141 lbs is an interesting weight. A lot of opportunity here for some lower ranked individuals to make a name for themselves as the higher ranked try and hold on to their status. Overall 13 of the top 33 in NCAA DI are represented, with three being in the top 10. The #1 in the NAIA also competes & with experience in DI wrestling already, could pull off an upset or two. There's not a single returning Midlands Place-winner, so all 8 place-winners this year will be earning their first medal.
Once again, a reminder that to my understanding Iowa's, Iowa State's, Northern Iowa's & South Dakota State's varsity will be in Coralville, competing at the Soldier Salute. Reserves & redshirts competing here at the Midlands.
 |
| #1 Cole Matthews Pittsburgh |
The number one wrestler in the country has his work cut out for him as he he'll have a target on his back as he goes for a Midlands title. Against the competition he has a 6-4 s.v. over Cole Mattin & he's defeated Joseph Zargo twice, via fall in 4:14 & by a 12-8 decision.
 |
| #6 Frankie Tal-Shahar Northwestern |
It's always neat to see the host have a champion & one of the Wildcat's best hopes is Frankie Tal-Shahar. Like Matthews, he'll have to earn his way to the finals if he is to make it there. Among the competition a 7-2 decision over Dylan Cedeno & both a 5-0 & 5-4 decision over Zargo.
 |
| #9 Brock Hardy Nebraska |
Here's a guy to look out for. What Brock Hardy lacks in hair, he makes up for in talent. He's been steadily climbing the ladder of rankings & I wouldn't be surprised at all if he jumps up many spots after this weekend. After dropping two early season matches, the young Husker has been completely dominant winning 14 matches in a row. He's on a roll & it may be very difficult for anyone to stop him. Against the competition he's stuck Jesse Vasquez twice, 1:51 & 3:36. He's also stuck Cole Mattin in 0:39. Majors over Josh Mason (12-0) & Darren Miller (9-1), his closest match has been with Carmen Ferrante 6-4 s.v.
 |
| #14 Sammy Alvarez Rutgers |
Sammy Alvarez's career started off red hot but with a few unexpected losses, it has since cooled down. Others have moved ahead of him as he lurks within the shadows. Midlands offers Alvarez an opportunity to once again feature himself in the spotlight. He hasn't faced any of the competition in this bracket ranked above him as he owns an 8-4 decision over Vasquez, a 3-1 s.v. over Ferrante & both a 14-5 major as well as a 3-1 s.v. over Cayden Rooks.
 |
| #19 Jesse Vasquez Arizona State |
A match away from earning a top 8 finish at CKLV, I believe Jesse Vasquez is in a better position to earn a medal here at the Midlands. The Sun Devil has falls over both Rooks (1:41) & Mason (1:59) as well as a 6-1 decision over Ferrante.
 |
| #20 Cole Mattin Michigan |
Another wrestler who was one match shy of earning a medal this year's CKLV, I think Cole Mattin could really open up some eyes this tournament. Wouldn't be all that shocked if he were to be a surprise champion. Along with taking Matthews into overtime, he owns a 3-2 decision over Tal-Shahar, & a 9-3 decision over Lachlan McNeil.
 |
| #22 Joseph Zargo Wisconsin |
We haven't seen a whole lot out of Joseph Zargo yet this season, but he's wrestled well enough to earn himself a #22 ranking. He owns two victories over Ferrante, 4-3 & 5-2.
 |
| #24 Darren Miller Bucknell |
Darren Miller has looked pretty solid thus far this season. He's at a point in his career where he really needs some big wins over higher ranked opponents & a placing at a major tournament in order to get to the next level. The Midlands presents itself an opportunity to do both.
 |
| #25 Lachlan McNeil North Carolina |
I'm not one of these impatient types that expects the world out of every wrestler in their first season of varsity wrestling. I realize this is Division I & it's not the easiest of jobs when you're facing the best wrestlers in the country day in and day out. It's more along the lines of I see & understand the potential of this future Canadian international star & I'm excited to see that potential unlocked. Do I think Lachlan McNeil could win this tournament? Yes, I do. Do I think he will? That's another story. The more experience the Tar Heel gains, the better he'll be. I do expect to see him on the award stand.
