45th Annual Midwest Classic Preview - HWT (Fri Dec 13th & Sat Dec 14th)

 

Last but not least HWT.  A weight class where a majority of those competing this weekend are rather familiar with one another.  16 ranked wrestlers & 8 of those 16 ranked within the top 10.  Not a lot of place-winners return, but we do have last year's champion in the bracket. 

#1
Dorian Crosby
Gannon

A two time NCAA DI qualifier for Bucknell, Dorian Crosby is looking to dominate at the NCAA DII level this season representing Gannon.  9-1 on the year, this will be his first real test to see how he does against some of the best D2 has to offer. 

#4
Luke Tweeton
Mary

8th in the D2 nation last season, Luke Tweeton captured 5th place honors at the Midwest Classic.  A wrestler who knows how to win the "by a nose hair" contest, he's defeated Jake Swirple by tiebreaker twice in 3-2 scores & again by a 3-1 sudden victory.  Also owning a 3-2 tiebreaker over Trent Strong, he owns both an 11-1 major decision and 3-2 decision over Lloyd Reynolds. 

#5
Isaiah Vance
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

5th in the DII nation, Isaiah Vance was our Midwest Classic champion last year and looks to defend his title this weekend.  Among his wins he owns a 5-0 decision over Luke Tweeton, a 12-5 decision over Cale Gray, a 2:21 fall over Lloyd Reynolds and a 1-0 decision over Layton Schmick. 

#6
Carter Blough
Grand Valley State

Carter Blough is yet another former DI wrestler looking to make a splash in DII wrestling.  The former Michigan State Spartan carries an 8-2 record so far for Grand Valley State this year. 

#7
Lloyd Reynolds
UW-Parkside

An NCAA D2 qualifier for the Rangers last season, Lloyd Reynolds will be among those looking for a top finish in Indianapolis this weekend.  A 5-4 & 10-3 decision over Ryan Herman, Renolds owns a 3-1 s.v. over Luke Tweeton.  He also ours a 3-1 decision over Tyler Doyle & a 6-5 decision over Clay Ours. 

#8
Ryan Herman
Maryville

One of the last wrestlers to hand Shawn Streck a loss, I'm curious as to what Ryan Herman may be capable of this weekend.  He was 7th in the D2 nation last year, but has been one match shy of earning a medal here the past two seasons.  I have a feeling that he won't be denied a top 8 spot this time.  Among his wins a 6:26 fall over Lloyd Reynolds, a 14-7 decision over Tyler Doyle, and a 6-4 s.v. over Cale Gray.   He also owns both an 8-2 & 5-1 decision over Trent Strong. 

#9
Tyler Haynes
McKendree

An NCAA D2 qualifier last season, Tyler Haynes will look for a top 8 finish this weekend.  Among his wins a 2-1 decision over Luke Tweeton, a 4:59 fall over Wyatt Bailey, a 9-8 decision over Trent Strong, and a 10-7 decision over Cale Gray. 

#10
Cale Gray
Indianapolis

4th in the D2 nation in 2023, Cale Gray is looking to reclaim his status.  No better place to do it, than at home, at D2 's biggest in-season tournament of the season.  Owns a 14-4 major over Wyatt Bailey & a 8-1 decision over Trent Strong. 

#11
Layton Schmick
East Stroudsburg

An NCAA DII qualifier last season, Layton Schmick was one match shy of earning a medal here at the Midwest Classic.  He will look to earn one this weekend. 

#12
Jake Swirple
Minot State

8th in the DII nation back in 2023, like Cale Gray, Jake Swirple is looking to reclaim his status in the HWT division.  Plenty of reason to think that he'll not only place this weekend, but he could contend for a spot in the finals.  Has two 2-1 tiebreaker victories over Luke Tweeton & owns both a 3-2 and 5-0 decision over Lloyd Reynolds. 

