Like I have done with my redshit & backup posts, I write these to illustrate just how much talent there is in some of these rooms. To emphasize just how difficult it is to make a varsity line-up. Did I miss some? Of course I did. I try and think of as many as I can, but it never fails, I always leave some out. If you know of any good wrestle-offs that I did not include, please share. I want to know what they are & I want to make sure I note them.
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| 184 lbs Alex Richards or Sampson Wilkins Castleton (DII) |
I think this will be one of the better wrestle-offs at the NCAA Division III level for this upcoming season. A very tough sophomore Vs a very tough junior. Richards, a native of New York went 32-8 last season as Wilkins one of the few actual Vermont representatives went 34-11. Whoever wins this matchup will for sure contend for a top 8 showing within the Regional.
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| 157 lbs Joe Chapman or Devin Woodworth United State Coast Guard (DIII) |
I think we could potentially have a really good wrestle-off here at 157 lbs to see who starts for the USCGA this season. Joe Chapman was an NCAA DIII qualifier taking 3rd place honors at the Northeast Regional but you can bet that Devin Woodworth will give him a run for his money. The two time New York State Place winner took six fall in his nine victories last season. Five of them were in the first period. Woodworth for note, also plays football for the Bears.
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| 165 lbs Harrison Hinojosa or Nick Boggiano Stevens Tech (DIII) |
I believe we will have ourselves a tough wrestle-off at 165 lbs. Harrison Hinojosa went 20-12 on the season last year as freshman earning a 6th place finish at the Southeast Regional. Boggiano a NCAA DIII qualifier in 2021 was 17-5, earning a 3rd place finish at the MAC championships. Among his notable wins Scott DeFex and Garrett Cornell.
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| 174 lbs Stefan Major or Joel Martsinovsky Stevens Tech (DIII) |
You'd think being as good as Stefan Major, having won the MAC title & the Southeast Regional title while placing 7th at the NCAA Division III championships that you wouldn't have to worry about losing your spot. Yet he will be challenged as he was last season by Joel Martsinovsky. Thus far Major has won all meetings, but they have all been close. A 5-2, a 7-5 & a a 3-2 decision. Many times a wrestler is often as good as he is because of how hard he is being pushed in the room. This classic example here.
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| 165 lbs Nick Barnhart or Garrett Cornell Messiah (DIII) |
While I'm always up for a great wrestle-off I do hope that one of these guys either moves up or down a weight because there is way too much talent here for either of them to sit the post season. Nick Barnhart was a Southeast Regional runner-up last season, earning his second NCAA Division III qualification. He was 34-6 on the season, a Middle Atlantic Conference title. May I add 18 of those 34 victories came via fall. Cornell every bit as tough. A 5th place All American in 2021, he was also a qualifier in 2020. 25 wins on the season for him last year, 14 of them via fall.
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| 141 lbs Dakarai Clay OR Drew Nash UW-Whitewater (DIII) |
I do believe the 141 lbs spot for the Warhawks will remain Dakarai Clay's but I do think that Drew Nash will push him for the spot. Clay, an honor roll student was 24-10 last season, placing 4th in the WIAC & 7th in the Upper Midwest Regional. Nash himself took a 6th place finish at the WIAC & gave Ryan Fleck of Chicago, who placed 6th at the NCAA Division III championships one of his best matches of the season. This will be a good wrestle-off.
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| 165 lbs Evan Fisler OR Alex Farenchak Gannon (DII) |
If you are looking for a good wrestle-off, here.you.go. Senior Evan Fisler was an All American last season placing 6th in the NCAA DII's. A two time qualifier altogether he was 2nd in the Super Region I in 2020 & 3rd last year. Farenchak, is a two time qualifier himself, a runner-up in 2021. He has Super Region I finishes of 2nd & 1st, as well as a 4th place finish from the Midwest Classic in 2020. This is going to be a good match.
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| 174 lbs Joseph Petrella OR Luigi Yates Gannon (DII) |
This could potentially turn out to be a pretty good wrestle-off as well. Joseph Petrello, a sophomore had a very good showing last season as a freshman. Winning a Super Region I title, he finished one match shy of All American status & he had a 7th place showing at the Midwest Classic. Yates, was an NCAA Division II qualifier in 2020.
