Mid-South Conference Preview (MSC) Friday February 16th

 

It may be small, consisting of only six programs, but the Mid-South Conference is still one of the toughest qualifiers in NAIA wrestling. Last season, 10 All Americans came out of the MSC & five of them return to do battle this tournament. Every weight class features ranked wrestlers & some could even qualify the whole bracket!  Got some great wrestling coming up this weekend! 

125 lbs

Getting things started, we have one hell of a tough bracket here at 125 lbs! The thing of it is, it could be even tougher! While teams in the NAIA are allowed more than one wrestler per weight, you are not allowed more than two wrestlers at a weight. If that were the case, the Patriots of Cumberlands would have TWO more wrestlers battling for NAIA qualification here at the MSC! Matteo Vargo who was 3rd at the Patriot Open & Antonio Mills who won the Life Open.  Who knows, maybe one of them might end up starting here instead, but I would highly doubt it considering the other two 125 lbs Patriots are both ranked. 

Looking over the bracket, Conner Diamond of Lindsey Wilson looks to be among the title contenders.  2nd in the MSC last season, he broke through & earned an NAIA All American honor of 8th place. A Patriot Open champ earlier this season, he'll be challenged by last year's MSC champ Austin Franco, who recently plowed through the consolation bracket at the Missouri Valley Invitational to capture 3rd place.  

Also in this bracket is a tough Izaeah Beavers of Campbellsville who took 3rd at the Life Open & Adonis Boyd, another Patriot who was 4th at the Patriot Open.   Also look for Clarence Lee Green, a former NJCAA All American for NIACC, now at Lindsey Wilson to perhaps shine this tournament.  Last, but certainly not least, don't let the fact that Chris Busutil of Cumberland is unranked fool you. He was 3rd here last season & is quite capable of a good finish yet again. 

Very confident that '23 5th place NAIA All American Sammy Shires will once again repeat as MSC champ at 133 lbs. 

141 lbs

Could see an All Florida final here at 141 lbs as both Adrian Ayala of Lindsey Wilson & Nick Yancey of Campbellsville are both natives of the Sunshine State.  Ayala was an MSC runner-up last season, as Yancey is one of the standout freshmen of the NAIA this season.  Also competing here is last year's 5th place finisher Jared Dinh & last year's 4th place finisher Kyler Adams. 

149 lbs

I am very interested to see how things unfold at 149 lbs.  We have some chips on the ole shoulder in this bracket & I think that could lead to some very interesting results.  An MSC champion last year & 4th in the NAIA nation, our favorite going in is Jace Luchau of Cumberlands. He adds testimony with both a Patriot Open title & a runner up finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational among his '23-'24 credentials thus far. 

In perhaps what might be the best semi-final of the entire MSC championships, we have two former All Americans in Jack Latimer of Cumberland & Bryce Nickel of Cumberlands.  Earlier this season, Latimer was 3rd at the Patriot Open. Nickel who was 7th in the NAIA in '21 & 6th in the NAIA in '22, failed to earn a third All American honor last season. You know good and well he's hungry to get back on top. He was 3rd at the MSC last season competing at 141 lbs. 

These three are far from the only super tough wrestlers in this bracket.  We also have Victor Guzman of Cumberland, Nick Moore of Campbellsville & Westyn Moyer of Rio Grand.  Moyer competing at 157 last season, was 4th here. 

157 lbs

Talk about not wasting anytime. Only a freshman, Antwaun Burns of Campbellsville has quickly introduced himself as an NAIA title contender & he'll most likely walk out of his first MSC with a title. The question is, who does he end up facing in the finals? Weston Milnes of Cumberlands or teammate Jake Hurst?  Milnes was recently one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

165 lbs

Ranking or result, take your pick.  Shadrick Sloan has the higher ranking, but it was Turner Black who won in the dual by a convincing 11-3 major decision.  This day in age, those type of results can be turned around, but it still makes a statement as we go into this weekend.  Sloan was 3rd here last season & 7th in the NAIA nation.  A plausible contender for MSC bronze? Eli Clemmons of Cumberland, who was 6th at the Patriot Open earlier this year. 

