NCAA D2 Quad - Gannon, Lander, Grand Valley State & Glenville State (Sun Jan 5th)

 

We have an excellent quadrangular dual coming up between four ranked teams in NCAA DII wrestling.  #2 Glenville State, #8 Lander, #12 Grand Valley State & #22 Gannon.  Going to be a lot of great wrestling between these four programs, with 14 matches sticking out in particularly. 

133
#1 Gavin Quiocho Glenville State Vs #2 Christian Davis Lander

We're going to start things off with a bang.  We have Gavin Quiocho a two time NCAA DII finalist, who won the DII title in 2023 & we have Christian Davis, perhaps the toughest true-freshman in all of NCAA DII wrestling.  Davis has been proving himself left & right among the D2 wrestling world, including winning the Midwest Classic. To think, this is one of what will be three tough challenges for both of these outstanding wrestlers. 

133
#1 Gavin Quiocho Glenville State Vs #9 Jak Keller Grand Valley State

The credentials of Gavin Quiocho already mentioned, Jak Keller has made some serious improvements from '23-'24 to '24-'25.  A losing record last year, he not only earned a 6th place finish at the Midwest Classic, he scored an impressive 2:59 fall over Matt Chi of UW-Parkside. Upending a two time NCAA DII finalist will be a tall order for the Laker, but perhaps it is more realistic to think he might be able to give the Pioneer a respectable match. 

133
#1 Gavin Quiocho Glenville State Vs #11 Jerry Echevarria Gannon

It's going to be a tough day of wrestling at 133 lbs, and hats off to anyone here that goes 3-0 on the day.  Gavin Quiocho already owns a 9-0 major decision over Jerry Echevarria, but the Golden Knight has the credentials to suggest he's more than capable of giving a better match this weekend. 5th in in the D2 nation last season, he is a two time Midwest Classic place-winner, 5th last year & 8th this past tournament. 

133
#2 Christian Davis Lander Vs #9 Jak Keller Grand Valley State

Davis took it to Keller in Indianapolis when the two met about a month ago in an 18-3 technical fall. These days with the way wrestling goes, it's never a sure thing when making wrestling predictions.  Sure does look good in favor of the bearcat though. That's for sure. 

133
#2 Christian Davis Lander Vs #11 Jerry Echevarria Gannon

As mentioned previously, Christian Davis has been proving himself left and right, match after match, thus far in his first season of NCAA DII wrestling.  A great weekend of wrestling at the Midwest Classic, he's once again going to need a great weekend of wrestling here in Glenville, West Virginia. While trying to knock off #1 Gavin Quiocho of course will be the ultimate goal, two other ranked wins will be as of importance as well. 

133
#11 Jerry Echevarria Gannon Vs #9 Jak Keller Grand Valley State

If either one of these guys were to knock off Quiocho or Davis, what a statement that'd be for their careers! With that said, they also need to be prepared and focused for one another.  Rankings are so important at this level of collegiate wrestling. A win here for either of these guys, is vital. 

141
#9 Isham Peace Lander Vs #12 Caleb Brooks Glenville State

An important match for both of these gentlemen.  Isham Peace, an NCAA DII R12'er last year, is looking to earn his first All American honor by season's end.  Thus far he's looked very tough this season, earning a 7th place finish at the Midwest Classic.  Caleb Brooks, a former DI wrestler (competed for both Northern Illinois & Buffalo) is continuing to climb the D2 ranks.  He himself a match shy of a top 8 showing in Indianapolis.  A win here is a step in the right direction for either of these wrestlers. 

149
#5 Gabe Onorato Glenville State Vs #10 Kenny Kiser Gannon

Here we have two former DI wrestlers, who I feel are both D2 All American contenders this year.  Gabe Onorato, a former Drexel Drago, who recently took an impressive 3rd place finish at the Midwest Classic.  This included defeating last year's champion Wyatt Turnquist 6-3 for the bronze medal.  Kenny Kiser a former rep of the Army, earned a 7th place at the Midwest Classic. 

