reasons.
174 lbs
In my opinion #8 Dylan Lydy of Purdue ranks as one of the best seniors yet to All American. He'll be tested here by #13 Ethan Smith of Ohio State. I also think there's great potential here for Pittsburgh's Gregg Harvey who is currently unranked to make some noise.
184 lbs
Last season Britt Wilson of Northern Illinois won a title at 174 lbs. He'll really turn some heads and open up some eyes if he's able to capture a second title at 184 lbs. #5 Nino Bonaccorsi of Pittsburgh, #12 Cam Caffey of Michigan State & #17 Max Lyon of Purdue all have potential to be in the bracket. Not to mention Jelani Embree of Michigan, Hunter Yeargan of Ohio, & Gavin Hoffman of Ohio State, all currently unranked have something to prove as well.
197 lbs
Are we going to see #1 Kollin Moore of Ohio State? Probably not. What we will see I believe is backup Kevin Snyder and it'll be interesting to see how he fields against the competition. #12 C.J. Brunner of Purdue, #15 Tom Lane of Cal Poly & last year's champion #18 Jake Woodley of Oklahoma will all be duking it out for a shot at the title. I'll also say to keep an eye on Michigan's Jackson Striggow. Although unranked at the moment, he finished second here last season. I'd also keep an eye of Pittsburgh's Kellan Stout who's been known to pull off an upset or two.
HWT
Central Michigan's #5 Matt "Won by Fall" Stencel took the title here last season although theoretically this year's competition could be stiffer. #7 Mason Parris of Michigan, #9 Demetrius Thomas of Pittsburgh & #12 Chase Singletary of Ohio State all pose serious threats. Unranked Chase Beard of Michigan State has shown potential in the past for his capabilities. What better place than at home in front of Spartan wrestling fans to deliver?
I know good and well that as exciting as some of these matches sound that not all of them are going to happen. Opens a lot of the time are second and third stringers. While we do see some starters, it's certain we won't see them all.
From a Spartan point of view, this could potentially be a great year for the host. Foley, Hughes and Caffey are all in serious contention to win titles here.
Should prove to be a fun tournament.
Last year #6 Rayvon Foley was the sole Spartan to win a title at his home tournament. #15 Austin Assad of Michigan placed third and #16 Drew Hildebrandt of Central Michigan placed fourth. Both should enter in this year's competition as well. I don't see #10 Travis Piotrowski entering the tournament as I don't see Illinois sending him. I feel the same in regards to Purdue's #11 Devin Schroeder. I think it'd be a good idea for Ohio State to enter #18 Malik Heinselman as I think he's capable of defeating both Assad and Hildebrandt. Not only would it be good for his ranking, but also for his confidence. I think both unranked Brock Hudkins of Indiana & Bryce West of Northern Illinois are more than capable of showing us that they're ranking worthy. I know unranked Christian Moody of Oklahoma is. It'll be interesting to see if they enter.
133 lbs
I think the chances of us seeing #4 Mickey Phillippi are pretty slim. I imagine Pittsburgh will wrestle a backup here instead. With no Phillippi I think returning champ, #13 Mario Guillen of Ohio will have his greatest threat from #15 Derek Spann of Buffalo and #20 Paul Konrath of Indiana. No doubt about it #18 Dylan Duncan of Illinois would also be a threat, but the Illini don't strike me as a sending starters team in this situation. What I'm most anxious to see, is Garrett Pepple. Currently unranked at the moment, the former Hoosier turned Spartan could add another title for the host team.
141 lbs
#3 Luke Pletcher of Ohio State Vs #1 Dom Demas of Oklahoma? Are we going to get that lucky to see that good of a match this early? I doubt it but one can hope. I imagine Pletcher will stay home and we'll get a good look at redshirt freshman Quinn Kinner. The other interesting thing about this weight class will be Michigan's Drew Mattin who has been at 125 lbs the past two seasons. Is he big enough for 141? We'll find out. I also think that Purdue's Nate Limmex is a top twenty wrestler. Not sure if a top placing here would convince others of that or not, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
149 lbs
Michigan's Kanen Storr is redshirting and I highly doubt he competes in this open. He could, but I don't see it happening. What I'm most excited for is a potential match-up between #8 Sammy Sasso & Ke-Shawn Hayes of Ohio State. Everyone is so hyped and big on Sasso. Which is great but I feel like Hayes isn't getting near the respect he deserves. It's not like he's a nobody. We're talking about a guy that has placed twice at CKLV and taken third at the BIG 10's. I don't feel its a stretch by any means to think he can give Sasso a run for his money. I also think it's unwise for anyone to over look #13 Griffin Parriott of Purdue. Let's keep in mind that he handed NCAA runner-up Tyler Berger a loss at 157 lbs last year.