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| 125 lbs Evan Carrigan OR Zach Shupp Newberry (DII) |
A lot of talent here at collegiate wrestling's lowest weight class. Evan Carrigan, a two time state champ out of South Carolina had himself a very nice freshman season last year earning a runner-up finish at the Super Region II tournament. Zach Shupp a transfer from Central Michigan was a NCAA Division II qualifier in 2021. Of interest, while at CMU he managed a 6th place finish at a rather competitive Michigan State Open. This should be an excellent wrestle-off.
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| 174 lbs Shylik Scriven OR Caleb Grau UNC-Pembroke (DII) |
Two talented grapplers here in Shylik Scriven who was 5th at the Super Region II last season & Caleb Grau who had a 13-4 record. Should be a good wrestle-off.
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| 133 lbs Ryan Ripplinger OR Tyler Delaware McKendree (DII) |
Considering that Ryan Ripplinger who was 4th in the Super Region IV last year on a 22-13 record pinned Tyler Delaware twice, I don't think he'll be in danger of losing his spot this season. However it should be pointed out that Delaware defeated Collin Metzger an NCAA Division II qualifier from Colorado Mesa twice last season.
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| 141 lbs Brody Norman OR Devin Schwartzkopf McKendree (DII) |
I think we could see a very good wrestle-off here at 141 lbs. Brody Norman was an NCAA DII qualifier last season finishing one match shy of All American status. Devin Schwartzkopf was an NCAA DII qualifier in 2021.
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| 174 lbs Josh Jones OR Zeke Waltz McKendree (DII) |
2021 NCAA Division II All American (4th) Josh Jones goes into his final season a three time NCAA Division II qualifier, looking to earn his fourth qualification & his second All American honor. The Chicago native will be backed by sophomore Zeke Waltz who went 8-1 on the season last year.
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| 133 lbs Kaden Anderlik OR Donny Schmitt Upper Iowa |
4th at the Super Region V, junior Kaden Anderlik was 16-4 on the season last year. He will be challenged for the spot by Donny Schmit who was a Super Region place-winner himself in 2021. Should be a good wrestle-off.
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| HWT Jordan Will or Jake Swirple Minot State (DII) |
Here's where things get interesting. You have two outstanding athletes that compete on both the gridiron and the mat. Both Jordan Will & Jake Swirple are also members of the Beaver football team. Will an NCAA DII qualifier in 2019 was 5th in the Super Region V last season. Swirple himself went 13-0 on the season, this included a 3-1 sudden victory over Will. Can you say excellent wrestle-off? Swirple also defeated Gerardo Jaime of Mary last season as well.
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| 184 lbs Billy Higgins OR Dylan Vodicka OR Jacari Deal Nebraska-Kearney (DII) |
We got some depth here at 184 lbs! Billy Higgins won a Super Region VI title last season as he took a 3rd place finish at the NCAA Division II tournament. He also defeated NCAA Division I qualifier Jack Jessen of Northwestern. Vodicka 17-6 on the season, had an impressive victory over Augustana's Kolby Kost. Deal was 15-9 himself.
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| 197 lbs Hayden Prince OR Joe Reimers Nebraska-Kearney (DII) |
This will be a good wrestle-off I would think. Hayden Prince 19-10 on the year & a Super Region VI champion taking on 2021 NCAA Division II All American (4th) Joe Reimers.
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| 125 lbs Dawson Collins OR Will VomBaur Colorado Mesa (DII) |
This is a wrestle-off I am really looking forward to. Sophomore Dawson Collins had an outstanding season last year going 24-5 earning a runner-up finish at the Midwest Classic, a 3rd place finish at the Super Region VI & a 5th place finish at the NCAA Division II championships. VomBaur is a transfer of Air Force who after seasons in DI is going to test the waters of DII. His father Ben was a two time All American for Boise State twenty seasons ago.
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| 133 lbs Collin Metzgar OR Andrew Silva OR Oran Huff Colorado Mesa (DII) |
I'm 99.99% positive that senior Collin Metzgar is going to keep his spot as the starter for the Mavericks. I simply want to point out the talent he has in the room pushing him & helping make him better. 3rd in the Super Region VI this past season, he won a Midwest Classic title on a 23-7 record. He was also a Midwest Classic Runner-up in 2021. Andrew Silva one of his backups had a respectable season himself including a notable win over Western Colorado's Dean Noble. Oran Huff, only a sophomore earned a 16-2 record.
