Nebraska Kearney Vs Central Oklahoma Dual Preview (Friday February 7th, 2025)

 

We have an excellent, very important dual this Friday in NCAA Division II wrestling.  The #4 Nebraska-Kearney Lopers take on the #5 Central Oklahoma Bronchos. This will not only be a matter of pride between these two powerhouse programs, but also a matter of positioning.  Both Nebraska-Kearney & Central Oklahoma are in Super Region 6.  As well all know, in NCAA D2 wrestling, only the top three wrestlers per weight class make a trip to the national tournament. Seeding is extraordinarily important, so wins here are crucial. 

In terms of winning the dual, UNK is for sure points at HWT, with bonus a very high probability.  #1 Crew Howard, likely to pick up at least a major, if not try for the tech or fall.  Equally, at 149, #12 Dylan Brown is almost certain points for the Bronchos.  Looking for bonus himself.  

It is within our other eight matches, that his dual becomes quite interesting. 

#2 Zach Ourada Vs #1 Studd Morris
125

We're starting things off with a bang here at 125.  5th in the D2 nation last season, Zach Ourada was also a Super Region VI champion, who on an 11-2 record won the Younes Hospitality Open earlier this year.  His opponent, Studd Morris, who is nothing short of one of the best redemption stories in all of wrestling, let alone D2 wrestling.  One match from being an All American in 2023, Morris missed out on last season with an injury.  He's more than making up for that now as he carries an 18-1 record, and the #1 ranking, plus a strong 3rd place showing at the Midwest Classic.   The last time these two superstars met, it was a tight 5-4 victory for Ourada.  Look for a similar barnburner this Friday. 

U.R. Hector Serratos Vs #6 Peter Rolle
133

Another one of those, "better on the mat, than on paper" situations.  That seems to happen a lot in D2 (as well as D3) wrestling doesn't it?  With so many wrestlers, and only the top 15 being ranked, get used to it.  Both Hector Serratos & Peter Rolle have more in common than the weight class they are competing in.  Both are upperclassmen in their first starring feature, after spending the bulk of their career in supporting roles.  Ironically enough, both have similar records, as Serratos is 14-4 & Rolle is 13-3.  Rolle really put himself on the map earlier this season, placing 7th at the prestigious Midwest Classic.   A single takedown, in a 4-1 match is all that separated the Broncho from the Loper the last the two met.  I would not rule out an upset. 

#9 Joe Airola Vs #5 Dylan Lucas
141

Looking really, really forward to this match up.  11 wins on the season & 4th at Super Region 6 last year, I'd call Joe Airola the best at 141 yet to make the national tournament.  Dylan Lucas was 3rd in the D2 nation two season ago & one match shy of another All American honor last year.  1st & 2nd at the Midwest Classic in '23 & '24, he slipped to a 5th place finish in '25.   The last the two met Airola won a 4-2 match.  We could likely see this match again in the Super Region 6 finals. 

U.R. Cael Robb Vs #2 Gabe Johnson
157

Unranked and a 9-9 record, you're probably wondering why I include this match of Cael Robb vs Gabe Johnson, the 2024 DII national champ, who recently won his second Midwest Classic title.  I'll tell you why I included this match in my write-up. Because it illustrates how in loss, one can still be a hero in a dual meet.  We have the #4 team against the #5 team, and both of these programs want a victory over the other.  The last Robb & Johnson met on the mat, Robb in an 8-1 win for the Broncho, Robb kept the match to a decision.  In a dual meet like this, there can & often is a huge difference between giving up 3 team points and giving up 4 team points.  If Robb can once again keep Johnson to a decision, that could be a huge difference maker in this dual. 

#6 Trent Munoz Vs #10 Hunter Jump
165

Here's another one to look forward to.  14-4 on the year, Trent Munoz was one match shy of being an All American last season.  Hunter Jump was 3rd in the D2 nation last year & earlier this season took a 6th place finish at the Midwest Classic.  The last these two met, Jump won a tight 4-2 decision.  Super Region 6 seeding on the line, look for this one to be quintessential. 

U.R. Kaden Hart Vs U.R. Zane Coleman
174 lbs 

This one interest me for a variety of different reasons.  For one, Kaden Hart is a back to back 3rd place finisher at Super Region 6.  However, the move up to 174 lbs from 165 lbs, hasn't been all that kind to the Loper. He's taken some lumps this year, including a 20-8 major decision against Zane Coleman.  Coleman on the other hand, while doing well with 15 wins, isn't quite the force that some were expecting him to be since transferring from Arizona State.  A top 3 spot in this year's Super Region 6 isn't going to be easy.  Both of these guys are going to want the best seed going into the qualifier they can get.  It would seem with a 20-8 win, that Coleman has this one in the bag.  Here's the kicker though...  Coleman recently dropped a 14-6 major to Cole Ritter.  Do you know who beat Ritter earlier this season 9-6?  Take a wild guess.  The parity of this sport rears its head once more. 

#8 Jacari Deal Vs #10 Garrett Wells
184

Jacari Deal has only wrestled a half a dozen matches this season, but (pardon the pun) here's the deal.  It's not the quantity of your matches, it's the quality of your matches that earn you a ranking, and Deal has earned his #8 ranking.  Friday night he has what could be argued is the toughest challenge he's had to this date in '24-'25.  Garrett Wells, who was 6th in the D2 nation last season & 3rd at the Midwest Classic earlier this year.   Should be a great match. 

