I tell you what, these perceivable small, beginning of the year tournaments and opens can actually turn out to be very good, if the competition shows up and competes. The Southeast Open in years past has displayed some very good matches between some very good wrestlers. Each weight class foreseeably should feature ranked wrestlers and of course those who are looking to knock off ranked wrestlers. Going in with the open mind that who can show up, will show up, here's our preview.
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| 125 lbs |
7th in the NCAA DI nation last season & a Southeast Open champion, #4 Eddie Ventresca goes into this year's Southeast Open the obvious favorite. Defending his title, keeping his ranking...hell even keeping his varsity spot will all be a challenge this Saturday. Among his competition he has #11 Brandon Kaylor who already owns a victory over the Hokie 6-4 s.v. In this bracket is also Anthony Molton, who two seasons ago majored Ventresca 14-6. Then of course there is also teammate Cooper Flynn, who Ventresca has thus far managed to squeek by in 1-2 point matches, many of which have ended in either overtime or tiebreakers. For record's sake, Kaylor owns a 2:46 fall over Molton.
Rounding out the rest of the competition, Chattanooga's Brayden Palmer will look to do big things & Northwest Kansas Tech NJCAA champion Jett Strickenberger who now competes for West Virginia will get to officially test himself against some quality DI competition. Potential is all fine and dandy, but now it's time to show up and wrestle. It's early in the season, but a lot could unfold as we're just getting started.
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| 133 lbs |
In this sport you never say never and you always expect the unexpected. With that said, it's my job right now to predict how I think this thing is going to go & I think that two time All American Sam Latona should walk out of this thing with a tournament title. The potential semi-final between Domenic Zaccone & Haiden Drury interest me. I can see this being a highly competitive match. Do I see Gabe Whisenhunt coming in here & knocking off any of the three ranked wrestlers? No, but this is a tournament that places the top 6 & I do think on paper he's the fourth best wrestler going into this thing.
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| 141 lbs |
Last year's Southeast Champ Tom Crook is redshirting, but since this is an open, it' a good possibility that we could see him back to defend his title. He'd be the clear favorite if he is. As to the rest of the weight class, I'll start off by saying this. Rankings are one of the toughest most unrewarding tasks in amateur wrestling media. It's why I don't do them. Four of the wrestlers in this weight class are all ranked within five spots of one another & after this tournament there could be a lot of rearranging that needs done. Cleveland Belton really stepped it up a not from '21-'22 to '22-'23. Winning this tournament would be an indication he made similar improvements for '23-'24. Jack Gioffre a redshirt freshman for the Caviliers looking to climb the ranks would be doing his rookie campaign a favor by winning this tournament, as would sophomore Jordan Titus of West Virginia. I would definitely keep a lookout on Shannon Hanna, a two time SOCON champ who can be downright tough when he wants to be. In my opinion, Pat Phillips is the Diplomatic hope for F&M and is good enough to be a top 33 wrestler. This would be an excellent opportunity for him to prove it.
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| 149 lbs |
149 lbs features both the returning champion & the returning runner-up from last season. Champion Caleb Henson, who is actually from the Southeast is once again the favorite to win this year's title. Unable to do so for a school in his home state as all six Division I programs in Georgia (five of which at one time did) do not field a wrestling program, he represents another great team in the southern state of Virginia. He defeated Sam Hillegas in the finals last season 3-0.
Hillegas' road back if he is to once again make the finals is going to be a rather challenging one. He'll have to knock off two wrestlers who based on rankings are most likely going to be seeded above him. This tournament gives redshirt freshman Mike Gioffre, like brother Jack an opportunity to see where he stands going into the season. The wrestler to keep an eye on here looking to pull off some upsets will be Ty Smith. The Wolverine is inconsistent, but at the same time always a danger when he steps on the mat. He'll pull off a fair share of notable victories this season & some of them could very well be here.
157 lbs could very well end up a bracket where making the top six turns out to be quite the task. Obviously our favorite to win a title here is two time NCAA DI All American Bryce Andonian, although don't be the least bit surprised if Peyten Kellar gives him one Hell of a fight. The last these two met, it was a 7-6 victory for Andonian. I'd put $$ on this most likely being our final.
As to 3rd through 6th? Good question. Dylan Cedeno was a runner-up here last season, but that was at 141 lbs. Who knows how he'll compete up two weight classes. Caleb Dowling can be tough, as can Isaiah Crosby. The of course we also have Andonian's backup, Clayton Ulrey who in his own right is a notable competitor with quality wins. Don't see him knocking off Andonian or Kellar, but a strong 3rd place showing is not out of the question.
Lastly, I think this early season tournament will give us a good glimpse into the battle of the SOCON. We have three of the conference's top wrestlers featured.
