Looking over the teams that will compete at this year's Battle At The Citadel, if we're talking varsity starters and full lineups there could potentially be some great matchups. Thus far, the following possibilities excite me.
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| Potential 125 lbs Finals Cody Phippen of Air Force Vs Benny Gomez of Presbyterian |
If both of these guys enter the tournament, this is the finals I have predicted. Should prove to be a rather exciting match as both wrestlers have a chip on their shoulder with something to prove. Phippen is one of the absolute best wrestlers in the nation yet to make it to the NCAA tournament. He's proven that with valuable wins the past two seasons. Gomez is looking to become Presbyterian's first NCAA Division I qualifier and possibly their first SOCON champion. A win over the other bodes well for either one of this guys.
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| Potential 133 lbs Finals Sid Flores of Air Force Vs Jake Rotunda of The Citadel |
It could also be Jared Van Vleet instead of Sid Flores, but either way, this presents a great potential for Jake Rotunda to garner a notable victory on his home turf during his home tournament. On paper, both Van Vleet and Flores have Rotunda beat, but upsets happen. What better time & what better place to nail an upset than your own invitational?
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| Potential 197 lbs Finals Kayne Hutchison of Air Force Vs Kaden Russell of Duke |
If you follow Duke Blue Devil wrestling you know that everything they do is uphill and against the wind. No scholarships and little to no help from the administration. Allowed varsity status, a place to compete and a place to practice. That about sums it up. Any and all accomplishments that Duke has on the mat should be noted. I think the Blue Devils have potential to crown 3 champs here at The Citadel. I don't see either of the Finesilvers, Josh or Matt having any trouble at all securing their titles. Russell on the other hand will see challenge from Hutchison. Still going with Russell in this matchup, but I wouldn't dare overlook Hutchison.
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| Potential HWT Finals Wyatt Hendrickson of Air Force Vs Michael McAleavey of The Citadel |
Like Rotunda, McAleavy has the opportunity to gain a huge upset in route to winning his home tournament. His chances aren't nearly as good at Rotunda's, but they're still there. Hendrickson at the moment is on another level, an All American hopeful. With that said, in the least McAleavey wrestling in front of his home crowd should still give Hendrickson a match.
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There you have my thoughts on the tournament. It's not the Midlands or Cliff Keen, but there will still be a fair amount of good, exciting wrestling to watch at The Battle of The Citadel this weekend.
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