174 lbs

It's been one heck of a good career for Cole Smith of Cumberland as he nears the end of it.  Thus far he's been 3rd-1st-3rd in the NAIA & he looks to win yet another MSC title this weekend, as he'll soon go into the NAIA's, looking to contend for gold. I don't see him being challenged here, but I do see quite fight throughout the rest of the bracket. Gabe Martinez has the next highest ranking, but teammate Brice Parks is not one to look past.  An MSC runner-up last season, he finished once match shy of NAIA All American honors.  Cory Cannan was a runner-up to Cole Smith at this year's Patriot Open, as Charlie Friedenriech was 4th.  Then we also have Sherman Dixon, who finished one match shy of a medal at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

184 lbs

An MSC champion last season, I think it's most likely that Thomas Ketchen Carter repeats this tournament. Finals opponent? My pick is Chandler Woenker Of Campbellsville. 

197 lbs

I see a good final here between Patriot Open champion Nikolas Perovic of Lindsey Wilson & last year's MSC champion Greyson Stevens of Campbellsville. 

HWT

MSC HWT could turn out to be a lot of fun this weekend.  We have some really good wrestlers here & all of these guys are fairly familiar with one another.  Three of the five participated in last year's MSC championships, with Bruce Wagers of Rio Grande taking runner-up honors, Jaden Sonner of Campbellsville placing 4th & Carlos Figueroa of Lindsey Wilson placing 5th.  This year, Gabe Craig also of Campbellsville won the Patriot Open, while Wagers finished runner-up & Figueroa placed 4th.  Wide & I'm not saying that because we're talking HWT, open weight. 

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Preview (2-17-2024 Saturday)

 

Define irony.  The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament this upcoming Saturday will be held in York, Nebraska.  In this day in age, why should that surprise anyone? After all the BIG 12 is made up of 16 teams & the BIG 10 is made up of 18. So why should this make sense? Nevertheless it is rather refreshing to see a conference based out of Kansas, with Kansas schools.  After all the Wheat State produces quite a few good high school wrestlers. It should have collegiate homes for them to compete.  

Let's take a look at the upcoming KCAC tournament, weight by weight.  Here are my thoughts. 

125 lbs

Brody Gee is hot, he's on fire & I expect a lot of big things out of him in the post season.  A runner-up at last year's KCAC championships, he was runner-up at the Falcon Invite & 4th at the Oppeheim Invitational earlier this season.  More recently, he turned it on and he turned it up, winning the Missouri Valley Invitational.  I'm expecting a KCAC championship out of the Spire this tournament. 

133 lbs

The lightweights are going to be rather enjoyable for Coach Chuck Kearney as here at 133 lbs, I mention two more Saints.  Freddy Barajas, who won the KCAC title last season & Roman De La Cruz who has had a pretty respectable season in his own right.  Barajas a runner-up at both the Falcon Invite as well as the Oppenheim Invitational, De La Cruz was 3rd at the Falcon Invite & a match away from placing at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

141 lbs

I'm anxious to see how this one turns out.  All three of these guys are pretty tough.  Hartwell Taylor won the Falcon Invite earlier this season & Donte Lopez made the KCAC finals last season.  I also consider what Ezavian Ortega of Friends is capable of. 

149 lbs

The Spanish word for wrestling is Luche Libre, which literally translates to "Free for All."  A rather fitting phrase for 149 lbs within the KCAC.  Normally I can look at a weight class & give you a pretty fair assessment. I can't always say that you're going to agree with me, but I can say that I speak with merit and conviction.  Here, all I can do is sit back and watch it unfold.  Irish Furthmyre, who if anything competes for having one of the coolest names in wrestling, is a very tough freshman.  One good enough to overcome a weight class full of experience?  Austin Almaguer a junior, while Braydon Smith & Chad Sakamoto are both seniors.  As to Smith, this is his final tournament on his home mats. You gotta think that will inspire him and that could make a big difference.  Sakamoto?  What can I say about the guy? I've been following him for years & my opinion has remained the same about him.  It's like there's a chain around his neck. A lock of some sort & it's simply a matter of unlocking it.  4th-6th-4th in the KCAC thus far, it's like damn, he's gotta place at least 3rd, if he doesn't make the finals or even win it.  And why not? If he comes in here and wrestles his best, yes, he can walk out of here KCAC champ.  Coach Tom Carr knows that as well as I do. 