 |
| #29 Cayden Rooks Indiana |
I spoke earlier when previewing 133 lbs of how Coach Escobedo was on a mission to turn the Hoosier program around. It starts in many ways with place-winners at major tournaments. Cayden Rooks provides potential for one at 141 here at the Midlands.
 |
| #31 Malyke Hines Lehigh |
A career full of ups and downs, all outcomes deem possible for Malyke Hines. I would imagine that he'll either be seeded within the top 12 or just barely out of it. Either way, guy has potential to upset & end up out doing his seed. To the contrary he also has the potential to be upset & end up not doin as well as predicted. He's one of those guys that you never want to bet against, but aren't ever sure what to expect out of.
 |
| #33 Carmen Ferrante Pennsylvania |
Filling in for All American C.J. Composto, Carmen Ferrante is doing an excellent job for the Quakers. I would most certainly call him a candidate for a top 8 finish, although he'll have to have a few upsets in order to accomplish that goal. A 12-2 major decision over Mason, he's shutout Miller twice by scores of 4-0 & 6-0.
As to the unranked talent in the bracket....
 |
| U.R. Dylan Cedeno Virginia |
I wouldn't put it past Dylan Cedeno to upset anyone. He's beaten those higher ranked than him in the past, he's very capable of doing it again.
 |
| Redshirt Joey Olivieri Rutgers |
Currently redshirting, Joey Olivieri is one to watch out for this tournament. He had some very nice wins competing at 133 lbs last season & thus far he's 5-0 this season.
 |
| U.R. Josh Mason Bloomsburg |
At first glance on paper, especially do to some of the ugly losses he has against the competition, it might not appear that Josh Mason would be a threat to a top 12 or even top 8 finish. However, the Husky has a habit of coming alive at the right times. He nearly teched Miller 14-3, he pinned Cedeno in 2:10 & he has a 1-0 tiebreaker over Ferrante.
 |
| U.R. Dylan Layton Cleveland State |
There's a lot of young talent waiting to make their mark & let the world know their name, and Dylan Layton is one of them. We're always looking for the "outta no where" results & this Viking may very well present them. What sticks out most is a nearly majoring NCAA R12 Parker Filius of Purdue 10-4.
 |
| U.R. Jacob Frost Iowa State |
Another tough true freshman who could make a name for himself here at the Midlands is Cyclone Jacob Frost. He's 13-2 on the season thus far.
 |
| U.R. Joseph Cangro Harvard |
Harvard in a lot of ways is in the same position that Bloomsburg is in. A couple of down seasons, the Crimson program is on its way back to the glory years of yesterday. It all starts with results little by little. Do I think Joseph Cangro can earn a top 8 finish here? That's probably too tall of an order. In fact a top 12 finish may be too tall of an order. However, some respectable wins & maybe even an upset is doable.
 |
| U.R. Michael Jaffe Harvard |
I swear if we don't see him in action this tournament, I'm done talking about Michael Jaffe for the season. Nevertheless, I can't help myself but this is a guy who most likely will upset someone if I don't mention his name. He already owns an 8-6 decision over Ferrante.
 |
| U.R. Ryan Michaels Pittsburgh |
I wouldn't be all that surprised if after Mickey Phillippi completes his final season of eligibility, Ryan Michaels doesn't move down to 133 lbs next season. Here's a guy that has improved tremendously. 1-5 in his first season & 4-5 last season, Ryan Michaels currently owns a 7-0 record. Anxious to see him tested among some fierce competition here at the Midlands.
As to the non-DI competition....
 |
| #1 in NAIA Ryan Moore Thomas More |
Of the top non DI talent competing at the Midlands, Ryan Moore interest me most. The two time NAIA runner-up began his career at Cornell, so he is no stranger to DI competition. He took Army's P.J. Ogunsanya to a 5-4 match & he gave Duke's Josh Finesilver a 6-4 match. Believe it or not, he owns a major over Hines, 8-0. Can he pull off a few upsets here at the Midlands? Earn not only himself but NAIA a little respect in the process? I know for one that I'd like to see it.
No comments:
Post a Comment