The sport of wrestling is consistently proving and reproving yourself over and over again. As the oversaid and overpopulated saying goes, "the rent is do every day." This particular weight class in CKLV has plenty of wrestlers who are already on everyone's radar. Those wrestlers we already know and expect a lot out of as the season progresses. Yet it also has some that have gone by the wayside and could use a really good showing, at a really good tournament, just like this one. Then there are also those who have yet to really make a name for themselves in Division I wrestling and again, what better place to do so?
All in all, 149 lbs returns 8 place-winners including both last year's Champion & last year's runner-up. 16 ranked wrestlers and five of those 16 within the top 10.
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| #1 Caleb Henson Virginia Tech |
The way Caleb Henson looked at the end of last year and the way he has looked thus far in '24-'25, it's difficult to imagine anyone stopping him. However, let's keep in mind that last year's NCAA DI champ, took 2nd at CKLV. If that doesn't go to show you just how tough CKLV can be, you tell me what does? Henson thus far has proven himself against most everyone he'll face in this bracket. His toughest challenge looks to come from Ridge Lovett who defeated him for the title 4-3 last year. Henson avenged the loss 1-0 at the NCAA championships.
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| #3 Ty Watters West Virginia |
The sensational true sophomore had himself an outstanding true freshman season last year, and he looks to do no less in '24-'25. Ranking may get him the *2 seed ahead of Ridge Lovett, but whether he's a *2 or a *3, it sets itself up for an outstanding semi-final should neither wrestler be upset.
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| #5 Ridge Lovett Nebraska |
Last year's champion & 3rd the season before that, Ridge Lovett as said before won last year's title with a win over Caleb Henson. The Husker has finished 2nd & 6th thus far in the NCAA DI & would like to end his career at the national champion. What better way to plant that seed within the minds of wrestling fans everywhere, than to win another CKLV title?
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| #7 Anthony Echemendia Iowa State |
The future Olympic and World Cuban medalist has plenty of collegiate career left at Iowa State & picking up credentials and accomplishments here in Vegas is among the many he'll pick up the remainder of this year and next. He was 7th here a year ago wrestling at 141 lbs. So far at 149, he has looked very good. In fact if it wasn't for one of the strangest scored matches I've ever witnessed in 30+ years of wrestling, he might even be entering this weekend undefeated. He has a lot of competition to contend with and I'm anxious to see how he fares against the likes of Henson, Lovett and the rest of what 149 has to offer.
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| #8 Chance Lamer Cal Poly |
"One match shy" seemed to be the ending to every story told about Chance Lamer last year. One match shy of being an All American (was in '23 too), he also finished one match shy of a medal here in Vegas. Now Lamer does know what placing top 8 at Vegas looks and feels like. He was 7th here two seasons ago. He looks to not only earn another medal, but stand higher on the award stand.
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| #11 Dylan D'Emilio Ohio State |
Dylan D'Emilio has been a staple for the Ohio State Buckeyes the past few years and has always performed well at CKLV. 8th two seasons ago, he placed 4th last year. He will look to become a three time place-winner this weekend and contend for a high spot on the podium.
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| #12 Jaden Abas Stanford |
It's been a rough go of it for Jaden Abas as of late. 5th three seasons ago, he failed to place last year. When I spoke of wrestlers who are looking to reinvent themselves and have a moment of redemption, Abas was one of the ones I was referring to. His career may not have gone the way many were hoping that it would. BUT his career ain't over yet either. There's still plenty of time to make a lot of big things happen. Big things often happen in Las Vegas.
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| #14 Ethan Fernandez Cornell |
A lot of talent in this weight class, and Ethan Fernandez is among it. An NCAA qualifier for the Big Red last season, he looks to earn a medal this weekend in Vegas.
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| #15 Jesse Vasquez Arizona State |
Injuries I feel have kept us from seeing the full potential of Jesse Vasquez, but like I said about Jaden Abas, things aren't over until they're over. Vasquez has had some very nice wins in his career. For example, a 9-7 decision over Carter Young. It'll take such wins to garner a good finish here in Vegas.
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| #17 Colin Realbuto Northern Iowa |
We have yet to see Colin Realbuto compete this year, but we all know good and well that if he is competing this weekend, he IS a threat to a top 8 finish. He was 8th here a year ago.
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| #19 Gabe Willochell Wyoming |
Gabe Willochell is no stranger to pulling off upsets. He's been doing so his entire career and it's a safe bet that he'll being doing it again. Here in Vegas? Well, this would be as good of a place as any, wouldn't it? 7th here last year, among the many victories he has, a 12-7 win over Carter Young.
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| #20 Carter Young Oklahoma State |
A two time NCAA DI qualifier, Carter Young redshirted last season. I for one am very anxious to see him compete this weekend. I have faith and confidence that a guy like Young will thrive under the new coaching regiment of David Taylor & Co. He's had some setbacks in dual settings, but thinking back, Penn State was always a tournament team. Taylor is a PSU product right? We're all expecting him to run his ship similar to that of Captain Sanderson? I've seen Sanderson get inside his wrestlers heads and I've seen them completely catch fire a number of times at both the BIG 10's and the NCAA DI's. I'm no Miss Chleo, but I think that'll soon enough be Taylor's reputation. Hit me, black jack.
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| #22 Sammy Alvarez Rider |
Here's a guy I'd love to see come in here and have himself a good tournament. I know based on results and rankings, it is wishful thinking but it is something I would like to see. Seems like forever ago now, but it really wasn't that long ago when Alvarez hit the scene in '19-'20 and took the wrestling world by storm by winning a rather loaded Southern Scuffle bracket. I'm not sitting at the blackjack table thinking I can win if I hit on a 16. I know better than to think that Alvarez is going to contend with Henson, Lovett, Watters or Echemendia for a title. Probably going out on a limb hoping he'll finish top 8. But I'll place my bets that he has it in him to pull off a big win or two.
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| #24 Alek Martin South Dakota State |
Here's another guy that could very well end up pulling off a few upsets to a good finish here in Vegas. No reason to think that he couldn't. Alek Martin was R12 here last year & he owns a very impressive 12-2 major decision over Gabe Willochell.
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| #29 Sam Cartella Northwestern |
We haven't seen a whole lot out of Sam Cartella yet this year, but the youngest did have a 7-5 win over All American Quinn Kinner during his redshirt last season. That in itself is enough reason to keep an eye on him this tournament.
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| #33 Koy Buesgens North Carolina State |
The redshirt freshman has had a few setbacks so far this season, but he's also looked really good at other times. Among his victories a 9-6 s.v. over Ethan Fernandez.
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