157 lbs

Gotta likelihood of an all Spire final at 133 & here at 157 we have a high probability of an all Brave final.  Francis Morrissey a former Life Runnin' Eagle against teammate Ben Mitchell, an NJCAA runner-up for North Idaho last season. If anyone can spoil these plans, it is Josey Jernegan of Saint Mary, who took 6th at a competitive Missouri Valley Invitational. 

165 lbs

Years as a reserve for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Kevon Freeman is spending his final season at Ottawa & he's thus far proven himself to be one of the top wrestlers in the NAIA at 165 lbs.  He looks poised to bring home the KCAC title this weekend as he'll then head into the national tournament looking for NAIA All American honors. His likely finals opponent will be teammate Dayton Hall, who himself won a KCAC title last season & who earlier this year took 4th at the Falcon Inviational. 

#10
Braden Anderson
Ottawa
174 lbs

A KCAC runner-up last season, I say that Braden Anderson exchanges silver for gold this tournament. The Brave was runner-up at the Falcon Invite earlier this season. 

184 lbs

One of the best matches of the finals I predict will be at 184 lbs.  Last season Daryus Webb was the KCAC champ to J.D. Perez's runner-up finish, but it was Perez who took home NAIA All American honors with a 6th place finish.  This season thus far, Perez won a Falcon Invitational, as Webb placed 8th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational.  Our battle for 3rd could be interesting as well.  Last year's KCAC bronze medalist Gabe Chesbro, likely to face Jordan Lomeli who was 4th at the Falcon Invitational. 

197 lbs

A KCAC champ & 7th in the NAIA nation last season, I think it's very likely that Tucker Tomlinson gives the Braves yet another conference champ.  Likely finals opponent? Former Northwest College NJCAA grappler, Ryker Blackburn who's been doing very well for the Spires thus far this season. 

HWT
U.R.
Gavin Howes
Avila

My pick for KCAC champion at HWT is yet another former NJCAA wrestler, Gavin Howes, formally of Otero who now competes for Avila. 

Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Preview - Saturday February 17th

 

The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) is one of the toughest conferences in all of the NAIA.  Last year 19 of those who qualified out of the AAC went on to be All Americans, and 9 of those All Americans are back! This is going to be a great tournament! 

125 lbs 

Two time NAIA national champion Brandon Orum of Life has owned the AAC the past two seasons & I don't see the '24 tournament being anything different. Poised to once again make a run at the NAIA national title, he's got some good competition here within the conference, but I say he picks up title number three.  Likely finals opponent is Angel Banda of Reinhardt, who has improved since placing 4th here a season ago. Trevor Borum of Southeastern, could be a challenge for Banda in a likely semi-final. He was 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  Depending on how that semi-final turns out, our consolation final could very well turn out to be Fire. 

133 lbs

From Central Oklahoma to Carl Albert State, Thaddeus Long, I believe has found a home he's happy with at Life. Now a Runnin' Eagle, he's planning to walk out of Lakeland, Florida with an AAC title this weekend.  Anyone to challenge him? There have been crazier upsets.  Quite confident that his finals opponent will be Andrew Voiles of Southeastern.  Anxious to see what both Kaden Ramos (himself of Life) & Kahlil Tucker of St Thomas can do.  Tucker was 5th at the Patriot Open at the beginning of the season & more recently, Ramos took 6th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