157 lbs
Pittsburgh's #5 Taleb Rahmani has been accurately referred to as one of the best seniors this season yet to All American. If #9 Anthony Artalona of Pennsylvania, #10 Justin Thomas of Oklahoma, #15 Eric Barone of Illinois & #20 Logan Parks of Ohio all enter the tournament, he'll be tested right away. Being a home tournament I'm pretty sure that Michigan State enters Jake Tucker. He's capable of a top twenty ranking and a good showing here, especially if its against the mentioned competition would put him into it.
165 lbs
The only ranked wrestlers at this weight class as of now are Michigan State's #18 Drew Hughes & #13 Joey Gunther of Illinois. I'm not sold that'll be our finals though. For one last year's champion Caden McWhirter of Northern Illinois will be here. There's also Tyler Keller of Buffalo & Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh. Not to mention, Gunther might not even wrestle here. I think he should though. I think winning this tournament which he is more than capable of would be good for him for an assortment of different reasons.
174 lbs
In my opinion #8 Dylan Lydy of Purdue ranks as one of the best seniors yet to All American. He'll be tested here by #13 Ethan Smith of Ohio State. I also think there's great potential here for Pittsburgh's Gregg Harvey who is currently unranked to make some noise.
184 lbs
Last season Britt Wilson of Northern Illinois won a title at 174 lbs. He'll really turn some heads and open up some eyes if he's able to capture a second title at 184 lbs. #5 Nino Bonaccorsi of Pittsburgh, #12 Cam Caffey of Michigan State & #17 Max Lyon of Purdue all have potential to be in the bracket. Not to mention Jelani Embree of Michigan, Hunter Yeargan of Ohio, & Gavin Hoffman of Ohio State, all currently unranked have something to prove as well.
197 lbs
Are we going to see #1 Kollin Moore of Ohio State? Probably not. What we will see I believe is backup Kevin Snyder and it'll be interesting to see how he fields against the competition. #12 C.J. Brunner of Purdue, #15 Tom Lane of Cal Poly & last year's champion #18 Jake Woodley of Oklahoma will all be duking it out for a shot at the title. I'll also say to keep an eye on Michigan's Jackson Striggow. Although unranked at the moment, he finished second here last season. I'd also keep an eye of Pittsburgh's Kellan Stout who's been known to pull off an upset or two.
HWT
Central Michigan's #5 Matt "Won by Fall" Stencel took the title here last season although theoretically this year's competition could be stiffer. #7 Mason Parris of Michigan, #9 Demetrius Thomas of Pittsburgh & #12 Chase Singletary of Ohio State all pose serious threats. Unranked Chase Beard of Michigan State has shown potential in the past for his capabilities. What better place than at home in front of Spartan wrestling fans to deliver?
I know good and well that as exciting as some of these matches sound that not all of them are going to happen. Opens a lot of the time are second and third stringers. While we do see some starters, it's certain we won't see them all.
From a Spartan point of view, this could potentially be a great year for the host. Foley, Hughes and Caffey are all in serious contention to win titles here.
Should prove to be a fun tournament.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
2020 Redshirts
Thank you to wrestlestats.com for this information!