This weight class excites me for a few different reasons. First and foremost this gives me my first opportunity this season to speak about Morgan State wrestling! It won't be an easy task by any means, but if anyone on the recently reinstated Bear wrestling squad can make a name for himself in this tournament, I think it'll be Jake Marsh. A top 4 showing is probably out of the question at this point, but competing in the 5th/6th place match is definitely doable.
As to our championship match, all fingers point towards a likely final between Matt Olguin of Oregon State & Peyton Hall (sorry for the wrong last name above) of West Virginia, both '24 All American candidates. I'd give Connor Brady a fighting man's chance at knocking off one of them, with an even smaller likelihood of knocking off both. Then of course among the Cavilier rookies, Nick Hamilton looking to show what goods he brings to the show. Lastly, Garrett Thompson & Bryce Sanderlin will be among those looking to fill those 5th & 6th place slots.
Before the season began as a wrestling fan I had a lot of questions. Some of the questions I had regarding 174 lbs in NCAA Division I could very well be answered in this tournament. Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech, one of the top three contenders for the NCAA DI title this season will face tougher competition throughout the year. However winning the Southeast Open here against these formidable opponents would be a nice way to start off the season. On paper, his likely finals opponent will be Justin McCoy, one of the top wrestlers in the nation yet to make All Amerian. However, it is a question as to where exactly Travis Wittlake will fall this season. Years ago competing at 165 lbs, he was an All American, one we thought would compete for the NCAA title himself. He then seemed to struggle with the cut to 165, bumping up to 184, where he had a very respectable, but not near as dominating performance. Perhaps he'd playing the part of Goldylocks & will find 174 lbs to be just right.
In my opinion, Austin Murphy is All American material, but as for right now the rankings have him at #30. I think he's much better than this and within due time will prove himself to be at least a top 12 wrestler. A good performance here would help him to climb that rankings ladder. As we look over the rest of the weight class, look to Sal Perrine & Brody Conley to be are two other place-winners.
Hillegas' road back if he is to once again make the finals is going to be a rather challenging one. He'll have to knock off two wrestlers who based on rankings are most likely going to be seeded above him. This tournament gives redshirt freshman Mike Gioffre, like brother Jack an opportunity to see where he stands going into the season. The wrestler to keep an eye on here looking to pull off some upsets will be Ty Smith. The Wolverine is inconsistent, but at the same time always a danger when he steps on the mat. He'll pull off a fair share of notable victories this season & some of them could very well be here.
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| 157 lbs |
157 lbs could very well end up a bracket where making the top six turns out to be quite the task. Obviously our favorite to win a title here is two time NCAA DI All American Bryce Andonian, although don't be the least bit surprised if Peyten Kellar gives him one Hell of a fight. The last these two met, it was a 7-6 victory for Andonian. I'd put $$ on this most likely being our final.
As to 3rd through 6th? Good question. Dylan Cedeno was a runner-up here last season, but that was at 141 lbs. Who knows how he'll compete up two weight classes. Caleb Dowling can be tough, as can Isaiah Crosby. The of course we also have Andonian's backup, Clayton Ulrey who in his own right is a notable competitor with quality wins. Don't see him knocking off Andonian or Kellar, but a strong 3rd place showing is not out of the question.
Lastly, I think this early season tournament will give us a good glimpse into the battle of the SOCON. We have three of the conference's top wrestlers featured.
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| 165 lbs |
This weight class excites me for a few different reasons. First and foremost this gives me my first opportunity this season to speak about Morgan State wrestling! It won't be an easy task by any means, but if anyone on the recently reinstated Bear wrestling squad can make a name for himself in this tournament, I think it'll be Jake Marsh. A top 4 showing is probably out of the question at this point, but competing in the 5th/6th place match is definitely doable.
As to our championship match, all fingers point towards a likely final between Matt Olguin of Oregon State & Peyton Hall (sorry for the wrong last name above) of West Virginia, both '24 All American candidates. I'd give Connor Brady a fighting man's chance at knocking off one of them, with an even smaller likelihood of knocking off both. Then of course among the Cavilier rookies, Nick Hamilton looking to show what goods he brings to the show. Lastly, Garrett Thompson & Bryce Sanderlin will be among those looking to fill those 5th & 6th place slots.
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| 174 lbs |
Before the season began as a wrestling fan I had a lot of questions. Some of the questions I had regarding 174 lbs in NCAA Division I could very well be answered in this tournament. Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech, one of the top three contenders for the NCAA DI title this season will face tougher competition throughout the year. However winning the Southeast Open here against these formidable opponents would be a nice way to start off the season. On paper, his likely finals opponent will be Justin McCoy, one of the top wrestlers in the nation yet to make All Amerian. However, it is a question as to where exactly Travis Wittlake will fall this season. Years ago competing at 165 lbs, he was an All American, one we thought would compete for the NCAA title himself. He then seemed to struggle with the cut to 165, bumping up to 184, where he had a very respectable, but not near as dominating performance. Perhaps he'd playing the part of Goldylocks & will find 174 lbs to be just right.