141 lbs 

Now here's a competitive weight class.  As far as I'm concerned, on any given day, we have five wrestlers who could walk out of Lakeland with an AAC title.  Believe it or not, Kael Brisker of Southeastern was actually 5th in last year's championships, but has wrestled well enough this season to earn himself a #4 ranking & could very well end up the *1 seed.  He looked outstanding at the Missouri Valley Invitational, winning a rather loaded bracket.  Tyree Johnson of Life, 4th here last season, has really stepped up his game.  He won the Life Open earlier this season, having to go through quite a field in his own right.  Thomas Williams of St Thomas, 7th at last year's AAC, was runner-up to Johnson at the Life Open.  Keiser's Pat Gould has proven himself  to always be game come post-season tournament time.  He was 3rd at last year's AAC & he finished 4th in the NAIA nation.  This season, he took a runner-up finish at the Patriot Open.  Lastly, although unranked, Bret Minor a teammate of Johnson's is himself a threat here at 149 lbs.  He pulled off some huge upsets to make the Missouri Valley Invitational finals opposite of Brisker.  I wouldn't put it past him to pull off some upsets here either. 

149 lbs

An AAC runner-up last year at 141 lbs, Parker DoBrocky is now up a weight class as he'll try and walk out of Lakeland this weekend as champion at 149 lbs.  Making the NAIA bloodround last season, he was runner-up at the Patriot Open earlier this season.  There to challenge him will be Reese Jones, who has had some impressive showing thus far this year.  3rd at the Life Open, he was 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  Another wrestler to look for in this bracket is former Appalachian State Mountaineer Dawson Bates, who has potential to do better than his ranking.  Lastly, although unranked, Chris Kelly, a teammate of DoBrocky's poses threat.  5th at the Patriot Open, he was runner-up at the Life Open. 

157 lbs

Of all the NAIA Conferences/Qualifiers, 157 lbs in the AAC could turn out to be the absolute best.  Here we have not only two returning AAC champs, but also two returning NAIA champs!  Brevin Balmeceda who won at 149 lbs last season & Sal Silva who won at 157 lbs!  Bracket will also feature Trevor Burdick of Reinhardt who was 4th in last year's tournament & his teammate Devin Griffen. 

Also in this bracket is Andreus Bond of Southeastern, who on a personal note I would love to see come in here and be the talk of the tournament. An NAIA champion in '21, he was an All American again in '22, but everything fell apart for him last year. Finishing 2nd at the AAC, he went 0-2 at the national tournament. In some ways, the disappointing performance seems to have really affected him. He's lost matches this season that he shouldn't have lost. At other times he seems to have bounced back.  He won the Patriot Open & while not as good of a finish as he would have wanted, he did place 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  Talent & ability wise, he has what it takes to keep up with both Balmaceda and Silva. This is his last go round, and may it be a good one. 

165 lbs 

Four returning AAC place-winners in this talented bracket of 165 lbs'ers.  Life's Steve Villalobos could very well get the *1 seed here, as he was 3rd competing at 149 lbs last year.  Challenging him for a title could very well be Matt Jenkins, himself 3rd in the AAC & 5th in NAIA nation last season.  Wetzel Hill of St Thomas, a CCCAA standout for Mt San Antonio, continues making a name for himself within the NAIA.  Then we also have Trace Braun, 5th here a year ago, who is always tough, as well as Wyatt Higgins who made the finals last season.  Last but certainly not least is Jaden New of Life, who took an impressive 6th place showing at the Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year. 

174 lbs

An AAC champion last season & 3rd in the NAIA nation, Riley Smucker is looking to win two gold medals in a row from two very prestigious tournaments as he finishes up what has been a stellar wrestling career.  May I also add in that he won the Life Open earlier this season as well.  His finals opponent? Well it could very well end up being Graham Calhoun of Southeastern.  Himself a former Wisconsin Badger...as in earlier this season.  He was competing for Wisconsin first semester, where he won the Pointer Open.  He defeated Tre Morrissette 5-1 for 3rd place at the Missouri Valley Invitational. Should be another good match between the two in a likely semi-final.  Morrissette for the record, was 3rd at the Life Open. 