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| 133 lbs Brody Teske OR Cullan Schreiver Iowa (DI) |
The Black & Gold faithful are pretty excited about the incoming of transfer Brody Teske & they should be. The former Northern Iowa Panther is a two time NCAA Qualifier & a BIG 12 champion. However, I wouldn't count out Cullan Shreiver. A 15-5 record he has wins over Kyle Biscoglia of Nothern Iowa as well as Derek Spann of Buffalo. Let's keep in mind that Teske is a 125'er moving up to 133 lbs. That 8 lbs of difference at these lower weights is pure muscle. This will be a wrestle-off worth paying attention to.
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| 174 lbs Nelson Brands OR Brennan Swafford Iowa (DI) |
This is the wrestle-off I am looking most forward to when it comes to Iowa. 2021 NCAA qualifier Nelson Brands against two time NAIA national champion Brennan Swafford who finished 6th at the Southern Scuffle last season. I would say that this inner-feud will not be settled by the results of a first wrestle-off. Whether Iowa competes in the Midlands or the Mat Men Invitational this season, I would say that would be when we know who's suiting up for sure come March.
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| 133 lbs Aaron Nagao OR Vance Vombaur OR Jake Gliva Minnesota (DI) |
Anyway you slice it, regardless of who wins the varsity spot, we're looking at a very good wrestler at 133 lbs for Minnesota. I know a lot already have their minds made up that it'll be Aaron Nagao. He's more than proven himself already with a very impressive 2nd place showing at last year's Southern Scuffle. Impressive wins over Codi Russell of Appalachian State, Kellyn March of North Dakota State & Corey Cabanban of Iowa State. However, it's way too soon to count out Vance Vombaur. He was pretty impressive himself last season going 13-3. Wins over Kyle Biscoglia, Julian Farber, Jack Wager & Jack Skudlarczyk, one thing is for sure, he'll probably win if you send him out there against Northern Iowa. Let's also not forget about Jake Gliva, who can be tough when he wants to. He has a 5-3 victory over Vombaur.
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| 141 lbs Jake Bergeland OR Marcos Polanco Minnesota (DI) |
Senior Jake Bergeland was very impressive last season. 23-9 on the season he captured a 7th place finish at CKLV, a 3rd place finish at the BIG 10's & a 7th place finish at the NCAA's. He really stepped it up a notch & wrestled his heart out. With that said, he's still gonna have to earn his position this season, as a hungry Marcos Polanco an NCAA qualifier himself in 2021 will be challenging him for the spot. Bergeland owns an official victory over Polanco 6-4 s.v.
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| 165 lbs Andrew Sparks OR Cael Carlson Minnesota (DI) |
In all of the great wrestle-offs that we will witness this season, this is one of my favorites. 2021 NCAA qualifier Andrew Sparks Vs 2022 NCAA qualifier Cael Carlson, who was also 3rd in the Southern Scuffle. The last time these two met in an official match, Sparks took a 5-3 decision. This will be a great match.
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| 197 lbs Michial Foy OR Garrett Joles Minnesota (DI) |
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| 141 lbs Vince Cornella OR Josh Saunders Cornell (DI) |
Cornella of Cornell, that's fun to say isn't it? The redshirt freshman had 23 victories last season, most impressive a 3-1 sudden victory over Minnesota's Marcos Polanco & a 6-1 decision over Air Force's Cody Phippen. I'm anxious to see where he shapes up within the EIWA this season, IF he's the starter. Josh Saunders had himself a pretty respectable showing last year as well. 13-4 on the season, he was 8th at the Southern Scuffle. Should be a fun wrestle-off.
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| 141 lbs Carter Young OR Dusty Hone Oklahoma State (DI) |
I think we have ourselves a good wrestle off here at 141 lbs. Carter Young was an NCAA qualifier this past season & Dusty Hone was an NCAA qualifier in 2020. Both have quality wins in their careers thus far. Young has defeats over Cody Phippen of Air Force, Darren Miller of Bucknell & Carter Happel of Northern Iowa. Hone's wins a bit more impressive, including that of Kyle Shoop of Lock Haven, Tariq Wilson of North Carolina State & Clay Carlson of South Dakota State. I'll say it again, should be a good wrestle-off.