In my opinion, Austin Murphy is All American material, but as for right now the rankings have him at #30. I think he's much better than this and within due time will prove himself to be at least a top 12 wrestler. A good performance here would help him to climb that rankings ladder. As we look over the rest of the weight class, look to Sal Perrine & Brody Conley to be are two other place-winners.
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| 184 lbs |
An NCAA DI title contender in his own right, I think Trey Munoz should walk out of here as the Southeast Open champion without much of a challenge. The real battle here will be for runner-up honors as we have five wrestlers, four of which are ranked all within six spots of one another. The favorite here to take silver is Caleb Hopkins, although Sam Fisher himself was a runner-up here last season. He owns a 10-4 victory over Dennis Robin. Zayne Lehman has been known to outwrestle both his seed & his ranking. Upsetting Munoz is probably out of the question & upsetting Caleb Hopkins would be a tall order. Taking 3rd though, is a very doable challenge. Look to Haydn Danels to be our sixth man looking for placement.
197 lbs will be a dogfight concerning the top six and what order they place in. Leading the way will be Hokie Andy Smith, who at times last season looked absolutely brilliant on the mat. He comes into the Southeast Open owning a 6:58 fall over Evan Bockman, a 12-7 victory over Levi Hopkins & a 10-4 victory over John Crawford. Bockman, as far as rankings go, just a hair behind Smith, owns a 12-4 major over Hopkins and a 4-2 decision over Austin Cooley. Hopkins owns a 10-2 major over Tyler Mousaw, as Crawford owns a 4-2 decision over Mousaw. On a personal note, I would love to see Crawford come in and have a great tournament. Coach Rogers and staff are doing a great job of turning the Diplomat program around & I don't think they get near enough credit for it. On the same hand, it takes results for people to take notice and give credit. Lastly I'm well aware for my own bias & I'm more than happy to be checked on it, but I can't help it. I really believe that talent & ability wise, Mousaw is a very good wrestler. Belief is nugatory without results however, so we'll see how he does.
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| 197 lbs |
197 lbs will be a dogfight concerning the top six and what order they place in. Leading the way will be Hokie Andy Smith, who at times last season looked absolutely brilliant on the mat. He comes into the Southeast Open owning a 6:58 fall over Evan Bockman, a 12-7 victory over Levi Hopkins & a 10-4 victory over John Crawford. Bockman, as far as rankings go, just a hair behind Smith, owns a 12-4 major over Hopkins and a 4-2 decision over Austin Cooley. Hopkins owns a 10-2 major over Tyler Mousaw, as Crawford owns a 4-2 decision over Mousaw. On a personal note, I would love to see Crawford come in and have a great tournament. Coach Rogers and staff are doing a great job of turning the Diplomat program around & I don't think they get near enough credit for it. On the same hand, it takes results for people to take notice and give credit. Lastly I'm well aware for my own bias & I'm more than happy to be checked on it, but I can't help it. I really believe that talent & ability wise, Mousaw is a very good wrestler. Belief is nugatory without results however, so we'll see how he does.
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| HWT |
Last year's finals was a 4-1 victory for Hunter Catka over Michael Wolfgram. Maybe a little tougher to repeat this year as we now have Taye Ghadiali as well as Boone McDermott added to the list. Ghadiali owns two very close wins over H. Catka, that include a 3-2 decision as well as a 3-1 sudden victory. Although the rankings have Wolfgram two spots behind McDermott, his final victory over last season was a 6-3 decision over the former Scarlet Knight, now Beaver.
I think the real guy to look out for here could very well be Ryan Catka. He spent the last two seasons more or less a back up to Grady Griess at Navy & now that he's at Virginia, he finally has the opportunity to show the wrestling world what he can do. The Southeast Open provides him an excellent chance to prove himself. Lastly, I can see Jayden Woodruff being one of our top 6 by tournament's end.
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There you have it. My opinions and predictions concerning this season's Southeast Open. So many of these early season tournaments get overlooked because they're not well advertised or promoted. It's also a fact that everyone who could show up, doesn't always. With that said, a lot of great competition DOES show up & these tournaments do feature a lot of great matches. My goal is to illustrate through this preview some of the great wrestling that is likely to take place.
I think the real guy to look out for here could very well be Ryan Catka. He spent the last two seasons more or less a back up to Grady Griess at Navy & now that he's at Virginia, he finally has the opportunity to show the wrestling world what he can do. The Southeast Open provides him an excellent chance to prove himself. Lastly, I can see Jayden Woodruff being one of our top 6 by tournament's end.
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There you have it. My opinions and predictions concerning this season's Southeast Open. So many of these early season tournaments get overlooked because they're not well advertised or promoted. It's also a fact that everyone who could show up, doesn't always. With that said, a lot of great competition DOES show up & these tournaments do feature a lot of great matches. My goal is to illustrate through this preview some of the great wrestling that is likely to take place.
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