184 lbs

Could very well see an all Runnin' Eagle final here at 184 lbs.  Kyle Homet has been rather hot as of late, winning a tough Missouri Valley Invitational.  Teammate Myles Starke hasn't looked bad himself, finishing runner-up at the Life Open & being one match shy of a medal himself at the Missouri Valley Invitational.  I would look to Charlie Henkel to perhaps be our bronze medalist here at 184.  He wrestled quite well at the Patriot Open, taking runner-up honors. 

197 lbs 

Land of the newcomers. Demarco Lee who was a standout in the NJCAA competing for Harper College is now in the land of the NAIA & he's kicking ass & taking names here too. Gentry Smith is a freshman for the Fire, & so far so good as he looks to make his first AAC final.  Curtis Thomas a transfer from Campbellsville, looks to challenge Smith for that spot in the finals.  Lastly we also have Tristan Middlebrook who was 3rd at the Patriot Open & Mike Gibson who placed an impressive 6th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

HWT

Three returning NAIA All Americans from last season here at HWT.  If the finals of 157 isn't the best match of the night, the finals of HWT are likely to be.  Bronze in the AAC & Bronze in the NAIA last year, Southeastern's Gabe Jacobs looks to turn both to gold.  He'll be challenged by Zane Lanham who after ruling the roost at 197 for a while, has bumped up to do battle with those 285 and below.  An NAIA runner-up last season, he won an AAC title.  Our battle for 3rd here will most likely be between Keiser All American Earnest Johnson & Brewton Parker's Wilkinson Saul.  4th in the AAC last season, Johnson earned a 7th place finish at the NAIA's.  Among all of this ranked talent, I wouldn't be surprised if Cohle Feliciano came in here and opened up a few eyes.  4th at the '22 NJCAA championships competing for North Idaho, he recently finished one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

American Midwest Conference/Sooner Athletic Conference (AMC/SAC) Preview - February 17th (Sat) - February 18th (Sun).

 

A rather unique experience in that the championship qualifier tournament combines both the American Midwest Conference (AMC) & the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC).  A rather straight forward qualifier, some of the weights may very well only qualify the champion. 

125 lbs 

Some of the Stars of Oklahoma City are certainly going to shine bright this tournament & I think that Braden Potts at 125 lbs is one of them. Only a freshman, JT#1's pick for AMC/SAC champ at our lightest weight class. 

133 lbs

Here's the golden goose. I believe that 133 lbs will be the AMC/SAC's toughest and most competitive weight class.  Looking forward to what very well could be a final between two representatives of two of our Texas Schools.  Dom Chavez a former DI wrestler for Presbyterian, now of Texas Wesleyan has been having one heck of a season.  Took a very impressive 3rd place finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. Ironically enough he defeated likely finals opponent Alex Pena of Wayland Baptist 10-4.  Anxious to see what happens if they meet again here.  Pena, also a runner-up at this year's Lindenwood Open, was a AMC/SAC champion last season & an All American two seasons ago. 

With that said, Chavez & Pena are far from the only threats in this bracket.  Cooper Mahaffey of Oklahoma City, who was 3rd here last year has been having a good season.  While unranked it would be unwise to look past Dillon Witt of host school Missouri Baptist as well.  An AMC/SAC runner-up last season he's taken 4th place finishes at both the Falcon Invite & the Oppenheim Invitational. 

141 lbs 

Already a two time conference champ, it's likely the Cade Manion not only walks out of Creve Coeur with his third AMC/SAC title, it's a strong possibility he's named the tournament's most outstanding wrestler.  5th in the NAIA nation last season, he was recently 3rd at the Missouri Valley Invitational.   Look for Texas Wesleyan's Mason Woodward to be his finals opponent. 

149 lbs      

I said that the Stars of Oklahoma City would shine bright this tournament & I stand by that prediction, as I say our champ at 149 lbs is likely to be Drake Vannoy.  An AMC/SAC champion at 157 lbs last year, he was recently 7th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

157 lbs      

Keegan Luton won his second conference title wrestling at 149 lbs last year.  I say he wins his third competing at 157 this tournament.  He was recently 4th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

#11
Braeden Baller
Texas Wesleyan
165 lbs

Perhaps he would have been better named Braeden Matter, but nevertheless, Baller is pretty tough on the mat.  An AMC/SAC champion last season, I say he repeats.  He was runner-up at the Oppenheim invitational. 

