2023-2024 NJCAA The Season: Top Returnees 125 lbs

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-'24 125 lbs! 

Cruz Aguilar
NIACC

The whole COVID-19 ordeal as mentioned makes this one strange world, but I do believe that Cruz Aguilar will be back for another season.  The two time NJCAA qualifier finished third in the NJCAA nation last year.  Among his impressive wins, he defeated NCAA DIII 5th placer Zac Blasioli 9-7. 

Bridger Ricks
Western Wyoming 

I'm not much of a soothsayer, but if you make me make a prediction, I say that Bridger Ricks will join brother Garrett at Wyoming one day. Another prediction I'll make is that I believe he'll challenge for the NJCAA title this season. The four time Utah high school state champ was 4th in the NJCAA last season. 

Anthony Schickel
Triton 

Also challenging for the NJCAA title this season will be Triton's Anthony Schickel. 5th in the NJCAA last season, Schickel was impressive throughout the whole season.  Titles won at the Great Lakes District, Grand View & the Art Kraft Memorial, he was third at Lindenwood. He also had a very impressive 8-4 decision over NCAA DIII qualifier Luc Valdez of UW-Oshkosh. 

Riley Bettich
Indian Hills 

Another plausible NJCAA title contender of those returning from last season is Indian Hills' Riley Bettich.  The Warrior won many awards last season including an NJCAA All American finish of 7th. A Lindenwood Open champion, he was 2nd at Luther Hill & 3rd in the North Central District. 

Kaden Spragis
Pratt

An NCAA qualifier for the Beavers last season, Spragis earned runner-up honors at the South Central District. 

Chris Kish 
Harper 

An NJCAA qualifier in his own right, Kish earned 3rd place at the Midwest District. 

Brady Foster 
Cloud County 

4th in the South Central District, Brady Foster was an NJCAA qualifier last season. 

Tyler Fields
Colby 

An NJCAA qualifier last season, Fields was 6th in the West Central District. 

Kai Matsunaga
Clackamas 

The California native was an NJCAA qualifier last season & 3rd in the West Region. 

Branson Magsayo
Southwestern Oregon 

One of the handful helping to put Hawaii on the collegiate wrestling map, Branson Magsayo was an NJCAA qualifier last season. 

Hunter Fulp
Patrick & Henry 

Hunter Fulp was an NJCAA qualifier for the Patriots last season. 

Osvaldo O'Campo
Iowa Lakes 

Although not an NJCAA qualifier last season, I do believe Osvaldo O'Campo will make it to the dance this season.  6th in the North Central District, he was 4th at the York Open among 4 year college opposition.  From Sheldon, Iowa, he comes from the same wrestling room that produced Tom & Terry Brands.