165
#1 David Hunsberger Lander #8 Guy DeLeonardis Glenville State

I honestly thought that no one would even come close to touching D2 champ/two time Midwest Classic champ David Hunsberger this year, but low and behold he was upset by Brent Nicolosi in the dual Vs Mount Olive back on the first of December.  Goes to show the Bearcat isn't invincible. Nevertheless, he does own two victories of Guy DeLeonardis who was 3rd at the D2 nationals last year & 5th recently in Indianapolis.  Hunsberger stuck the Pioneer at the 5:37 mark & he also owns a 10-5 decision over him. 

174
#1 Hayden Pummel Glenville State Vs #7 Patrick Jackson Gannon

Another case of former DI vs former DI. Hayden Pummel a former Northern Illinois Husky, has taken the reigns as the #1 wrestler in NCAA DII wrestling at 174 lbs.  He upended last year's NCAA D2 champ, Josh Kenny 11-7 in route to a title at the Midwest Classic.  Ironically enough, speaking specifically to NCAA D2, Kenny is also the Pioneer's only loss.  Jackson, a former Lock Haven Bald Eagle, has been looking pretty good in D2 himself.  He was 6th at the Midwest Classic. 

197
#7 Nick Johnson Glenville State Vs #15 Wyatt Miller Grand Valley State

Injuries often have a lot to do with why someone is ranked where they are ranked, and Wyatt Miller who was 8th in the D2 nation last year, slipped to #15 due to the fact that he got injured at the Midwest Classic.  A tournament, which by the way, Nick Johnson took 3rd at.  How will this match turn out between the Pioneer & the Laker?  Hard to say.  Johnson owns a 4-1 s.v. over Miller, but Miller nearly tech'd Johnson in a 13-1 major decision.  This is the rubber match.  An opportunity for Johnson to earn a second victory over the All American & an opportunity for Miller to reclaim his status in the rankings. 

HWT
#5 Carter Blough Grand Valley State Vs #8 Dorian Crosby Gannon

Yet another former DI vs former DI.  We have former Michigan State Spartan Carter Blough, who made the Midwest Classic finals & we have former Bucknell Bison (a two time DI qualifier may I add)  who took 5th at the Classic.  At the beginning of the season, I thought Crosby could possibly contend for the NCAA DII title.  I still believe he can, as well as I do Blough.  It's a tough weight. Lots of good wrestlers. 

HWT
#5 Carter Blough Grand Valley State Vs #13 Colby Whitehill Glenville State

And yet here we have another former DI wrestler ready to do battle here at HWT this weekend.  Colby Whitehill who originally committed to Pittsburgh, then went to Lock Haven & is now at Glenville State.  The Pioneer took 8th at the Midwest Classic.  So all in all, we also have three place-winners from what many consider to be the toughest tournament in D2 wrestling (next to or even on par, sometimes even surpassing the national tournament itself.)   Pretty interesting stuff. 

HWT
#8 Dorian Crosby Gannon Vs #13 Colby Whitehill Glenville State

Not sure what I could add here that hasn't already been implied in what I've already said. We have two former DI wrestlers, both Midwest Classic place-winners, who are looking to continue to climb the ladder.  As said before, this will be a great serious of duals, with some great matches! 











 

Soldier Salute Preview - 174 lbs (Sun Dec 29th & Mon Dec 30th)

 

I spoke earlier about Drama and the importance of it in relation to sports.  How it can create intriguing situations that draw fans in to see the action unfold.  I personally feel that there is opportunity here at 174 lbs for drama to be at its height.  Anxious to see how it all unfolds. 

#1
Keegan O'Toole
Missouri 

The Tiger hasn't faced anyone that he'll see in this bracket yet, but rest assure yourself he is ranked #1 for good reason.  He has a record thus far of 96-4, and if you take out the name David Carr, he only has one other career loss & that was during his freshman season to Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh.  To see O'Toole get upset would be the biggest news of the weekend, but in the words of the late Gorilla Monsoon, it is "highly unlikely" to happen.  If you're a betting man, put your money on O'Toole.  

#8
Nelson Brands
Iowa

The Soldier Salute & how he performs at it is going to be essential to the rest of the season for Nelson Brands.  There is some stiff competition within this bracket, including a member of his own team, and Brands needs to outdo them all to secure a spot in the finals against O'Toole.  I would imagine that he'll most likely get the *2 seed. 