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| 157 lbs Paddy Gallagher OR Bryce Hepner Ohio Sate (DI) |
We have two young & hungry Buckeyes here duking it out for the varsity position at 157 lbs. Coming off a redshirt, Paddy Gallagher was 17-2 last season. Bryce Hepner, a sophomore has shown his potential with victories over Trevor Chamberlain of Northwestern & Robert Kanniard of Rutgers.
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| 133 lbs Boo Dryden OR Kyle Burwick OR Alex Thomsen Nebraska (DI) |
It'll be fascinating to see what unfolds at 133 lbs for Nebraska. You have three talents at the weight, all of which have earned NCAA qualification in the past. Boo Dryden a transfer of Minnesota was an NCAA qualifier in 2021. Kyle Burwick, a transfer of Wisconsin a two time NCAA qualifier in 2021 & 2022. For record, Dryden & Burwick have met three times. Ironically enough Burwick winning a 15-0 technical fall & a 4-3 decision, it was Dryden who took the last decision 5-2. I also wouldn't count out Alex Thomsen yet, who was an NCAA qualifier at 125 lbs in 2020. If he can find his strength & his power at 133, he's a threat to win this spot as well.
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| 125 lbs Eddie Ventresca OR Cooper Flynn Virginia Tech (DI) |
We have ourselves what will be a very good wrestle-off between two talented redshirt freshmen. At 15-6 as a redshirt, two of Ventresca's victories have already been over Flynn, but talk about close, both were by 2-1 scores. Ventresca 8th at the Southern Scuffle also scored impressive victories over Spencer Moore of North Carolina, Greg Diakomihalis of Cornell & Tristan Lara of Northern Iowa. Flynn at 15-3 also had some impressive wins of his own. A 6-5 tiebreaker of Korbin Meink of Campbell, a 5-1 decision of Spencer Moore & a 12-3 decision over Navy's Jacob Allen. Either one of these guys will compete hard within the ACC & be an NCAA qualifier for the Hokies.
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| 165 lbs Connor Brady OR Drew Nicholson OR Clayton Ulrey Virginia Tech (DI) |
I'm very interested to see who ends up winning this triple threat for the 165 lbs Virginia Tech varsity position. Both Connor Brady & Drew Nicholson are two time NCAA qualifiers & Clayton Ulrey is a tough customer in his own right with some impressive victories. This will be fun to see who in the wrestle-offs earns the spot.
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| 157 lbs Ed Scott OR A.J. Kovacs North Carolina State (DI) |
For good reason the focus is on sophomore Ed Scott who had an outstanding season last year going 26-4 & winning an ACC title. With that said, you're a fool if you overlook A.J. Kovacs. Also a sophomore, he was 18-8 on the season & had some very impressive wins of his own. He nearly majored R12'er Dazjon Casto of Pittsburgh (The Citadel) as he also defeated Cody Bond of Appalachian State & Joe Lee of Penn State. Although Scott pinned him in 2:18, in their other meeting it was Kovacs whose hand was raised in a 9-8 decision. North Carolina State isn't hurting for talent at 157, I'll say that.
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| 174 lbs Joey Milano OR Alex Faison North Carolina State (DI) |
This is a wrestle-off I am interested in seeing how it turns out. Got a redshirt freshman taking on a junior for the varsity position. Joey Milano looked pretty sharp in his redshirt this past season earning a R12 finish at the Southern Scuffle & scoring an impressive 7-3 decision over NCAA qualifier DeAndre Nassar of Cleveland State. 14-3 on the season, Alex Faison had some impressive victories of his own. A 10-4 decision over Thomas Flitz of Appalachian State & a 5-4 decision of North Carolina's Gavin Kane.
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| HWT Tyrie Houghton OR Owen Trephan North Carolina State (DI) |
Both of these guys are very talented. It's hard knowing that one of them is going to start at the ACC's while the other one is going to have to watch. Houghton was an NCAA qualifier & an ACC runner-up last season. Trephan scored a 5-3 victory over Hunter Catka of Virginia Tech & a 12-4 victory over South Dakota State's A.J. Nevills. Not to mention he defeated Michael McAleavey of The Citadel twice. Between Houghton & Trephan they are 1-1 officially. Trephan with a 7-4 victory & Houghton with a 3-2 tiebreaker. They finished 5th & 6th at the Southern Scuffle respectively. We have ourselves at good wrestle-off.
