Monday, August 1, 2022

2023 NCAA Division III The Season: Johnson and Wales

 

Graduation has hit the Wildcats rather hard as we head into the 22'-23' season.  Michael Ross who took NCAA Division III runner-up honors last season, along with NCAA Division III qualifiers Justin Lopez & Liridon Leka, as well as Gabriel McDaniel, Ryan DeVivo & Tommy Wrzesien were all seniors last year.  It'll be a rebuilding year, but nonetheless the Wildcats still return some very tough wrestlers. 

133 lbs
Gabriel Leo-Esparolini

Gabriel Leo-Esparolini was a match away from earning an All American honor last season on a 29-12 record. Extremely good on his feet, he led the team with 100 takedowns last season. Once his mat wrestling catches up to his neutral wrestling, this is going to be one tough guy to beat. 

141 lbs
Hayden Brown 

Four time New Hampshire High School State champion Hayden Brown darn near made All American honors himself in his second appearance at the NCAA Division III tournament last season. Going 34-4 he won the Northeast Regional title. It'll be no easy task but as he contends for All American honors this season, I would put him down as a candidate in the hunt for a national title. 

165 lbs
Scott DeFex

Nassau transfer Scott DeFex had himself a pretty decent season last year going 29-15, finishing one match shy of NCAA Division III qualification. One of the things he has going for him is that he is extremely difficult to ride. He has a very nice standup & does a great job of getting away. It's a shame that he and Esparolini are so different in weight.  The two could really compliment one another with DeFex's skills on bottom and Esparolini's skills on the feet. 

197 lbs
Dylan Harr 

Replacing a guy like Tommy Wrzesien will not be easy but Dylan Harr has shown that he's more than up for the job. Luca Colestock & Darby McLaughlin are two talents Harr defeated last season and he gave NCAA DIII qualifier Quinn Haddad a 3-1 match as well. 

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