#10
Cade DeVos
South Dakota State

We could be looking at the possible monkey wrench of the tournament.  4th here a year ago, it was a bittersweet moment about a month ago for Cade DeVos at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.  He reached a pinnacle few will ever reach of becoming a four time place-winner.  However, after having won the tournament last year, he was 8th this year.  Nearly every spirit that has ever stepped onto the mat and given themselves to this sport has experienced disappointment.  We have all had bad days.  DeVos could more than make up for it here at the Soldier Salute.  Owns a 5-0 win over Danny Wask, a 2-0 win over Clayton Whiting & a 7-6 decision over Jared Simma. 

#13
Jared Simma
Northern Iowa

It seems every competition, Jared Simma is strengthening his strengths, correcting his mistakes & simply put, improving.  He looked most impressive at Cliff Keen about a month ago, taking 7th place honors, knocking off both Lenny Pinto (14-8) & Cade DeVos (11-9).   Has himself some tough tests here at the Soldier Salute. 

#14
Lenny Pinto
Nebraska

Things didn't work out for Lenny Pinto the way he was hoping that they would in Vegas.  As said about Cade DeVos above, we all have bad days.  With that said, we also all have good days.  Pinto is a tough wrestler who has had some very impressive showings in the past.  Perhaps he will again this weekend/Weekstart. 

#16
Josh Ogunsanya
North Carolina

We are now 9 weeks into the collegiate wrestling season & Josh Ogunsanya has yet to compete.  Nevertheless, he's kept a respectable ranking this whole time.  At the moment, #16.  Will we finally see the Tar Heel in action? I would imagine probably not.  As long as Ogunsanya has been off the mat, I can't see Koll & Ramos wanting to throw him into the deep end right away.  I would think they might ease him back into competition with some "easier" tasks.  However, I've been wrong before, and have to consider the possibility of Ogunsanya competing this weekend.  If so, he'll be among those looking for a spot in the finals against O'Toole. 

UPDATE:  I knew when I wrote this there would be a chance that Ogunsanya would compete this past week, and he did.  Lost a tough one to Carson Kharchla of Ohio State, but otherwise looked pretty good. 

#19
Danny Wask
Navy 

Like I said about Jared Simma, Danny Wask is another guy that seems to keep on getting better and improving as his career progresses. Only a sophomore, I'm anxious to see how much better he has gotten by the time he's a senior.  He was 6th at CKLV about a month ago & owns both a 10-5 victory over Lenny Pinto & an 11-7 decision over Cade DeVos. 

#23
Clayton Whiting
Minnesota

Clayton Whiting has yet to face any of the competition he will face here, but he will be among the talent competing for a good finish at the Soldier Salute. 

B.U.
Pat Kennedy
Iowa

Here's the drama.  I'm going to be candid here.  Nelson Brands journey has been a rather unique one.  Earned an All American finish in 2023 & then missed out on what was going to be his final season of collegiate eligibility due to violating some rules of the NCAA.  Felt bad for him as I read a public statement that he had released about missing out on his final opportunity as a college wrestler.  Was happily shocked, when a short time later, I read that he had appealed against the NCAA's decision, and he had won that appeal.  Was happy to see him back on the mat, getting that final opportunity that we all thought had eluded him.  

With all that said, the varsity spot that he currently holds is still in jeopardy.  His father, Terry Brands the top assistant & his uncle Tom, the head Coach, it's hard for me to imagine either sitting abide, if Nelson were to not be the best man for the spot come BIG 10's.  On the same hand though, the Brands strike me as fair and cordial.  They preach the philosophy of everything having to be "earned" and I can't see them doing Patrick Kennedy wrong, if he outperforms Nelson.   It's a sticky situation and we could see some tough decisions being made in the future.  

Kennedy has looked very good so far this season, with two technical falls.  Keep in mind he's also a two time Soldier Salute finalist, winning the tournament two years ago & taking runner-up honors last year. 