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| 125 lbs Kysen Terukina OR Corey Cabanban Or Conor Knopick Iowa State (DI) |
Aloha! Got some talent here are 125 lbs. Hawaii native Kysen Terukina has thus far earned two NCAA qualifications for the Cyclones as he's managed to stay one step ahead of fellow Hawaiian Corey Cabanban the past two seasons. The two official meetings that they have had have ended in identical 3-1 scores, one needing overtime. Cabanban in his own right has defeated South Dakota State's Tanner Jordan, Northern Iowa's Kyle Biscologia, Grand View's Aden Reeves & most impressively Iowa's Brody Teske. Then again, while these two go to war for the 125 lbs spot, we also have Conor Knopick a Nebraska boy who could very well sneak in there as a redshirt freshman.
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| 174 lbs Joel Devine OR Julien Broderson Iowa State (DI) |
The Joel formally known as Shapiro, now known as Devine earned NCAA qualification last season on 11 victories, most impressive a 3-2 decision over Oklahoma's Anthony Mantanona. Julien Broderson, a tough wrestler himself, scored a very impressive 13-0 major decision over Arizona State's Cael Valencia as well as a 4-1 tiebreaker over Anthony Montalvo also of Arizona State. This should be a good wrestle-off.
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| 133 lbs Jamie Hernandez OR Joey Melendez North Carolina (DI) |
I'd say most likely the varsity spot is going to belong to 2020 NCAA qualifier Jamie Hernandez for the simple fact that Joey Melendez hasn't competed since the 2019-2020 season. Speaking strictly from a talent standpoint, on paper this would be a competitive wrestle-off, but I'm not even sure if it'll happen. Either way, both of these guys are NCAA qualification material.
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| 133 lbs Kyle Biscoglia OR Julian Farber Northern Iowa (DI) |
It would be nice if one of these two talents could move down to 125. Both of these guys are NCAA qualification material & I'd rather see one down at 125 earning another qualification for the Panthers than I would as a backup all season. As to who will win this wrestle-off? Could go either way. Biscoglia owns an 8-3 decision over Farber & Farber owns a 5-3 decision over Biscoglia. As to accolades, Biscolgia 21-10 on the season was an NCAA qualifier last year & he also owns a 7th place Midlands finish in his resume as well. Farber was 16-7, placing 4th at the Mat Men Open.
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| 165 lbs Alex Facundo OR Joe Lee Penn Sate (DI) |
What I said above, I meant. That doesn't mean that I don't recognize the tremendous talent that Alex Facundo is. He already owns a 3-2 victory over Lee & the wrestle-off here will be by my calculations the best of those that determine the Nittany Lion starting line-up. It's simply that I recognize what Matt Lee is capable of as well. He posted an 8-5 victory over Cornell R12'er Julian Ramirez last season. He can do more of that, he'll do those great things collegiately I know that he is capable of.
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| 125 lbs Tanner Jordan OR Brandon Meredith South Dakota State (DI) |
Anxious to see who wins this battle between these two talented lightweights. Tanner Jordan was 20-17 on the season last year with wins over Liam Cronin of Nebraska, Bryce West of Northern Illinois & Noah Surtin of Missouri. Brandon Meredith a transfer of Penn State has quite the resume as well. Most impressive a 3-2 victory over two time All American Pat McKee of Minnesota, he's also defeated Sid Flores of Air Force, Mike Colaiocco of Penn & Jack Wagner of Northern Iowa. This should prove to be a good wrestle-off.
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| 149 lbs Daniel Kimball OR Alek Martin South Dakota State (DI) |
Here's another wrestle-off I think will be one to watch involving the Jackrabbits varsity lineup. Daniel Kimball has had some notable wins thus far in his career. A 5-2 victory over MAC champ Kody Komara of Kent State, he also defeated Tristan Lara of Oregon State 9-5. Alek Martin, a redshirt freshman who posted a 21-7 record, also owns a victory over Lara, 7-5 s.v. For record Kimball has defeated Martin in the past, 7-0.
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| 125 lbs Jaret Lane OR Sheldon Seymour Lehigh (DI) |
Lehigh's going to have an assortment of fantastic wrestle-offs and this is one of them. Senior Jaret Lane was an EIWA champion in 2021. Sheldon Seymour, a sophomore was 6th in the EIWA last season. 16-11 on the season, he also took a 4th place finish at the Mat Men Open.
