Let's face it, while there is tremendous NCWA as well as NAIA wrestling in the sunshine state, Florida needs NCAA Division I wrestling! It's been nearly 39 years since we last saw one of Florida's DI schools field a varsity wrestling team. I suppose since none currently have a program, NCAA DI wrestling needs to come to it.
Now before I get into all of the great wrestling action we're going to see on Saturday, I have to say that I am hoping this is all taking place based on a rumor that has been going around. That rumor is that we may very well see DI varsity wrestling in Florida soon!
Jacksonville is home to both North Florida & Jacksonville University. While the Osprey of North Florida had a program at one point & would be a restoration, Jacksonville U fielding a program would be a first in school history. Can you imagine the Osprey or the Dolphins having NCAA DI wrestling? What a beautiful sight.
I sure do like the look of this, don't you?
Well, enough of that & on to the great matches we're going to see this Saturday.
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| 125 lbs U.R. Tristan Daugherty (Buffalo) Vs #6 Eric Barnett (Wisconsin) #27 Anthony Molton (Campbell) Vs #24 Kysen Terukina (Iowa State) #24 Kysen Terukina (Iowa State) Vs #6 Eric Barnett (Wisconsin) #27 Anthony Molton (Campbell) Vs U.R. Tristan Daugherty (Buffalo) I tell you what, two time All American Eric Barnett of Wisconsin has a tougher task ahead of him than what it looks like on paper. Although Buffalo's Tristan Daugherty is not currently ranked, he gave the Badger a very good 4-2 match at the beginning of last season. I also think Iowa State's Kysen Terukina will give Barnett a go. The other match that will happen this Saturday of note is Terukina Vs Campbell's Anthony Molton. A contender for this season's SOCON title, he'll be looking to climb the ladder we call rankings. He'd do so with an upset over Terukina. While doing so, he better look out that he doesn't get upset by Daugherty. |
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| 133 lbs #23 Brayden Palmer (Chattanooga) Vs #12 Taylor LaMont (Wisconsin) #19 Ramazan Attasauov (Iowa State) Vs #12 Taylor LaMont (Wisconsin) |
As he settles into his new home of Wisconsin, Taylor LaMont also moves back to the 133 lbs weight class. If we're looking at this objectively, it is fair to say that thus far in his career, he's had a lot more success at 125 than what he has had at 133. If he is to contend for All American honors here, he's going to have to prove himself at & above his #12 ranking. This weekend will be an excellent test. He has Russian sensation Ramazan Attasauov of Iowa State & SOCON runner-up/title contender Brayden Palmer of Chattanooga. Both will be formidable opponents.
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| 157 lbs |
#22 Michael Petite (Buffalo) Vs #18 Garrett Model (Wisconsin)
U.R. Troy Nation (Campbell) Vs U.R. Isaac Judge (Iowa State)
#22 Michael Petite (Buffalo) Vs U.R. Troy Nation (Campbell)
#22 Michael Petite (Buffalo) Vs U.R. Lincoln Heck (Chattanooga)
Got some good matches here at 157 lbs. Wisconsin's Garrett Model was one of the most improved wrestlers in the nation last season & it'll be interesting to see how much more he's improved over the summer. Both Chattanooga's Lincoln Heck and more so Buffalo's Michael Petite will help to indicate exactly where he is first thing this season. I think the other guy to look at here is Campbell's Troy Nation. Out of the top 33 at the moment, a reflection of few matches wrestled & a really tough SOCON tournament last season. Keep in mind, he owns victories over Lehigh's Brian Meyer as well as The Citadel's Selwyn Porter. He'll be a challenge for Petite but on the same hand, should be on his toes for Iowa State's Isaac Judge, another wrestler looking to make his way into the top 33.
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| 165 lbs #3 David Carr (Iowa State) Vs #5 D.J. Hamiti (Wisconsin) |
This is THE match of the night! The marquee. The Main Event. Iowa State's David Carr & Wisconsin's D.J. Hamiti, both NCAA title contenders at 165 lbs. Carr, already has won an NCAA title, a national champion in 2021 & 3rd last season. Albeit, both at 157 lbs. Hamiti was 6th last season, as a true freshman. In all of wrestling that will take place this weekend, this could very well be the best match anywhere.
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| 174 lbs #20 Austin Murphy (Campbell) Vs U.R. Triston Wills (Little Rock) #25 Joel Devine (Iowa State) Vs U.R. Triston Wills (Little Rock) #20 Austin Murphy (Campbell) Vs #25 Joel Devine (Iowa State) #17 Rocky Jordan (Chattanooga) Vs U.R. Triston Wills (Little Rock) |
In my opinion, Triston Wills of Little Rock is one of the best wrestlers currently outside of a top 33 ranking. He'll have an opportunity to prove that as he faces #20 Austin Murphy of Campbell, #25 Joel Devine of Iowa State & #17 Rocky Jordan of Chattanooga. If he can pull of an upset against any of these three it would be huge for him as well as the Little Rock program. Murphy & Devine will also meet during these duals & that too will be a good match.
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| 184 lbs #20 Caleb Hopkins (Campbell) Vs #5 Marcus Coleman (Iowa State) |
This match highly favors the Cyclone, but I do think the Camel will give him a good fight. A better match on the mat, than what it appears to be on paper.
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| 197 lbs #6 Yonger Bastida (Iowa State) Vs #20 Braxton Amos (Wisconsin) |
These two aren't anywhere near as far apart as their ranking suggest. While Carr Vs Hamiti at 165 is our main event, Bastida Vs Amos will be our semi-main event. The last time these two met Bastida squeaked out a 3-2 victory over Amos. It'll be a close one again as it presents a huge opportunity for Amos to get a win over a top 8 wrestler, who is also a returning All American.
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| HWT #11 Trent Hillger (Wisconsin) Vs #16 Sam Schuyler (Iowa State) |
HWT is a very unique weight class this season. Everyone knows that minus the event of a major upset, it's the top 4 & then it is everyone else. Meaning that after the top four, we're in a debate about who by year's end will be the fifth man. I think Trent Hillger could very well be the fifth man. He has the talent & the tools, as well as the experience. He'll certainly have his challengers along the way though & it'll start with a very tough challenge out of Iowa State's Sam Schuyler.
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Wish I was in Florida for these duals. Never been to Jacksonville, but I've been to Orlando as well as Tampa many times. If Jacksonville U or North Florida ever does pick up NCAA DI wrestling, wouldn't it be fun to see an NCAA tournament? If not, what would eventually happen would be a conference tournament. Fun to think about, isn't it?
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