#13
Colby Whitehill
Glenville State

Another former DI wrestler, Colby Whitehill who had competed for Lock Haven, will test his skills competing for Glenville State this weekend. So far in the world of D2 wrestling he owns a 3:42 fall over Oggie Atwood. 

#14
Oggie Atwood
UNC-Pembroke

From Mount Olive to Pittsburgh Johnstown, Oggie Atwood is spending his final season competing for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke.  Thus far is 10-1 in his final year of eligibility with a 9-2 decision over Wyatt Bailey. 

#15
Isaac Sheeren
Lander

Among the experience in his weight class this weekend, Isaac Sheeren is the lone freshman who may be able to break through and make a statement for the youth.   The Texas rookie is 11-2 so far in '24-'25 & has a 4-1 s.v. over Wyatt Bailey.

#16
Laith Ibrahim
Colorado School Of Mines

Looking for a medal this weekend, Laith Ibrahim owns 4-1 s.v. over Tyler Doyle. 

#17
Tyler Doyle
Colorado Mesa

One match shy of NCAA D2 All American honors last season, Tyler Doyle a will look to be among the top 8 this weekend in Indianapolis.  Owns both a 2-1 & 4-3 decision over Laith Ibrahim and a 12-3 major decision over Ben Tonnesson. 

#20
Wyatt Bailey
Ashland

Among the massive amount of talent that will be competing this weekend, Wyatt Bailey looks for a good finish here in Indianapolis this weekend. 

U.R.
Trent Strong
Central Missouri

Pardon the pun, but if you're looking for the strongest of unranked candidates to place this weekend, look no further than Trent Strong.  He was 7th here a year ago and owns a 3-2 decision over Ryan Herman. 

U.R.
Clay Ours
Upper Iowa

Another tough unranked wrestler who could possibly do some damage this weekend is Clay Ours.  Owns a 4:54 fall over Wyatt Bailey. 

U.R.
Cody Pinkerton
Chadron State

We haven't seen a whole heck of a lot out of Cody Pinkerton yet as far as NCAA DII wrestling is concerned.  However, if he wrestlers anywhere near as well as he did for Northwest CC in the NJCAA, he could be a big surprise this tournament! 

45th Annual Midwest Classic Preview - 197 lbs (Fri Dec 13th & Sat Dec 14th)

 

Another super tough bracket here at 197 lbs.  A lot of talent in this bracket that will be going for a top 8 finish here in Indianapolis.  15 ranked wrestlers, 7 of those wrestlers ranked within the top 10.  6 returning place-winners, including last year's champ, last year's runner-up and last year's bronze. 

#1
Derek Blubaugh
Indianapolis

Last year's NCAA DII champion & last year's Midwest Classic champion, until proven otherwise, Derek Blubaugh is not only the best wrestler at 197 lbs, he makes the case for the best wrestler in NCAA Division II period.  He's had some close matches against the competition he'll face this weekend, but so far no blemishes.  He's defeated Tereus Henry three times by scores of 8-0, 7-3 & 4-1 s.v.  He's also defeated Chase Stegall three times by scores of 8-6 s.v., 10-1 & via fall 4:48.  Three wins against Logan Kvien too. 4-0, 4-3 & 2-0.  Add in a 4-2 win over Matt Kaylor & a 2-1 win over Wyatt Miller. 

#2
Logan Kvien
McKendree

Logan Kvien has thus far been 6th & 3rd in the DII nation, and he'll be among those looking to knock off Derek Blubaugh this weekend for a Midwest Classic title.  Against the competition Kvien has defeated Chase Stegall twice by scores of 5-4 & 3-2.  A 4:46 fall over Marvelous Rutledge, he's defeated Dakoda Rodgers 10-2 & 5-2.  Also owns a 15-0 technical falls over Wyatt Miller & a 6-3 decision over Emmanuel Skillings. 

#3
Dakoda Rodgers
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

7th in the DII nation last season, Dakoda Rodgers was 3rd at the Midwest Classic & will once again look to have a top showing this weekend in Indianapolis.  Rodgers owns a 4-2 s.v. over Chase Stegall, a 5-3 decision over Marvelous Rutledge and both a 4-3 & 5-1 decision over Wyatt Miller. 

