A favorite among the fans of the northeast is the Keystone Classic hosted by the university of Pennsylvania. This year's tournament looks to be quite different from prior year's with a greater number of teams participating. What interest me most about a tournament like this is the opportunity it provides for smaller teams to shine through and have some success that they might not other wise have. An opportunity for some recognition through placements and plausible upsets.
Let's take a look at each weight.
125 lbs
We have yet to see #2 Jack Mueller of Virginia in action this season but if he does decide to wrestle here, he should win the title without much if any challenge. His finals opponent on paper looks to be talented freshman Mike Colaicco of Pennsylvania, although I dare not overlook #17 Jonathan Tropea of Rider who has looked exceptionally good thus far this season. It makes me wonder the whereabouts of teammate Anthony Cefolo, who we could also see compete here.
133 lbs
#15 Codi Russell of Appalachian State looks to add yet another of what has so far been many individual titles for Mountaineers this season. Challenging him will be Louie Hayes of Virginia, among those fitting the description of "not currently ranked, but could be soon." Carmen Ferrante of host Pennsylvania looks to be a great candidate for a strong third place finish.
141 lbs
No ranked wrestlers at this weight but I do see some interesting things happening. I often wonder what happened to Harvard wrestling. It doesn't seem that long ago that Jesse Jantzen and J.P. O'Connor were winning NCAA titles and the Crimson were putting wrestlers on the award stand at the NCAA's while holding their own in the EIWA conference. Over the last few seasons, it has dramatically shifted to a state of wondering if Harvard will even qualify anyone. A positive I can see here is in A.J. Jaffe who I think is talented enough to win this weight class. Brian Courtney of Virginia will challenge him, but I think this can be a highlight for the Crimson.
149 lbs
At this time last season, Appalachian State's #19 Jonathan Milner was 5-4. Today he is 9-0 and he's won every tournament he's wrestled in thus far this season. With Duke's Josh Finesilver already entering quite a few tournaments in his redshirt, it's safe to assume that he will probably enter here. Who I'm most anxious to see is Franklin and Marshall's Wil Gil, whom I feel is the best shot for a bright spot for the Diplomats. He wrestled fairly well at 141 lbs last season and I'm anxious to see how he does at 149. In regards to what could be another glimmer of hope for Harvard, Brock Wilson is more than capable of a top six finish as is Denton Spencer of Virginia.
157 lbs
Easily the toughest weight with #6 Jesse Dellavecchia of Rider and #8 Anthony Artalona duking it out for a title, with a possible challenge from #16 Justin McCoy. Then there's also Drexel's Parker Kropman who when you least expect it will pull off a major upset. Appalachian State's Matt Zovistoski I don't see making the finals but he's as good as third if he wrestles well. Another plausible highlight for Harvard lies in Hunter Ladnier who I don't see upending the other five mentioned, but capable of taking that sixth place slot.
165 lbs
Ebed Jarrell of Drexel currently ranked #16 who finished in 2nd place here last year, is the forerunner for the championship. What I'm excited about here though is Brandon Levesque of Sacred Heart. It feels like forever since something exciting happened for the Pioneer program. The way he wrestled against Demetrius Romero in a close loss, puts hope inside of me that it wasn't simply him having a great match or Romero having a bad one. I want to believe that Levesque is for real and that he can be the face of what's to come with John Clark heading the helm. It has to start somewhere, it might as well with Levesque. Realistically though, Cam Coy of Virginia looks to be the best bet for Jarrell's finals opponent. In realms of more success for teams in search of it here's to Phillip ConiGliaro of Harvard & Emmett LiCastri of Franklin & Marshall, both more than capable of top six finishes.
174 lbs
If #15 Dean Sherry of Rider wrestles like he did against Minnesota, he'll walk through this tournament. The only way I can see him having any competition is if Matt Finesilver of Duke joins brother Josh in entering the tournament as an unattached redshirt. I'd like to think that Neal Richards, VMI's best hope for a Southern Conference champ this season might be a challenge, but I don't think he will. Runner-up honors without a doubt, but I don't see him challenging Sherry for the title. As to other place winners? Drexel's Michael O'Malley and Virginia's Victor Marcelli, two talented freshman ought to bring home medals.
184 lbs
No real opinions here. Nothing sticks out.
197 lbs
#15 Ethan Laird ought to win this weight class without much if any challenge. Virginia's Jay Aiello can be tough when the situation calls but I don't see him knocking off Laird. With everyone on the Duke roster redshirting, I suppose I ought to mention Kaden Russell's name as well. I don't see him wrestling here and if he does, I don't see him knocking off Laird. Should place second or third though, depending on what happens between him and Aiello.
HWT
Just say the name Miller when someone ask you who you feel will win this year's Keystone Classic at HWT and there's a near 100% chance you'll be correct. #17 Cary Miller looks to win this year's title and his finals opponent will most likely be Quinn Miller of Virginia.
Fun tournament in a lot of ways. One that showcases just how good Appalachian State and Rider have gotten. One that gives opportunities to Franklin & Marshall, Harvard, VMI and Sacred Heart to shine.
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