Sometimes it is all a matter of perspective. Over the years Michigan State has gotten quite a bit of criticism from wrestling fans. Within the BIG 10 conference, no, they are not one of the top teams. Yet comparatively speaking, to the rest of the field in the NCAA, Michigan State is pretty respectable. I say the Spartans send 8 to the NCAA tournament this season, and 2 of them have a pretty decent shot at being All Americans. In my opinion, I would call that a respectable showing.
125
Rayvon Foley
Junior
Record: 78-23
NCAA: 18'NQ, 19'7th, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 18'7th, 19'6th, 21'3rd
RENO: 19'2nd
Foley had a pretty good showing at last year's BIG 10's with a 3rd place showing and I believe he can up it one by making the BIG 10 finals this year if he plays his cards right. Wins such as a 10-4 victory over Devin Schroder of Purdue & a 6-2 victory over Michael DeAugustino of Northwestern should give him confidence for such a finish. An All American two seasons ago, getting his way back onto the award stand is a very real possibility for this season. Among his other victories, a 9-4 decision over Drew Hildebrandt of Central Michigan.
 |
| 133 Jordan Hamdan Freshman Record: 25-13 NCAA: 21'NQ BIG 10: 21'7th |
Hamdan had some impressive victories last season. A 19-3 technical fall over two time NCAA qualifier Bryce West of Northern Illinois sticks out as does a 7-5 victory over last year's BIG 10 3rd place-winner Lucas Byrd of Illinois. Don't see Hamdan fighting for All American honors this season, but would not at all be surprised to see him improve upon his 7th place BIG 10 finish.
 |
| 149 Peyton Omania Freshman Record: 23-14 NCAA: 21'NQ BIG 10: 21'WC |
With victories such as a 9-6 decision over Mike Van Brill of Rutgers and a 15-8 decision over Kanen Storr of Michigan, I can see Omania making some big strides this season. Again, not looking for All American honors, but more big wins in dual meets? Placing in the top 8 at the BIG 10's? Very doable.
 |
| 157 Chase Saldate Freshman Record: 8-7 NCAA: 21'NQ BIG 10: 21'4th |
I was very impressed with Saldate's 4th place BIG 10 finish last season. I was not expecting him to place that high. A win over Elijah Cleary of Ohio State (now of Pittsburgh) was fairly impressive, but what really stuck out to me was a 3-1 victory over Kendall Coleman of Purdue. Anxious to see how Saldate does this season.
 |
| 165 Jake Tucker Senior Record: 86-57 NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ BIG 10: 20'6th, 21'6th |
I'm going to say this and maybe it means something and maybe it doesn't. Tucker owns two victories over Ryan Deakin of Northwestern. He beat him once 4-2 and then he beat him again 4-1. Granted it was 5 years ago & it was at 149. Yet I can't help but wonder if a guy like Jake Tucker is one of those wrestlers that is holding something back. Has something locked away, that would allow him to let loose, and make a statement if it were to be unlocked. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have seen him wrestle well at 149 lbs and 157 lbs. He had some good wins last season at 165 lbs. At this point I'm not expecting anything other than a third NCAA qualification, but I'd at least like to see him get a big win or two throughout the season.
 |
| 174 Caleb Fish Freshman Record: 6-1 |
Fish defeated Bailee O'Reilly of Minnesota 3-1 last season. No guarantees I guess, but I do think Fish qualifies for the NCAA's this season.
 |
| 184 Layne Malczewski Sophomore Record: 45-21 NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ BIG 10: 20'7th, 21'6th |
A solid performer for the Spartans the past two seasons, Malczewski will add a third NCAA qualification to his resume by the end of the 2021-2022 season. A 9-6 victory over R12 Owen Webster of Minnesota suggest that Malczewski could be a top 12 wrestler himself, but he'll need more victories as such.
 |
| 197 Cam Caffey OR Ryan Vasbinder Junior or Senior Record: 92-29 OR Record (DII): 105-27 NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'R12 OR DII: 19'7th, 20'NQ, 21'1st BIG 10: 19'WC, 20'2nd, 21'4th OR |
Some have very high hopes and expectations for McKendree NCAA Division II champion transfer Ryan Vasbinder & I'm over here like, let's see him defeat Cam Caffey to make the Spartan varsity lineup before we start making too many predictions. Earning 105 victories and a national title at any level is extremely impressive, respectable and admirable. Not trying to take anything away from Vasbinder. What I am doing though, is giving very much earned respect to Caffey.
Vasbinder's only DI competition has been in four time All American Willie Miklus of Missouri/Iowa State who he lost to 19-10 major decision and C.J. Brunner of Purdue who he lost to 10-3. Caffey never faced either.
As to Caffey, I think he stands a shot at All American this year. He defeated 7th place Michael Beard of Penn State 12-6 as he himself finished one match shy of an NCAA medal.
===
125 - All American
133 - NQ
141 - DNQ
149 - NQ
157 - NQ
165 - NQ
174 - NQ
184 - NQ
197 - All American
HWT - DNQ
The thing is, Michigan State is young. Out of these 8 potential qualifiers, 4 are freshmen and 1 is a sophomore. That leaves a lot of room for growth and improvement.
No comments:
Post a Comment