#7
Wyatt Miller
Grand Valley State

8th in the DII nation last season, Wyatt Miller was one match shy of earning a medal here at the Midwest Classic.  Overall the former Appalachian State Mountaineer was 30-7 in his first year as a Grand Valley State Laker.  Wins included a 5-0 decision over Chase Stegall, an 8-5 s.v. over Marvelous Rutledge, a 6-2 decision over Dakoda Rodgers, a 13-1 major decision over Nick Johnson & a 9-6 s.v. over Tereus Henry. 

#8
Tereus Henry
Fort Hays State

3rd in the DII nation in 2023, Tereus Henry is a two time Midwest Classic runner-up, who will look to make his third finals appearance in a row this weekend.  Among his wins he owns a 10-7 decision over Chase Stegall.  He also owns 8-5 & 6-1 decisions over Matt Kaylor.  A 10-5 decision over Emmanuel Skillings & a 15-1 major over Dakoda Rodgers, he's defeated Ben Tonnesson by 4-1 s.v., 4-2 & 8-3 decisions. 

#9
Matt Kaylor
Mary

5th in the DII nation in 2023, Matt Kaylor was 4th at last year's Midwest Classic.  Looking to once again have a good showing here in Indianapolis, Kaylor has the W's to suggest.  Both a 3-2 and 7-1 decision over Logan Kvien.  An 8-3 decision over Ben Tonnesson, he owns technical falls over both Emmanuel Skillings (15-0) and Nick Johnson (29-10). 

#10
Nick Johnson
Glenville State

Nick Johnson was one match shy of being an NCAA DII All American last season & will look to earn a medal here in Indianapolis this weekend.  Among his wins a 3-2 decision over Logan Kvien, a 4-2 sudden victory over Wyatt Miller & a 16-5 major over Wyatt McIntyre. 

#11
John Parker Wilson
Newberry

John Parker Wilson was one match shy of being both an NCAA DII All American & a Midwest Classic place-winner last season.  He'll look to capture that medal that was within grasp last season.  Owns a 4-0 win over Marvelous Rutledge. 

#12
Wayne McIntyre
Kutztown

An NCAA DII qualifier last season, Wayne McIntyre will be among those looking to stand among the top 8 by weekend's end here in Indianapolis. 

#13
Emmanuel Skillings
Central Oklahoma

One of the best backups in the country, behind four time NCAA DII finalist Dalton Abney, Emmanuel Skillings is now getting his shot to showcase this talents and skills.  So far owns a 5-3 decision over Chase Stegall, a 7-2 decision over Ben Tonnesson & a 13-4 major over Wyatt Miller. 

#14
Jeremiah Larson
Maryville

Another tough talent here at 197 lbs, Jeremiah Larson owns a 4:25 fall over Logan Kvien, a 16-7 major over Emmanuel Skillings & a 15-0 tech over Geoff Freeman. 

#15
Ben Tonnesson
Adams State

The Grizzly was 5th at last year's Midwest Classic & will look to earn another medal this weekend.  Owns both a 12-4 major decision over Matt Kaylor & a 6-1 decision over John Parker Wilson. 

#16
Chase Stegall
UW-Parkside

Here's a guy that has shown potential of being among the very best at 197 lbs in NCAA DII.  Simply needs to figure out a way to turn those close losses, into wins.  An NCAA DII qualifier in 2022, Chase Stegall owns a 3-1 decision over Logan Kvien. 

#18
Lucas Salmon
Tiffin

Competed at 184 lbs last season, where he was one match shy of placing at the Midwest Classic.  Will test his skills at 197 this weekend. 

#20
Marvelous Rutledge
Lander

Marvelous Rutledge is looking as good as he's ever looked & has the potential to surprise some people and open up some eyes this weekend.  Downs a 4-1 decision over Logan Kvien. 