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| 133 lbs Connor McGonagle OR Carter Bailey Lehigh (DI) |
Here's another wrestle-off that should prove to be quite good. Connor McGonagle a two time NCAA qualifier is moving down to 133 after spending some time at 141. He was 4th in the EIWA last year. Redshirt freshman Carter Bailey was 16-9 on the season with a 6th place finish at the Mat Men Open. He had impressive victories over Gage Curry of Pittsburgh as well as a fall over Sammy Alvarez of Rutgers.
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| 157 lbs Josh Humphreys OR Max Brignola Lehigh (DI) |
A two time EIWA champion, twice the round of 12, Josh Humphreys has certainly proven himself to be one of the best seniors of 23' yet to be an All American. Yet before he can set his sights on earning that top 8 NCAA finish, he first has to worry about teammate Max Brignola. A tough hombre in his own right, Brignola went 18-8 on the season last year capturing a 3rd place finish in the EIWA & a 5th place finish at the Mat Men Open. This will be a good wrestle-off.
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| 184 lbs Tate Samuelson OR A.J. Burkhart Lehigh (DI) |
Tate Samuelson is one of two transfers that will help to make the Lehigh lineup all the stronger. A four time NCAA qualifier, he was a BIG 12 runner-up in 2021. He'll have his hands full as he fights to the varsity lineup against A.J. Burkhart who finished an impressive 3rd in the EIWA last year. Among his victories, Charles Small of Hofstra, Neil Antrassian of Penn & most impressively All American Jonathan Loew of Cornell. Another good wrestle-off.
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| 197 lbs Ryan Reyes OR Tanner Harvey Oregon State (DI) |
14-7 on the year last season, junior Ryan Reyes also had a 6th place finish at the Mat Men Open. Even though Tanner Harvey hasn't competed in the last two seasons, he still has a season of eligibility left. Before transferring to Oregon State, he had EIWA placements of 4th & 3rd.
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| 141 lbs Ty Smith OR Isaiah Delgado Utah Valley (DI) |
This is where paying attention pays off. A 5-10 record would probably cause quite a few to look past Ty Smith & his capabilities for this season. Take a deeper look and you'll know that three of his victories last season were against some pretty stiff competition. He defeated Cody Phippen of Air Force 7-5, Carter Young of Oklahoma State 6-2 & Alan Hart of Missouri 2-1. With that said, even though he's got potential, one of his toughest challenges this season will be earning the varsity spot against challenger Isaiah Delgado. 16-1 last year, he had some impressive wins himself. Angelo Martinoni of Bakersfield, Chase Zollman Wyoming & Darren Green of Wyoming. Should be a good wrestle-off.
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| 165 lbs Evan Barczak OR Cody Walsh Drexel (DI) |
In my opinion this will be the best wrestle-off for a spot on the Dragon varsity. Senior Evan Barczak a two time NCAA qualifier taking on Cody Walsh a sophomore. Last year, Barczak won an official meeting 11-6. Either way whoever wins this year, the Dragons are looking at an NCAA qualifier.
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| 133 lbs Kellyn March OR McGwire Midkiff North Dakota State (DI) |
I see this being a good wrestle-off between two talented Bison. Kellyn March was 14-9 on the season last year with victories over Iowa State's Ramazan Attasaouv as well as Buffalo's Derek Spann. Even though last season wasn't his best, McGwire Midkiff has had some pretty impressive wins himself. Among them, Zurich Storm of Campbell, Jace Koelzer of Northern Colorado, Christian Moody of Oklahoma & Sid Flores of Air Force.
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| 141 lbs C.J. Composto OR Carmen Ferrante Pennsylvania (DI) |
Here in lies a true testimony to the overall toughness that is NCAA DI wrestling. Sophomore Carmen Ferrante had himself an outstanding freshman season last year. 23-77, he made the finals of both the Mat Men Open as well as the EIWA, earning his first NCAA All American finish of 8th. Among his victories he majored Parker Filius 8-0 & defeated Michigan's Stevan Micic, who recently won a World Bronze medal 7-5. Nevertheless even after all of that, he'll still be challenged for the varsity position this season. The wrestle-off will be with senior Carmen Ferrante a 2019 NCAA qualifier who took an 8th place finish at the Mat Men Open last season. Among the Quaker battles for varsity, I see this one being the best.