125 lbs
Vitali Arujau of Cornell 19'4th
Willy Girard of Bloomsburg 19'NQ
133 lbs
Nick Suriano of Rutgers 18'2nd 19'1st
*Stevan Micic of Michigan 17'4th 18'2nd 19'3rd
Daton Fix of Oklahoma State 19'2nd
Matt Schmitt of West Virginia 18'NQ 19'NQ
*Taylor LaMont of Utah Valley 18'R12
141 lbs
Yanni Diakomihalis of Cornell 18'1st 19'1st
*Jaydin Eierman of Missouri 17'5th 18'4th 19'3rd
Josh Finesilver of Duke 18'NQ 19'NQ
149 lbs
Matt Kolodzik of Princeton 17'7th 18'3rd 19'5th (Wonder if he'll wrestle Midlands? 5-2-6-1 so far)
Kanen Storr of Michigan 19'NQ
157
Dom Mandarino of Stanford has yet to Qualify for NCAA's but 21-9 last season and 3rd at Scuffle
165 lbs
* Logan Massa of Michigan 17'3rd 18'NQ 19'R12
Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech 19'1st
174 lbs
*Myles Amine Michigan 17'4th 18'3rd 19'3rd
Matt Finesilver of Duke 18'NQ 19'NQ
184 lbs
Max Dean of Cornell 18'8th 19'2nd
From the looks of it 197 lbs and HWT don't have any returning wrestlers from last season or previous seasons that qualified for nationals/made All American that will be redshirting this season.
*- Believe to be Olympic redshirt
A thank you to wrestlestat.com for providing this information once again! Please make sure to visit their website for information on the true freshmen that will be redshirting Vs those who will be wrestling varsity this season.
125 lbs
Vitali Arujau of Cornell 19'4th
Willy Girard of Bloomsburg 19'NQ
133 lbs
Nick Suriano of Rutgers 18'2nd 19'1st
*Stevan Micic of Michigan 17'4th 18'2nd 19'3rd
Daton Fix of Oklahoma State 19'2nd
Matt Schmitt of West Virginia 18'NQ 19'NQ
*Taylor LaMont of Utah Valley 18'R12
141 lbs
Yanni Diakomihalis of Cornell 18'1st 19'1st
*Jaydin Eierman of Missouri 17'5th 18'4th 19'3rd
Josh Finesilver of Duke 18'NQ 19'NQ
149 lbs
Matt Kolodzik of Princeton 17'7th 18'3rd 19'5th (Wonder if he'll wrestle Midlands? 5-2-6-1 so far)
Kanen Storr of Michigan 19'NQ
157
Dom Mandarino of Stanford has yet to Qualify for NCAA's but 21-9 last season and 3rd at Scuffle
165 lbs
* Logan Massa of Michigan 17'3rd 18'NQ 19'R12
Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech 19'1st
174 lbs
*Myles Amine Michigan 17'4th 18'3rd 19'3rd
Matt Finesilver of Duke 18'NQ 19'NQ
184 lbs
Max Dean of Cornell 18'8th 19'2nd
From the looks of it 197 lbs and HWT don't have any returning wrestlers from last season or previous seasons that qualified for nationals/made All American that will be redshirting this season.
*- Believe to be Olympic redshirt
A thank you to wrestlestat.com for providing this information once again! Please make sure to visit their website for information on the true freshmen that will be redshirting Vs those who will be wrestling varsity this season.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Those "Not Very good Teams" and Why They're Important
This past Friday 10-18-2019 St. Olaf a small college in Northfield, Minnesota announced that after 71 years they would be discontinuing their wrestling program. Athletic director Ryan Bowles stated one of the reasons as to why is St. Olaf's inability to be competitive.
Now their is a lot that can be said about that statement. St. Olaf has never been a powerhouse in wrestling but they've had a few times throughout their history where they've done quite well. In the mid sixties they finished in tenth place in the college division tournament. In the late 80's they had some of their best teams producing the most amount of All Americans. Then most recently nine years ago they had a team that finished in sixteenth place at the NCAA Division III tournament. The Oles last All American was in 2016.
The first thing to do is to look at the situation and ask why St. Olaf wasn't more competitive. To look at factors such as costs, academic standards/requirements, recruiting, location & facilities. To wonder if the athletic director Ryan Bowles who was so quick to say, "Inability to be competitive" had something to do with why.
In this day in age it is all about winning. Furthermore it is all about drawing a crowd, putting rear-ends in seats and making money. Now few, if any wrestling teams turn a profit but its harder for administrations to ax wrestling teams that win a conference title and draw a crowd for home duals than it is for them to ax a team that finishes dead last in the conference and has more individuals in the crowd from the visiting team than it does for themselves. Granted Trev Alberts did ax the Nebraska-Omaha wrestling program after winning an NCAA Division II title but we're talking the example, not the exception.
With all of this stated, I have to ask myself the question, is their a place for these "not very good teams?" Do they have purpose? Do they serve a need?
I say yes.