U.R.
Darby McLaughlin
American International

A star for both Western New England & Castleton in NCAA Division III,  Darby McLaughlin is now trying to make a name for himself in NCAA DII.   I've already spoken about this, but '24-'25 could very well end up being the final season of American International wrestling. It's already going to be hard enough for returning All Americans to place top 8 here at the Classic, let alone an unranked wrestler.  What a statement it would be if Darby were to make top 8 though.  What a statement it would be. 

U.R. 
Geoff Freeman
Upper Iowa

Yeah, I'm still on the Geoff Freeman bandwagon.  I still think he has a lot of potential to do some big things in NCAA DII wrestling & I'm excited to see him compete in Indianapolis this weekend.  Talk about an opportunity to earn an upset.  He'll have plenty of them here. 

45th Annual Midwest Classic Preview - 184 lbs (Fri Dec 13th & Sat Dec 14th)

 

184 lbs is going to be an exceptionally fun weight class.  We have 16 ranked wrestlers, 7 in the top 10.  6 returning place-winners including the champion, the runner-up and the bronze medalist.  From quarters on, this will be a bracket to pay attention to. 

#2
Matt Weinberg
Kutztown

The junior is a two time NCAA DII All American with finishes of 4th & 2nd thus far in his career.  A record of 62-6, it should be noted that his 6th place finish at the Midwest Classic last year, was a result of medical forfeiting after his quarter-final victory.  Among his W's, he has majored Jack MacKiernan by 15-3 and 14-3 scores.  Owns a 12-10 win over Jason Bynarowicz, a 4:04 fall over Peyton Lemon & both a 7-1 & 4-2 decision over Cole Casilio. 

#3
Reece Worachek
UW-Parkside

In NCAA Division II wrestling it is rare to become a four time All American.  It's also rare to become a four time Midwest Classic place-winner.  It's extremely rare to do both & that's exactly what Reece Worachek is trying to achieve this year.  All American finishes of 8th-7th-4th, he has Midwest Classic finishes of 6th-7th-4th.  As he goes for medal number four this weekend, he brings an assortment of victories over the competition.  A 6:39 fall & a 4-2 victory over Cole Gray.  A 3-2 decision over Colter Bye & a 5-2 decision over Cole Casilio.  4-1 s.v over Garrett Wells, he owns a 4-1 s.v. over Darion Johnson & a 3-2 tiebreaker over Kyle Homet.  Defeated Zeke Waltz twice by scores of 3-2 tiebreaker & 4-1.  He may have a lot of by a hair wins, but he often finds his hand being raised at the end of the match.

#4
Damon Ashworth
Central Missouri

Last season Damon Ashworth was 5th in the NCAA DII & runner-up at the Midwest Classic.  He'll look to make the finals again this weekend, bringing in wins over Colter Bye (11-2) and Garrett Wells (11-3). 

#5
Garrett Wells
Central Oklahoma

A career record thus far of 42-10, Garrett Wells put his name on the map last season by winning the Midwest Classic.  He later took 6th place All American honors at the NCAA DII national tournament.  Among his wins he owns both a 6-5 & 9-5 decision over Jason Bynarowicz.  He owns a 3-2 decision over Reece Worachek, a 7-2 decision over Mason Diel, and an 8-5 decision over Cole Gray.  He's also defeated Zeke Waltz by 8-5, 8-3 & 11-3 decisions. 

#6 
Kyle Homet
Glenville State

It's been quite a career for Kyle Homet.  Started off at Gardner Webb.  Transferred to Reinhardt.  Then he transferred to Life.  Now he's at Glenville State.  15-1 on the season, owns a 4-2 win over Peyton Lemon and a 7-2 decision over Shy Scriven. 