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| 157 lbs Andrew Clark OR Robert Kanniard Rutgers (DI) |
This is going to be a great wrestle-off between two talented sophomores. Andrew Clark had wins over Michael Petite of Buffalo as well as Tim Fitzpatrick of American while Robert Kanniard defeated Elijah Cleary of Pittsburgh.
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| 125 lbs Tristan Lujan OR Benny Gomez Michigan State (DI) |
I think either one of these guys has a shot at NCAA qualification depending on who wins this wrestle-off. Sophomore Tristan Lujan was 13-13 on the season last year, finishing one match shy of placement at the Southern Scuffle. Benny Gomez, a transfer of Presbyterian was one of the Blue Hose's best wrestlers & will give Lujan a run for his money for the varsity spot.
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| 141 lbs Jordan Titus OR Jeff Boyd West Virginia (DI) |
20-7 on the year, I would expect some good things out of Jordan Titus this season, if he makes the varsity. Challenging him in what should be an excellent wrestle-off will be sophomore Jeff Boyd, 16-16 on the year at 149 lbs. He had an impressive showing at the Southern Scuffle, earning an 8th place finish.
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157 lbs Alex Hornfeck OR Caleb Dowling West Virginia (DI) |
8th at the Southern Scuffle, junior Alex Hornfeck finished one match shy of NCAA qualification. Among his victories last season, he beat 2021 All American Wyatt Sheets 7-1. It wasn't the first time he beat the Cowboy either, he also owns a 6-3 victory as well. He will be challenged for the varsity position by Caleb Dowling who has victories over Nick Delp of Bucknell as well as Trevor Elfvin of Clarion. Should be a good wrestle-off.
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| 174 lbs Dennis Robin OR Scott Joll West Virginia (DI) |
Here's another good wrestle-off to look forward to for West Virginia. Dennis Robin an NCAA qualifier this past season went 13-7 with some impressive victories. Pinning Joel Devine of Iowa State in the first period, he defeated Tristan Wills of Little Rock 9-6 & Sam Wolf of Air Force 4-2. Scott Joll 16-7 on the season, was one match shy of placement at the Southern Scuffle.
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| HWT Ryan Catka OR Grady Griess Navy (DI) |
24-9 on the season, Ryan Catka looked good throughout various parts of the 21'-22' but he'll have his hands full trying to keep his spot with challenger Grady Griess also wanting a shot at the varsity. Griess had some very impressive wins last year including sticking MAC runner-up Isaac Reid of Lock Haven in 4:15 & handling Hunter Catka of Virginia Tech 7-3.
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| 149 lbs Jarod Verkleeren OR Denton Spencer Virginia (D) |
Here's a good wrestle-off for a varsity position on the Cavalier line-up. Jarod Verkleeren a 2020 NCAA qualifier was 16-10 on the year last season. He had a victory over Cal Poly's Dom Demas. Denton Spencer, among his victories, a win over MAC champ Ben Barton of Lock Haven.
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| 174 lbs Vic Marcelli OR Justin Phillips OR Robert Patrick Virginia (DI) |
Any which way you slice it, we have some talent here at 174 lbs. Vic Marcelli a 2021 NCAA qualifier who was also 7th at the Midlands in 2020. Justin Phillips 15-11 last season, a quality win over Caleb Fisher of Michigan State. Last but certainly not least, Robert Patrick who despite all of the hiccups he's suffered thus far in his career could very well be a dangerous individual if 100%.
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| 133 lbs Anthony Madrigal OR Wyatt Henson Oklahoma (DI) |
Among the many great wrestle-offs we'll see for Oklahoma this season, the battle between Anthony Madrigal and former Iowa Hawkeye Wyatt Henson will be one of them. Madrigal, a three time NCAA qualifier, was a BIG 12 runner-up in 2021. Henson 18-2 on the season last year, defeated MAC champ Quinn Kinner of Rider 7-3. This will be a battle for varsity.
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| 141 lbs Mosha Schwartz OR Jacob Butler Oklahoma (DI) |
Here's another fun wrestle-off to look forward to. Mosha Schwartz a two time NCAA qualifier Vs Jacob Butler an NCAA qualifier last season. While Schwartz has victories over Haiden Drury of Utah Valley as well as teammate Anthony Madrigal, Butler was the starter last season with a very nice win over Iowa State's Ian Parker.