Now this is not a popular opinion. Matter of fact I expect to get more rebuttal and more hostility thrown at me from the wrestling community than I do outsiders who read this. But it is my opinion and I believe it to be true.
Not everyone who wrestles, even if they do pour their heart and soul into it, is going to be good at it.
Their are some wrestlers who work hard, put everything they have into wrestling and they're never going to be someone you read about in the paper. They're never going to have their name up on a wall.
When I was younger, I always thought that if you weren't any good in high school, you had no business wrestling in college. That unless you had some sort of credentials to show a college coach of what you did and who you were, that he'd laugh you right out of the room when you asked to be a part of his team. I suppose that's because I grew up in Iowa. I grew up in Hawkeye territory. I spent time online on various wrestling forums that treated college wrestling as if those who didn't win at least one state title, shouldn't even think about wrestling in college.
Yet when I got to college, during the time I was there, the team at my school was a lot like that of what St. Olaf has been the last couple of years. Moments throughout its history of glory, but for the most part one of those "not very good teams."
The kids that made up the Red Raiders of Northwestern College weren't for the most part what you'd call the elite. Yes, their were a few that were. Their were state champions on the roster. Their were multiple time state place winners on the roster. Yet Their were kids who only qualified for state once. Some kids that never qualified. Even some kids that were like me, losing records.
For the most part these kids weren't going to be legends in college wrestling. They weren't going to win national titles and bring fame and recognition to the school.
What they were, were guys that had a love and passion for the sport of wrestling. Maybe they lacked the skill, the talent & the athleticism to rack up a bunch of medals from a bunch of tournaments, but what they had was a great appreciation for the sport of wrestling. They wanted to be a part of it.
A lot of the schools Northwestern College competed against at the time were in similar situations. William Penn, Si Tanka, Dakota Wesleyan, Briar Cliff, Morningside, ect. Sure they all had kids on the roster that were very good. I can name them. Dana had Terrence Almond, William Penn had Darren Cotton. Yet, a large portion of their roster weren't these superstars of NAIA wrestling like Almond and Cotton. The majority of them were kids you never heard of and never will. They were kids that were nobodies in high school and they were nobodies in college. Yet, if you ever did run into one of them wearing an old shirt that read "Name of college wrestling" and struck up a conversation, you'd see that sparkle in their eye. You'd hear that enthusiasm in their voice. They were part of a college wrestling team, and it was one of the most important and impactful moments of their lives.
I think that has importance in our society. Not only in wrestling but in all sports.
I think the day is coming when we won't have these teams anymore. I think as time goes on winning and being competitive and all the money involved in all of it will eventually eliminate these environments. That homes for those who love the sport and want to be a part of it, but they aren't very good will cease to exist.
I hate thinking that. I hate feeling that.
I'm glad I had the experience of witnessing a time when kids who weren't all that great, who had a great love and passion, could still be a part of it as long as they were willing to show up, put in the work and give it their all. Yet as long as their are Ryan Bowles in the world who justify eliminating wrestling for an "inability to be competitive" I wonder if the days of these types of teams may be numbered.
Now their is a lot that can be said about that statement. St. Olaf has never been a powerhouse in wrestling but they've had a few times throughout their history where they've done quite well. In the mid sixties they finished in tenth place in the college division tournament. In the late 80's they had some of their best teams producing the most amount of All Americans. Then most recently nine years ago they had a team that finished in sixteenth place at the NCAA Division III tournament. The Oles last All American was in 2016.
The first thing to do is to look at the situation and ask why St. Olaf wasn't more competitive. To look at factors such as costs, academic standards/requirements, recruiting, location & facilities. To wonder if the athletic director Ryan Bowles who was so quick to say, "Inability to be competitive" had something to do with why.
In this day in age it is all about winning. Furthermore it is all about drawing a crowd, putting rear-ends in seats and making money. Now few, if any wrestling teams turn a profit but its harder for administrations to ax wrestling teams that win a conference title and draw a crowd for home duals than it is for them to ax a team that finishes dead last in the conference and has more individuals in the crowd from the visiting team than it does for themselves. Granted Trev Alberts did ax the Nebraska-Omaha wrestling program after winning an NCAA Division II title but we're talking the example, not the exception.
With all of this stated, I have to ask myself the question, is their a place for these "not very good teams?" Do they have purpose? Do they serve a need?
I say yes.
