Made a promise at the beginning of last year that in the '23-'24 season JT#1 would start doing coverage of NJCAA wrestling! Seems fairly straightforward. Two year programs. If you were a freshman last season, then you're a sophomore this season. If you were a sophomore last season, you are moving on to a four year school to finish up your last two years of eligibility. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple.
Some of last year's freshmen will be redshirting this season. Then with the whole COVID-19 ordeal, some of last year's 'sophomores' will still be back.
So with that said, take it easy on me if some of these guys listed are redshirting or have already moved on to a four year school!
And of course, unintentionally I'll probably leave off a few names that belong on the list. If so, mention their names. The more the merrier.
Now....
The top returnees in NJCAA wrestling '23-'24 149 lbs!
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| Matt Sarbo Iowa Central |
As have so many Pennsylvanians over the years in our great sport, Matt Sarbo of Iowa Central proved himself to be the best at 149 lbs last season. He will look to defend his NJCAA title this year.
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| Kris Ketchum Nassau |
Right there to challenge Sarbo for that title will be Nassau's Kris Ketchum, who had himself an outstanding season last year. Winning titles at the Wildcat Open, the Messiah Open & Districts, he was runner-up at the NYS championships, finishing the year with a 3rd place finish at the NJCAA's. Against larger Division opponents, he was 17-5 overall, including an impressive 4:34 fall over NCAA Division II qualifier Tommy Nichols of American International.
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| Chris Lopez Western Wyoming |
Right in the hunt along with Sarbo & Ketchum will be Chris Lopez of Western Wyoming who was 4th in the NJCAA nation last season.
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| Peyton Hughes Clackamas |
The Florida native was 2nd in the Western Regional last season, finishing one match shy of NJCAA All American honors.
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| Rei Yonamine Lackawanna |
Another tough wrestler who finished one match shy of NJCAA All American honors was Falcon Rei Yonamine who won a Gulf Atlantic District title.
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| Elijah Broesder Iowa Lakes |
An NJCAA qualifier for the Lakers last season, the former Sheldon Orab took 5th place finishes at both the York Open & the North Central District.
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| Gabe Maki Pratt |
Gabe Maki was an NJCAA qualifier for the Beavers last season, winning a South Central District title. He was also 4th at the Falcon Invite.
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| Max Brown Muskegon |
An NJCAA qualifier for the Jay Hawks last season, Max Brown made it to the conference finals.
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| Ryder Fassett Southwestern Oregon |
Fassett was an NJCAA qualifier for the Lakers last season.
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| David Capron Triton |
Capturing a 3rd place finish at the Great Lakes District, David Capron was an NJCAA qualifier for the Trojans last season.
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| Omar Zamora Rochester Tech |
A scrapper on the mat, Omar Zamora was an NJCAA qualifier for the Yellow Jackets last season.
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| Brady Holien Ridgewater |
Holien was an NJCAA qualifier for the Warriors last season.
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| Channing Warner Northeastern |
Warner was an NJCAA qualifier for the Plainsmen last season.
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| Zam Thompson Southwestern Michigan |
Thompson was an NJCAA qualifier for the Roadrunners last season.
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| Xzavier Suess St Clair |
Suess was an NJCAA qualifier last season.
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| Joe Casella Sussex County |
Casella was an NJCAA qualifier last season.
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| Reese Hamblen Ancilla |
Hamblen was an NJCAA qualifier for the Chargers last season.
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| Angel Castillo Union |
Castillo was an NJCAA qualifier for the Owls last season.
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