Soldier Salute Preview - HWT (Sun Dec 29th & Mon Dec 30th)

 

If we were to sit down and count every head, to this day I'd still wager that the biggest fan base in collegiate wrestling is still the Iowa Hawkeyes.  The little over 5,000 seat Xtreme arena will be made up of a very large percentage of black & gold fans.  With that said, another marquee value within this tournament is phenom Gable Steveson & it's more along the lines of who can go the longest with him, more than it is any hope of anyone defeating him. 

#1
Gable Steveson
Minnesota

At this point the analogy is Superman Vs mortal men and not a single one of them has any kryptonite. We haven't had this much of "sure thing" since Cael Sanderson's senior season of '01-'02 & even then, we had a small atom of doubt within our minds, considering that Jon Trenge had given Sanderson a 6-1 match earlier in the season.  There are some good wrestlers in this bracket, but I can't see any of them giving Steveson much trouble.  

B.U.
Younger Bastida
Iowa State

As of the time this was written, Yonger Bastida was out with injury & Dan Herrera is the starter with the ranking.  With that said, by the time this is released, Bastida could be back in the lineup & the one with the ranking.  I also know that if healthy, Bastida is the most likely candidate to make the Soldier Salute finals & a healthy Bastida also stands the best shot against Gable Steveson out of all the candidates that will be participating.  Against the competition, Bastida owns a 7-2 decision over Ben Keuter and he's defeated Bennett Tabor 18-3 technical fall & via fall 1:50. 

#12
Ben Keuter 
Iowa

Ben Keuter gave Yonger Bastida a tough match at Carver Hawkeye Arena where the Cyclone escaped a couple of "in danger" situations, using his experience to ultimately prevail in a 7-2 decision.  Bastida has been battling injuries & if he does compete here, I'm not sure if he'll be 100%.  Against a formidable opponent like Keuter, you're going to want to be 100%.  It's not completely out of line to think the Hawkeye could upset the future Cuban World & Olympic medalist, if he's at full capacity.  Therefore the idea that he could upset him if he's at say 3/4's is definitely not out of the question.  Hawkeye fans have a lot of high hopes and expectations, as they should for this very talented young man.  I include him in my thoughts of those that could make the Soldier Salute finals come Monday.  He owns a 5-3 decision over Bennett Tabor. 

#16
Lance Runyon
Northern Iowa

If you've been paying attention this season, how can you not be thoroughly impressed by Lance Runyon?  I can't remember anyone going up this many weight classes, and doing as well as he's been doing.  This guy was a 174 lbs'er & now he's competing at HWT!  I mean think about that.  Technically he could be wrestling guys 100 lbs heavier than what he was used to!  The Panther was hunting deer, and now he's hunting elephants, hippos and rhinos.  7th at CKLV about a month ago, Runyon owns a 7-2 decision over Luke Rasmussen, a 6-1 decision over Seth Nitzel & a 2-0 decision over Dan Herrera. 

#19
Seth Nitzel
Missouri 

A tough young replacement for two-time All American Zach Elam, Seth Nitzel has won some important matches, but he hasn't defeated anyone of notable significance that he'll face here yet.  This will be an opportunity to do so. 

#24
Harley Andrews
Nebraska

Another tough young HWT, Harley Andrews recently picked up an 8th place finish in Vegas about a month ago.  He also owns a 10-7 victory over Bennett Tabor. 

#26
Luke Rasmussen
South Dakota State

A Soldier Salute runner-up last season, Luke Rasmussen has slipped a bit in the rankings since the beginning of '24-'25.  This weekend/Weekstart presents itself an opportunity for the Jackrabbit to climb back up.  He owns a 17-13 decision over Seth Nitzel. 

#27
Dan Herrera
Iowa State

We haven't seen a whole heck of a lot out of Dan Herrera yet, and this weekend/Weekstart gives us an opportunity to see what we can expect at HWT for the Cyclones in '25-'26 after Bastida uses up all of his eligibility.  

B.U.
Bennett Tabor
Minnesota

Here's the thing. Bennett Tabor is a good wrestler.  Matter of fact, he was the Soldier Salute champion last year! It's simply that he has what is arguably the greatest collegiate HWT of all time in front of him in the lineup.  Don't kid yourself, Tabor will be a tough match for a lot of wrestlers this weekend/Weekstart.  The Golden Gopher owns both a 7-2 & a 9-7 decision over Luke Rasmussen. 