Now this is not a popular opinion. Matter of fact I expect to get more rebuttal and more hostility thrown at me from the wrestling community than I do outsiders who read this. But it is my opinion and I believe it to be true.
Not everyone who wrestles, even if they do pour their heart and soul into it, is going to be good at it.
Their are some wrestlers who work hard, put everything they have into wrestling and they're never going to be someone you read about in the paper. They're never going to have their name up on a wall.
When I was younger, I always thought that if you weren't any good in high school, you had no business wrestling in college. That unless you had some sort of credentials to show a college coach of what you did and who you were, that he'd laugh you right out of the room when you asked to be a part of his team. I suppose that's because I grew up in Iowa. I grew up in Hawkeye territory. I spent time online on various wrestling forums that treated college wrestling as if those who didn't win at least one state title, shouldn't even think about wrestling in college.
Yet when I got to college, during the time I was there, the team at my school was a lot like that of what St. Olaf has been the last couple of years. Moments throughout its history of glory, but for the most part one of those "not very good teams."
The kids that made up the Red Raiders of Northwestern College weren't for the most part what you'd call the elite. Yes, their were a few that were. Their were state champions on the roster. Their were multiple time state place winners on the roster. Yet Their were kids who only qualified for state once. Some kids that never qualified. Even some kids that were like me, losing records.
For the most part these kids weren't going to be legends in college wrestling. They weren't going to win national titles and bring fame and recognition to the school.
What they were, were guys that had a love and passion for the sport of wrestling. Maybe they lacked the skill, the talent & the athleticism to rack up a bunch of medals from a bunch of tournaments, but what they had was a great appreciation for the sport of wrestling. They wanted to be a part of it.
A lot of the schools Northwestern College competed against at the time were in similar situations. William Penn, Si Tanka, Dakota Wesleyan, Briar Cliff, Morningside, ect. Sure they all had kids on the roster that were very good. I can name them. Dana had Terrence Almond, William Penn had Darren Cotton. Yet, a large portion of their roster weren't these superstars of NAIA wrestling like Almond and Cotton. The majority of them were kids you never heard of and never will. They were kids that were nobodies in high school and they were nobodies in college. Yet, if you ever did run into one of them wearing an old shirt that read "Name of college wrestling" and struck up a conversation, you'd see that sparkle in their eye. You'd hear that enthusiasm in their voice. They were part of a college wrestling team, and it was one of the most important and impactful moments of their lives.
I think that has importance in our society. Not only in wrestling but in all sports.
I think the day is coming when we won't have these teams anymore. I think as time goes on winning and being competitive and all the money involved in all of it will eventually eliminate these environments. That homes for those who love the sport and want to be a part of it, but they aren't very good will cease to exist.
I hate thinking that. I hate feeling that.
I'm glad I had the experience of witnessing a time when kids who weren't all that great, who had a great love and passion, could still be a part of it as long as they were willing to show up, put in the work and give it their all. Yet as long as their are Ryan Bowles in the world who justify eliminating wrestling for an "inability to be competitive" I wonder if the days of these types of teams may be numbered.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Wrestle Offs to look forward to: Who will be the starter
I'll start off by saying this. I'm not an insider. I have no inside information. I simply take information available to me and deduce it to the best of my ability. Last year's or prior year's results mixed with current rosters. These are assumptions and guesses, nothing here is verbatim. This is based on what weight class I think wrestlers will go. Maybe they'll go up a weight class, maybe they'll go down. Nevertheless the potential for these matches to happen is there.
I have twelve matches selected that I believe should prove to be very exciting in the hunt for a starting position.
In my opinion the most exciting match in Cedar Falls for the starting position on Doug Schwab's Panther team will be at 125 lbs between senior Jay Schwarm and freshman Kyle Biscoglia. We're looking at a two time NCAA qualifier taking on a redshirt freshman that placed seventh at last year's Midlands. The experience of a well seasoned veteran verses the hunger of a nothing to lose rookie.
Marino pinned Peters last year in under a minute at the Black Knight invitational but I don't see that happening again. I wouldn't call the win a fluke, but I will call the pin a fluke. I suppose I could say more about this but I was informed about a minute ago that Marino isn't even on the roster anymore. Leaving this up here though, cause I'm curious as to what happened to him. I'm sure someone will read this and inform me.