#8
Cole Gray
Western Colorado

Here's a guy that has really turned things around.   Talk about perseverance.  Three losing seasons in a row, Cole Gray went 21-10 last season, finishing one match shy of a top 8 finish at both the Midwest Classic and the NCAA DII tournament.  Pulled off one of the biggest upsets at the NCAA DII tournament when he nearly majored Garrett Wells 10-4.  He also owns an 11-3 major over Keegan Gehlhausen.  He's stuck Mason Diel twice at 0:31 & 3:53.  Also owns a 6:33 fall as well as a 9-7 decision over Jason Bynarowicz. 

#10
Colter Bye
Upper Iowa

8th in the DII nation in 2023 & 8th at the Midwest Classic last season, Colter Bye is looking to capture another medal this weekend in Indianapolis.  A 4-2 decision over Garrett Wells, he owns a 4-3 decision over Cole Casilio and a 12-7 decision over Zeke Waltz.  A 4:43 fall over Peyton Lemon, he owns both a 4-3 as well as a 5-1 decision over Keegan Gehlhausen. 

#11
Keegan Gehlhausen
Chadron State

One match shy of being an NCAA DII All American last year, Keegan Gehlhausen owns a 5-3 decision over Jason Bynarowicz.  He also owns both an 11-10 decision & a 4:56 fall over Mason Diel. 

#13
Zeke Waltz
McKendree

One match away from being an NCAA DII All American in 2023, Zeke Waltz will look for a medal here in Indianapolis this weekend.  Owns a 5-4 decision over Peyton Lemon. 

#14
Jason Bynarowicz
Colorado Mesa

An NCAA DII qualifier last season, Jason Bynarowicz wrestled an exceptionally good Midwest Classic last season, taking third place honors.   Among his wins he owns a 7-4 s.v. over Reece Woracheck, an 11-10 decision over Cole Casilio & a 7-6 decision over Damon Pape.  He also owns a 4:45 fall over Shy Scriven, and both a 2:46 and 3:53 fall over Keegan Gehlhausen. 

#15
Cole Casilio
Gannon 

A two time NCAA DII qualifier, Cole Casilio took 8th place honors at last year's Midwest Classic.  Among his wins a 17-10 decision over Cole Gray. 

#16
Andrew Reed
Newberry

An NCAA DII qualifier at 174 lbs last year, Andrew Reed is now up at 184 lbs to test his skills.  So far owns a 6:48 fall over Peyton Lemon. 

#18
Damon Pape
Tiffin

Spending most of his career at Northern Colorado, Damon Pape is now a Tiffin Dragon looking to make a name for himself in the world of NCAA DII wrestling.  So far owns a 16-5 major over Mason Diel. 

#19 
Brayden Mirjavadi
Grand Valley State

Looking for a good showing here in Indianapolis, Brayden Mirjavadi owns a 4-3 victory over Peyton Lemon. 

#20
Peyton Lemon
Ashland

Another tough wrestler looking for a good finish here in Indianapolis, Peyton Lemon owns a 16-2 major decision over Shy Scriven. 

B.U. 
Darion Johnson
McKendree

Probably going to see Zeke Waltz compete this weekend, but I'm telling you that if Darion Johnson competes instead, we could be looking at him doing something similar to what Garrett Wells did last year.  "Coming out of nowhere" to win the title or place very high.  To give you an indication of what Johnson may be capable of, he owns a 14-11 win over NCAA DI All American Will Feldkamp. 

U.R. 
Shy Scriven
UNC-Pembroke

Injuries have gotten the best of Shy Scriven, but keep in mind he was an NCAA DII qualifier and he's capable of showing that level of wrestling once again. 

U.R. Mason Diel
Colorado School of Mines

Unranked, but still dangerous.  Mason Diel owns a 12-4 win over Keegan Gehlhausen. 

U.R.
Jack MacKiernan
American International

It pains me and it angers me, but '24-'25 could be the last time we ever see American International compete in the Midwest Classic.  It's a long shot, do to the massive amount of talent in this bracket, but what a statement it'd be if Jack MacKiernan were to earn a medal.  A 2023 NCAA DII qualifier, it may not be as unrealistic as it sounds.