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| 149 lbs Willie McDougald Or Mitch Moore Oklahoma (DI) |
Yet another great wrestle-off to look forward to. Willie McDougald an NCAA qualifier last season Vs Mitch Moore who was unfortunately injured last season. Moore a three time NCAA qualifier owns silver medals from both the ACC & the BIG 12 as well as CKLV finishes of 8th & 6th. Both of these guys are AA material.
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| 184 lbs Keegan Moore OR Darrien Roberts Oklahoma (DI) |
From Oklahoma State to Northern Iowa, Keegan Moore will spend his final season of eligibility at Oklahoma. A two time NCAA qualifier, he has some very impressive wins thus far in his career. He's defeated All American Dakota Geer of Oklahoma State twice & he also owns two victories over Lehigh's Tate Samuelson. His first test of the season will be against Darrien Roberts, who owns an impressive 5th place CKLV finish. Should be an excellent wrestle-off & I'd be curious if there is an option for either of these two talents to maybe go up to 197.
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| 125 lbs Blake West OR Lucian Brink Northern Illinois (DI) |
This should be a good wrestle-off between two young talents. 25-2 on the season last year, Blake West was one match shy of a medal at the Mat Men Open with an impressive victory over Anthony Molton of Campbell. Lucian Brink captured an 8th place finish at the Mat Men Open. He also defeated Molton & he also had a win over Campbell's Zurich Storm.
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| 157 lbs Tulga Zuunbayan Or Anthony Gibson Northern Illinois (DI) |
Very excited to see Tulga Zuunbayan on the mat this season. The 2021 NJCAA champion for Harper College had some impressive wins last season including a 4-3 victory over Johnny Lovett of Central Michigan & a 10-8 sudden victory over Trevor Chumbley of Northwestern. He first has to get past Anthony Gibson. 6th in the MAC, he was one match shy of a medal at the Mat Men Open & 20-13 on the season. Will be a good wrestle-off.
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| 133 lbs Logan Heil Or Domenic Zaccone Campbell (DI) |
We got ourselves a battle for varsity here at 133 lbs. Logan Heil a transfer of Cleveland State Vs Domenic Zaccone. Heil has impressive victories including a 2:10 fall over Micha Roes of Binghamton & a 9-4 decision over Jake Ferri of Kent State. Zaccone an NCAA qualifier last season, owns a 5-4 victory over All American Devan Turner of Oregon State. Will be a good wrestle-off
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| 141 lbs Thomas Deck OR Logan Brown Army (DI) |
I would say considering that Logan Brown has only wrestled seven matches the past two seasons, that the spot here will most likely belong to Thomas Deck. I include Brown here because IF by chance he is 100% & ready to go, he will give Deck absolute Hell in the wrestle-off. Deck 19-7 on the year, had an impressive 7-2 victory over Darren Miller of Bucknell.
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| 133 lbs Adrian Hunter OR Nicky Cabanillas Brown (DI) |
Looks to be a good wrestle-off here at 133 lbs for the Bears. Adrian Hunter moves up to 133 after competing at 125 last season. 11-11 on the season he had a win over Bryce West of Northern Illinois. Nicky Cabanillas was 8th in the EIWA.
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| 133 lbs Kurt Phipps OR Dylan Chappell Bucknell (DI) |
Two of the Bison's best wrestlers will duke it out for the 133 lbs varsity spot this season in a wrestle-off. Kurt Phipps 22-11 on the season had an impressive 8th place finish at the Mat Men Open. Among his victories, Derek Spann of Buffalo & Michael Colaiocco of Pennsylvania. Dylan Chappell, 24-8 on the season had an impressive victory over Angelo Rini of Columbia. For the record, the last the two met, Phipps defeated Chappell 5-2.
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| 165 lbs Cam Pine OR Kolby Ho |
Either one of these guys in NCA A qualification material. Cam Pine, 22-7 on the season with wins over Matt Olguin of Oregon State & Cardieonte Wilson of SIUE. Kolby Ho 16-9, 7th in the MAC with a win over Alex Hornfeck of West Virginia. Will be a good wrestle-off.
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