I'm rather excited about this potential matchup in the Tarheel wrestling room. Sherman has looked rather good at 133 lbs, including a very impressive third place finish at last season's Midlands. Anxious to see if he can be as effective at 141 lbs. It's a rather big jump. Eight pounds of muscle and 141 lbs'ers are usually taller than those at 133. He'll be tested right out of the gate against Headlee.
These guys at least on paper are nearly identical. Oster's been to the NCAA tournament whereas Thomas has not, but Thomas has also had exceptionally good showings at the Midlands placing 7th & 3rd the past two seasons. Overall I say that the two split time as the starter this season and who does better against the competition, not who wins in the room will be the deciding factor at who starts at the BIG 10 tournament.
It wasn't that long ago when the camels couldn't even fill a starting lineup. Now they have two of the best Southern Conference 157 lbs'ers fighting for the starting spot. A SOCON champ Vs a SOCON runner-up. It could prove to be the toughest in-conference competition for either one of them.
Last season Carson defeated Vestal 8-4 and I think a similar outcome is in order for this season. I include the match for the fact that Vestal is a rather tough wrestler and could upset Carson.
Young is going to win this match, I'm almost certain of it. If I were a gambler, I'd put money on it. I include it because there are probably 70 other schools that Glosser could have gone to and if he had, he'd be a three time, going on four time NCAA qualifier at this point. In my opinion, when he graduates this season, he'll be the best wrestler in the class of 2020 to have never been the official starter for his team. It's weird to think of how he'll never start at a BIG 10 championship, yet he could've potentially won other conferences.
I'm not sold on anything here yet. I think both of these guys are phenomenal wrestlers and either will end up doing great things for the Nittany lions this season. PSU is in good shape here regardless of who starts.
The winner of this match might not necessarily be the starter for the Cowboys. It wouldn't be the first time in John Smith's long and illustrious career that he started the loser of a wrestle-off over the winner. Smith doesn't tolerate inconsistency. When he expects you to win, you better. Which is what makes this such an interesting scenario. Shomers has an NCAA qualification and wins over NCAA qualifiers Gordon Wolf of Lehigh and Justin Thomas of Oklahoma. Yet Sheets defeated Pittsburgh's Taleb Rahmani and EIWA champ Josh Humphreys of Lehigh. Flip coin guys, flip a coin.
Heard a bit of talk about Monday's chance at winning the ACC and making All American a few different times in the past couple of months. As far as I'm concerned, before worrying about an ACC title & being one of the top eight at the end of the year, he better concern himself with beating out McClure for the varsity spot. He beat him in 2017 6-0, but a lot can change in three years. He'll be anything but a pushover.
When I look over what I believe could very well be the 2020 NCAA Team Champion's roster, I wonder to myself, "Where is everyone going to go?" The Hawkeyes have what could be, the best team in Tom Brands tenure thus far as head coach. They have one Hell of a roster and they don't have room for everybody. If the Brands are like the Smiths, they're going to do everything in their power to get Nelson into the lineup. Maybe it won't even be at 174, yet even at 165 and 184, his competition is just as stiff. This will be interesting.
I think Vs competition Grello is the better wrestler, but I think Vs one another Scott is the better wrestler. It's weird how that is sometimes the case in amateur wrestling. I'd like to see both of these guys in the starting lineup for the Scarlet Knights but I don't see either making 165 lbs and both seem too small for 184. So shoot, one of them looks like they won't be varsity.
Are their more wrestle-offs to look forward to? I wouldn't doubt it. These are the ones that stuck out to me though. I'm excited!
I have twelve matches selected that I believe should prove to be very exciting in the hunt for a starting position.
 |
| NORTHERN IOWA 125 lbs |
 |
| ARMY 133 lbs |
 |
| NORTH CAROLINA 141 lbs |
 |
| NORTHWESTERN 141 lbs |
 |
| CAMPBELL 157 lbs |
 |
| OHIO 157 lbs |
 |
| IOWA 157 lbs |
 |
| PENN STATE 157 lbs |
 |
| OKLAHOMA STATE 157 lbs |
 |
| NORTH CAROLINA 165 lbs |
 |
| IOWA 174 lbs |
 |
| RUTGERS 174 |
Are their more wrestle-offs to look forward to? I wouldn't doubt it. These are the ones that stuck out to me though. I'm excited!
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