Soldier Salute Preview - 197 (Sun Dec 29th & Mon Dec 30th)

 

Tournaments like these often answer questions that we have going forward. The rankings go in one way and could easily come out completely different by tournament's end. Here at 197 lbs, we have 8 ranked wrestlers, 3 of which are ranked in the top 10.  A lot of opportunity for wrestlers to prove themselves here at 197. 

#2
Stephen Buchanan
Iowa

The former Cowboy, former Sooner, now Hawkeye has thus far proven himself to be one of the best assets to the black and gold lineup.  An NCAA DI title contenders, Buchanan will face some of the stiffest competition he's seen all season here at the Salute.  Among his victories, he owns 1-0, 3-2 & 4-0 decisions over Rocky Elam.  He owns both a 6-4 & 11-4 decision over Joey Novak, and he owns a 10-0 major decision over Christian Carroll. 

#4
Rocky Elam
Missouri

When it is all said and done, there is going to be a very short list of five time NCAA DI All Americans & one of the names likely to be on that list will be Rocky Elam. This weekend/Weekstart gives Elam the opportunity to place his name alongside A.J. Ferrari & Stephen Buchanan as a legit threat to the NCAA DI title.  Elam has defeated Buchanan in the past, as he owns a 5-4 decision over the Hawkeye.  He also owns both a 5-1 & 5-3 decision over Joey Novak. 

#6
Isaiah Salazar
Minnesota

While a Buchanan Vs Elam final seems likely, I dare not count out Isaiah Salazar.  The Golden Gopher often times gets overlooked, but not here, not in this preview.  He shared the Soldier Salute title down at 184 with teammate Max McEnelly last year & this year he'll look to challenge for the title at 197.  Owns an 8-1 decision over Zach Glazier.

#14
Joey Novak
Wyoming

Joey Novak is climbing the ladder faster than I anticipated he would.  He looked exceptionally good in Vegas about a month ago, capturing a 4th place finish.   He was 3rd here a year ago, and he owns both a 5-2 s.v. & a 10-8 decision over Wyatt Voelker, as well as a 6-4 decision over Camden McDanel. 

#17
Wyatt Voelker
Northern Iowa

Through hard work and good coaching, Wyatt Voelker has seriously stepped it up a notch in '24-'25.  The Panther recently took 7th at Cliff Keen Ls Vegas & has been winning matches this season, that the '23-'24 Voelker would not have won.  An 5-1 decision over Zach Glazier, he owns a 5-3 decision over Joey Novak, a 6-1 decision over Christian Carroll & an 8-5 decision over Aaedon Sinclair. 

#18
Zach Glazier
South Dakota State

Zach Glazier coming up a hair short of a medal at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational last month really threw me for a loop.  I guess it's because I know what this guy is capable of, and despite the flack I may get for it from others, I say if he's wrestling at his best, he is a title contender here at the Salute.  Thus far the Jackrabbit has finishes of 3rd & 1st.  He owns both a 12-3 & 4-3 victory over Wyatt Voelker. 

#23
Christian Carroll
Iowa State

Potential seems to be the operative word here at 197.  I see a lot of potential in Christian Carroll.  He's a young wrestler surrounded by experience within this bracket, but that can sometimes work in a wrestler's favor.  While those who've been around for a while often perform rather conservatively, those newer to the scene often go for broke.  That can pay off at times.  Carroll was 8th at CKLV & owns a 10-9 decision over Christian Carroll. 

#26
Camden McDanel
Nebraska

Camden McDanel is another young wrestler looking to prove himself this weekend against a wealth of experience.  The Husker was one match shy of placing a month ago in Vegas. 

B.U.
Aeoden Sinclair
Missouri

A good wrestling program will fill in the holes before they're even there and that's exactly what Missouri has done at 197.  Rocky Elam is in his final season of eligibility and Aeoden Sinclair is proving already that he's going to be an excellent replacement once Elam is gone.  Doesn't own any wins over the competition he'll face this weekend/Weekstart yet, but he does own some other valuable wins that suggest that he'll be one to look out for.  