U.R.
Kolbe Madron
Oklahoma City
174 lbs

Be with me or be against me, I'm predicting another AMC/SAC title for Oklahoma City here at 174 lbs.  Madron was champion here last year as well. 

184 lbs

Believe we have a Texas School vs Arkansas School final here at 184 lbs.  Kelvin Coker of Texas Wesleyan, a champ at 197 lbs last season, Vs Kendric Gordon of Williams Baptist.

U.R.
Brahn Howard
Texas Wesleyan
197 lbs

Just as you were about to accuse me of being biased in favor of Oklahoma City, I shift gears on you and predict yet another Ram of Texas Wesleyan to win an AMC/SAC title.  Brahn Howard was a champion at 184 last season. 

U.R.
Kaleb Stone
Oklahoma City

If you figured it'd either be a Star or a Ram that I'm picking for AMC/SAC champ at HWT, you figured right.  I think our champion here will be Kaleb Stone of Oklahoma City. 

=================

I want to say this in regards to the AMC/SAC.  I think the conference while still growing, is going in the right direction. I was very happy to see William Woods add a wrestling program this season & I think in due time, they will produce some good wrestlers. I'm hoping to see some good things out of Health & Sciences Pharmacy, but the Eutectics only have one wrestler on their squad this season. That's concerning to me & I hope they can get at least half a roster next season. Jarvis Christian, still a rather new program, is also a very young program, as in not a single senior on the team.  Experience will benefit them as well.  I have faith the combined conferences will improve as time goes on. 

Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Preview - (Fri Feb 16th through Sat Feb 17th)

 

This year's Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament will be held at Concorida (NEB) in Seward, Nebraska.  Should be an outstanding tournament.  Here are my thoughts....

125 lbs

The favorite to win a GPAC title here at 125 lbs per the rankings is Nathan Rizek of Doane, who started off the season competing at 133 lbs.  I am anxious to see him compete against last year's GPAC runner-up Seth I'nama, who isn't the only Charger I can see doing well here at 125 lbs.  Freshman Dante Rigal has been having a very respectable freshman season, as he himself was runner-up at a rather tough Dakota Wesleyan Open. 

3rd-3rd-3rd-2nd, Briar Cliff's Ca'Ron Watson seems destined and due to finally bring home GPAC gold.  He's in a heck of a position to do so. His best year yet, he made the finals of Missouri Valley Invitational & not only does he look poised to win conference, but to also fight for All American honors at the NAIA national tournament.  Should be a great semi between Devin Avedissian of Doane & Jarrod Gilliam, a teammate of Watson's. 

141 lbs 

Now here's a fun competitive weight class.  We have #14 Kyler Adams of Midway looking to win a GPAC title, who placed 8th at the prestigious Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this season. Another candidate for the GPAC title, is last year's finalist, Creighton Baughman of host school Concordia (NEB).  He was 4th at the Doane Oppenheim Invitational.  Then of course despite not having as good of a season as he was hoping to have, we cannot overlook Taylor Vasquez of Morningside. Vasquez won a GPAC title competing at 133 lbs last year.  Very excited to see how this weight class turns out & it's not lost on me that Zach Zitek of Dakota Wesleyan, despite being unranked might pull off an upset. The sophomore shows promise. 

149 lbs 

Confident that our GPAC final here will be between last year's runner-up & last year's 3rd place finisher.  Nathan Lendt of Doane, who wrestled in high school for one of my freestyle coaches back in the stone age, has proven himself a contender for NAIA All American honors.  I don't think he should have any problem securing himself a title here & I don't think Aric Williams should much trouble placing himself as the man Lendt will face in the finals. 

157 lbs 

It's all about the Benjamins.  No, not really but there really are a lot of people named Ben at this weight class.  157 lbs in my estimation is one of the more competitive and unpredictable weights here in the GPAC.  Doane's Ben Miller who placed 4th within his own home Oppenheim Invitational, is our clear favorite via the rankings.  Nevertheless, despite being unranked via TheOpenMat, there's still a lot of talent in this bracket. 

