2021 Midlands Preview 133 lbs

 

One time Midlands champion, two time finalist, Iowa's Austin DeSanto is the man to beat at 133 lbs. Currently 10-0 on the season with 7 technical falls and one major decision, the Hawks can count on the mentally unstable one for bonus points throughout at least the first two rounds if not three.  The Midlands team title may not be as prestigious to the black and gold as the BIG 10's or the NCAA's, but it is still a championship that they hold significant and Desanto will help them to add a trophy to the collection that if laid horizontally might actually stretch from Iowa City to Chicago. 

Anyone challenging DeSanto?  I think if anyone can, it is Pittsburgh's Micky Phillippi. It's not lost me me that DeSanto thrashed him 13-5 at last year's NCAA championships. It's not lost on me that Phillippi recently lost by defensive fall to Malyke Hines of Lehigh.  I've been paying attention, believe me.  Yet, it's also not lost on me that Phillippi owns a 3-1 victory over Oklahoma State's Daton Fix, who DeSanto has never defeated. It's also not lost on me that Phillippi owns a 4-0 victory over Ethan Lizak of Minnesota, who DeSanto was 2-1 against. Truth is Phillippi is one of the best yet to All American & I think he proves that here.  I don't think he can beat DeSanto on his feet. That's DeSanto's bread and butter. If he is to beat DeSanto it'll be from the top position, his strength and DeSanto's weakness.  That is my analysis. 

Anyone stopping Phillippi in route to making the Midlands finals and possibly upending DeSanto for a title? Yep, and the guy that could do it is Lucas Byrd of Illinois.  Byrd was 5th at the NCAA's last season and the guy he beat to be an All American was Phillippi in a tiebreaker. He's already proven that he can beat the Panther once, it's not a stretch to think he could do it again. 

So who are going to be our other place-winners at 133 lbs? Well, like at 125 the answer is, could be an assortment of guys.  All American Chris Cannon of Northwestern, a hometown favorite, will be looking for his second medal as will Indiana's Brock Hudkins and Pennsylvania's Michael Colaiocco.  Colaiocco kinda came out of nowhere back in 2020 to take a strong 3rd place finish. That was at 125 lbs though and the question remains of whether it can be done again or not.  Sammy Alvarez of Rutgers seems a good candidate as does Dylan Ragusin of Michigan. 

Others to watch out for are 

#16 Brian Courtney of Virginia
#22 Mario Guillen of Ohio 
#25 Kyle Burwick of Wisconsin as well as teammate Ethan Rotondo 
Matt Ramos of Purdue
Anthony Sobotker of Binghamton 

If you look through the history of the Midlands smaller schools have had their fair share of success. As tough as the tournament is, it's difficult for those small school guys to break through and place, but it has happened before and it will happen again. Both the NAIA & NCAA Division III will feature their top talent. The Gimson brothers of Indiana Tech, who could make history this season and become the first twin brothers to ever face one another for an NAIA title, are exceptionally tough.  Robert Precin of North Central the best in D3 will test his skills against D1 competition.