Soldier Salute Preview - 184 lbs (Sun Dec 29th-Mon Dec 30th)

 

Going to see some really good wrestling in this bracket.  8 ranked wrestlers, and 6 of them in the top 10.  When these matches are taking place, these are the mats you're gonna wanna be watching. 

#2
Parker Keckeisen
Northern Iowa

3rd-3rd-2nd-1st thus far in the NCAA DI & coming off of having just won his second CKLV title, Parker Keckeisen is the clear favorite to win the Soldier Salute this weekend/Weekstart.  With that said, I do think he'll face some his toughest competition of the season.  A 13-3 major decision over Gavin Kane & an 8-3 decision, he has defeated Colton Hawks on seven occasions (17-4, 12-2, 7-2, 3-2, 11-3, 7-5 & 6-1). 

#4
Max McEnelly
Minnesota

Undefeated thus far in his collegiate career, I'm anxious to see Max McEnelly who shared the Soldier Salute title with Isaiah Salazar (who is now up at 197) against the competition within this bracket.  He already owns a 9-6 tiebreaker over Bennett Berge, and he owns techs over Colton Hawks 23-6 & Devan Hendricks 23-8.  

#5
Silas Allred
Nebraska

Having finished R12 at the past two NCAA DI championships, Silas Allred is up there when discussing the best talent in DI yet to All American.  When stating earlier that Keckeisen could potentially face some of his toughest competition of the year, Allred is one of the wrestlers I had in mind.  Thus far, owns an 8-6 decision over Gavin Kane. 

#7
Gabe Arnold
Iowa

We're in Iowa City (technically Coralville, but pretty much Iowa City) in a tournament hosted by the University of Iowa.  While still an incredible long shot, under the circumstances, within this environment, if anyone can knock off Keckeisen, I would say it'd be Arnold.   Funny things happen when a Hawkeye is competing on his home mats in front of his home crowd.  A Soldier Salute champ last year at 174, Arnold owns a 5-3 decision over Devan Hendricks. 

#8
Bennett Berge
South Dakota State

Bennett Berge has time and time again proven to us that he is a tournament wrestler.  A first round loss at last year's NCAA DI championships, he came all the way back to place 4th.  Upset at CKLV about a month ago, he came all the way back to place 3rd.  Among those looking to challenge Keckeisen in the finals, Berge owns three victories over Colton Hawks by scores of 10-6, 4-2 & 5-4. 

#10
Colton Hawks
Missouri

Among the talent that will be participating in the Soldier Salute this weekend, Colton Hawks was 3rd here a year ago.  He owns both a 6-2, as well as a 4-2 decision over Gavin Kane. 

#14
Evan Bockman
Iowa State

The former Wolverine, now Cyclone earned his third CKLV medal about a month ago, placing 6th.  It should be noted that he had to medical forfeit to that 6th place finish, so he might not be 100% this weekend.  If 100%, he'll be among those looking for a good finish here at the salute.  

#18
Gavin Kane
North Carolina

At this point me saying it is redundant, but you know as well as I do that upsets will happen at this tournament like they do any other major tournament.  Gavin Kane seems to be in a bit of a slump at the moment, but keep in mind he was an NCAA DI All American in '23.  This is a guy that is hard to bet against, even if doing so looks good on paper.  

R.S. 
Angelo Ferrari
Iowa

We got a small preview of what Angelo Ferrari is capable of when he scored an impressive 8-2 decision over Evan Bockman in the Iowa Vs Iowa State dual.  What else does the young Ferrari have in store for Hawkeye wrestling fans.  We'll soon find out this weekend/Weekstart. 

U.R.
Devan Hendricks
Bellarmine

If the Knights are going to have one in "shining armor" that one is going to be Devan Hendricks.  He gave Gabe Arnold a very tough match when Iowa dualed Bellarmine, and I can't be the only one wondering if that was an off day for Arnold, an on day for Hendricks, or if Hendricks is for real.  Questions asked now, answers given this weekend/Weekstart.