Noah Styskal, yet another Mustang who's not having the season I thought he would, was a champion here last year.  Jake Patterson of Hastings, wrestled quite well at the Missouri Valley Invitational here a while back, finishing one match shy of a top 8 finish at the NAIA's most competitive in-season tournament.  Ben Dobler, a teammate of Miller's, I'm sure will be hungry, or should I say hungary, to do well.  He was 4th in the GPAC competing at 165 lbs last season.  Last but certainly not least is Briar Cliff's Ben Peters, who himself finished 3rd in the GPAC back in '22. 

Tough weight. 

165 lbs 

Here ladies and gentlemen is most likely our best match of the GPAC finals.  A match that I'm looking very, very forward to.  Last year's GPAC runner-up, Kaleb Bigelow Vs last year's GPAC 3rd place finisher, Zander Ernst.  Despite rankings, it was Ernst who pulled off the 6-3 decision in the dual between Dakota Wesleyan and Morningside.  For record, Bigelow won a tough Dakota Wesleyan Open earlier this season as Ernst finished one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

174 lbs

Here's another competitive weight class with four returning place-winners from last year's GPAC championships.  Michael Scarponi of Doane, per ranking is the favorite going into the tournament, but he was 3rd last year, compared to Alex Van Dyke of Morningside who earned last year's title.  Lane Miller of Dakota Wesleyan was 4th & Cael Jordan also of Doane was 5th.  

184 lbs 

Speaking strictly from a nationalistic standpoint, 184 lbs is arguably the GPAC's best weight class, as I say it is the most likely to produce the most amount of All Americans.  As far as I'm concerned, all three of these guys are top 8 NAIA material & I think on any given day, all three could walk out of here conference champions. 

Tyson Beauperthuy took some time to find the right fit. From Miday to Grand View to Doane, it's been a journey. Now he's back & he's proven himself through result to once again be one of the best wrestlers in the NAIA nation.  He won the Oppenheim Invitational earlier this season. 

Hayden Wempen of Morningside won last year's GPAC title & I wouldn't go into this tournament thinking that he's not capable of bringing home another gold medal with a bracket sheet.  

As to Luke Jenness of Northwestern (IA), it's been rewarding to see him finally start having the success that he has worked so hard for. He's really having an outstanding season & a recent 4th place finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational is proof of that.  He was runner-up here last season. 

197 lbs 

The GPAC's only returning All American (3rd) from last year's NAIA tournament, Brad Antesberger of Doane is also a returning conference champion.  He's most likely, in all sense of probability going to repeat as champion & it looks fairly promising that he could meet teammate Kasten Grape in the finals.  With that said, I wouldn't look past Northwestern's (IA) Kaleb Lind.  The Red Raider has performed well at various times in the past & he did make last year's finals.  

Rounding out the bracket, I'm anxious to see what Jake Rau of Jamestown might be able to pull off.  This has been a rather down year for the Jimmies & getting someone to the national tournament would be a way to salvage an otherwise disappointing season.   I also could see some good stuff coming out of Mason Garcia of Concorida (NEB).  This does after all, take place on his home mats, in front of his home crowd. 

HWT

HWT may very well turn out to be the most interesting of our weight classes here in the GPAC.  GPAC runner-up last season, Jakob Jerabek has proven himself to be the forerunner for a title this season, with a very tough Trevion Sample of Dakota Wesleyan waiting in the wings. With all this said, let's keep in mind that Jerabek's teammate, Hunter DeJong, with a win over Jerabek, won last year's GPAC title.  Sample recently defeated DeJong in a dual 3-1 s.v. 

If that's not enough, keep in mind this bracket also features Alton Allen of Briar Cliff & Eli Criblez of Doane.  Both extremely tough HWTs, who both placed at the Missouri Valley Invitational earlier this year (Allen 5th & Criblez 7th).  Allen for the record was also 4th here last season.