They don't call this NCAA Division II's toughest in-season tournament for nothing. Comparatively speaking, when looking at rankings it not only is to NCAA DII what the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational is to NCAA DI, I would say it means even more to NCAA DII than what CKLV means to NCAA DI. While it can be debated and argued whether CKLV is ever as tough as DI nationals, it is just plain accepted that often the Midwest Classic is as tough (sometimes tougher) than are the DII nationals.
Here at 125 lbs we have 12 ranked wrestlers and 6 of them are in the top 10. Only three place-winners return, plus one R12'er, thus making plenty of room for some new blood to shine this tournament.
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| #2 Isaiah Gamez Adams State |
4th in the NCAA DII nation last season, Isaiah Gamez has certainly provided enough evidence to see why he'll be the favorite this weekend to take home a Midwest Classic title here at 125 lbs. Among his impressive W's is a 4:00 fall over Shane Corrigan, an 8-6 decision over Treyvon Gray, a 14-9 decision over Dayson Torgerson & a 6-4 decision over Christian Lopez.
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| #4 Shane Corrigan UW-Parkside |
The Ranger has thus far placed 4th & 3rd at the Midwest Classic & I know he has his sights set on making the finals this weekend in Indianapolis. Against the competition, he's had some close calls with Studd Morris, but has nonetheless taken out the Broncho in 13-10 & 10-8 s.v. decisions. He's dominated Anthony Anciete 15-0 & 9-0, also defeating him 9-5. A 12-3 major over Luke Acuna, he owns a 10-6 decision over Billy Smith & he's teched both Christian Lopez (15-0) & Nate Smith (18-0).
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| #5 Jakason Burks Central Missouri |
We didn't get to see a whole heck of a lot out of the former NJCAA standout in his first season with the Mules last year & the Midwest Classic will be his first true test in NCAA Division II wrestling. A lot of expectations for Burks. Will be fun to see him in competition.
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| #6 Studd Morris Central Oklahoma |
The 2023 NCAA DII R12'er missed out on action last season, but is back in '24-'25 with a vengeance currently 7-0 on the year. He hasn't faced any of the competition he'll see here yet, but if he's like most Bronchos have been over the years, he'll more than be ready.
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| #7 Anthony Aniciete Tiffin |
Unlike some of the previous wrestlers just mentioned, Anthony Aniciete is very familiar with a lot of the competition that he will see here at the Midwest Classic. He's defeated Luke Acuna on three occasions including an 8-0 major decision, as well as both a 7-0 decision and a 5-1 decision. He also owns two victories over Nate Smith. A 9-2 decision and a 2:07 fall. Plus he's defeated Braden Hahlen 10-5 & Dayson Torgerson 18-8.
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| #9 Trevon Gray |
7th in the NCAA DII nation last season, Trevon Gray earned an 8th place finish here at the Midwest Classic. A wrestler who knows how to scrap & will give you a full 7 minutes of everything he's got, Gray actually owns two close victories over Anthony Aniciete. A 4-2 decision & a 3-2 decision. He's also defeated Billy Smith by 14-3 & 11-4 decisions & he stuck Luke Acuna at the 5:00 mark.
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| #10 Dayson Torgerson Colorado Mesa |
The sophomore nearly made NCAA DII All American status last year as a freshman. He has a lot of career left & plans on adding a lot of accomplishments & credentials to his already pretty long list. Could very well add one here at D2's most prestigious in-season tournament. So far the Maverick owns an 11-3 major decision over Christian Lopez.
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| #12 Christian Lopez Colorado School Of Mines |
The senior was a match shy of earning Midwest Classic top 8 honors last season & looks to capture that medal that alluded him last year. You never quite know what to expect out of Lopez. Sometimes he looks very good on the mat, and to be frank, other times he doesn't. This is a guy that has given #1 ranked Isaiah Gamez a 6-4 match.
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| #15 Billy Smith Findlay |
Well do the Hokey Pokey, because Billy Smith is a wrestler who has turned himself around. After two losing seasons in a row, Billy Smith now finds himself with a current record of 11-4 & a #15 ranking in the D2 nation. He already avenged previous losses to Luke Acuna, by defeating the Eagle 8-3. Will be interesting to see if he can avenge other losses he's had this weekend in Indianapolis.
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| #16 Logan Sallot Gannon |
Haven't seen a whole heck of a lot out of the former DI Lock Haven Bald Eagle yet, but we've seen enough of him to know that there's a high probability of Logan Sallot bringing home some hardware for the Golden Knights this weekend. The guy likes to score points. Already has four technical falls this year. Among his W's, an 11-1 major decision over Braden Hahlen.
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| #17 Luke Acuna Ashland |
When I was growing up there were certain wrestlers that my Dad would describe by saying, "He gets downright tough when he needs to." I think that description is just about perfect for Luke Acuna. The Eagle has many instances during his career, where he's "gotten downright tough" when he's needed to. Last year's Midwest Classic would be a perfect example, when he placed 6th. Against the competition, he's proven that he's not one to look over. He's defeated Trevon Gray by scores of 15-5 & 11-7. Owns an 8-5 decision over Anthony Aniciete & he's defeated Billy Smith by both an 11-5 decision & a 1:29 fall.
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| #19 Nate Smith Indianapolis |
Nate Smith has had some nice wins thus far in his career & he will look to keep one of the 8 medals handed out this weekend at 125 lbs right there at home in Indianapolis.
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| #20 Braden Hahlen Lake Erie |
Among the place-winner candidates, Braden Hahlen looks to try and capture a top 8 finish here in Indianapolis this weekend. Among his wins, he ironically enough scored an 8-5 decision over Logan Sallot while he was still at Lock Haven.
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