#5 Jackson Kinsella Vs #13 Emmanuel Skillings
197

This dual is going to have more than one marquee matchup, but if I have to narrow it down & tell you what I believe our main event will be, I'm going with this showdown between Jackson Kinsella & Emmanuel Skillings at 197.   This is our rubber-match folks.  Kinsella owns a 4-1 victory & Skillings owns a 4-3 victory.  Kinsella was 4th in the D2 nation last season, while Skillings was backup to one of the best to ever put on a Broncho singlet, Dalton Abney.  Super Region 6 seeding on the line, this one is also a matter of pride.  Look forward to this encounter. 

Wartburg Vs Coe Preview (Fri Feb 7th, 2025)

The #2 Wartburg Knights hop in the bus & travel an hour & 15 minutes southeast to Iowa's second largest community, Cedar Rapids, to do battle with the #25 Coe Kohawks. On paper this looks like heavy swords & flails ready to slaughter.  On the mat, I believe tells a different story.  Perhaps I'm giving Coe too much credit here, but I think wrestling in their house, in front of their people, they give the Orange and black a respectable showing.  Not going to pull off a team upset, but in position to pull off some upsets on an individual level.

#7 James Levy Vs U.R. Brayden Parke
125

5th & 4th in the Lower Midwest Regional thus far, James Levy has proven himself to be one of the best wrestlers in the D3 nation yet to make the national tournament.  With some nice wins thus far this year, he's earned himself a #7 ranking.  Make no mistake however, despite Brayden Parke being unranked, the Knight has himself a great challenge this Friday night.  The young freshman is 19-3 in his own right, including sticking Keito Shaw, who recently upset Levy 10-5 about a month ago. 

#6 Josh Gervey Vs #12 Bryce Parke
133

Senior Josh Gervey is testimony to how deep the depth chart is on the Wartburg Knights' wrestling team.  This is his first season as a starter, and he's done an outstanding job, posting a 17-4 record heading into Friday night.   Despite being six points ahead of #12 Bryce Parke in the rankings, like teammate Levy, Gervey has one Hell of a challenge ahead of himself.  Bryce Parke is a two time NCAA DIII qualifier with back to back 3rd place showings at the Lower Midwest Regional.    Both Wartburg and Coe are in Region 6 this year, so a win here will be vital.  

#1 Charlie Dojan Vs U.R. Dresden Grimm
149

I do believe that upsets are 125 and 133 are possibilities for Coe.  If the Parke brothers were to both pull off wins & get the Kohawk arena the loudest it has been in '24-'25 that wouldn't surprise me at all.  I think both Brayden & Bryce are capable of doing just that. 

An upset at 149?  No, I don't think that's happening.   3rd in the D3 Nation last season & the #1 prospect to win a national title a little over a month from now, I do not see Charlie Dojan being upset in this dual by an unranked opponent.  I tell you what I do see though.  I think Dresden Grimm can give him a respectable match.  8th in the Lower Midwest Regional last year, I think Grimm is actually capable of qualification this season.  He's 17-4 on the year with some nice wins.   I think he can keep this match within 7 points, I really do.  

#4 Blain Christie Vs U.R. Tyler Koedam
157

I meant what I said when I said that this dual is going to be a lot better on the mat than what it is on paper.  Christie, like Gervey is another Knight illustrating the depth of each weight class that Wartburg provides. 16-4 on the season, he's positioned himself into the prospected All American potential.  With that said, he better not be overlooking his opponent this Friday.  Tyler Koedam might not be ranked, but he was an NCAA DIII qualifier last season with a 3rd place showing at the Lower Midwest Regional.   A two time Coe Invitational champion, he has 12 wins on the season. 

#14 Matt Rogge Vs #4 L.J. Richardson
174

Coe is capable of winning quite a few matches in this dual as far as I'm concerned, but on paper, 174 lbs is the only time the Kohawks are favored over the Knights.  L.J. Richardson was an All American in 2023 with a 6th place showing in the D3 nation.  He missed out on NCAA DII qualification last season, finishing 4th in the Lower Midwest Regional.  Thus far this year he is 15-3 on the season, with titles won at both the Coe Invitational & the North Central Invitational.   In an effort to get back to the national tournament and reclaim his All American status,  Richardson is going to have some stiff competition.   Matt Rogge, yet another Knight, living, breathing proof of the Wartburg depth chart is 12-4 on the year with some very notable wins. 

#3 Kasey Ross Vs #11 Jared Voss
184

Coe has an opportunity to showcase a very respectable showing against Wartburg and 184 lbs is another example of it.   The rankings highly favor #3 Kasey Ross over #11 Jared Voss.  However, the head-to-head favors the Kohawk, as it is Voss that owns a 3-0 victory over Ross.  Both of these guys are looking very good so far in '24-'25.  Ross, a Lower Midwest Regional champion last season is currently carrying a 20-1 record.   Voss, 17-2 who has been 3rd & 4th in the Lower Midwest Regional, recently earned his third Coe Invitational title.  Both of these guys are hungry to make it back to the national tournament and compete for All American honors.  Winning this match will be crucial for seeding purposes at Regional 6. 

#1 Massoma Endene Vs #11 Matt Arsenault
197

I may be overly optimistic at times, but I'm not utopian.  Massoma Endene is a two time NCAA DIII national champion, with a record of 63-1.  He's not getting upset Friday, nor did I ever dare dream that.   That's not the question here.  The question here is can Matt Arsenault go the distance with Endene & make this match last a full 7 minutes? The last the two met, Endene won a 20-4 technical fall 2:26 into the first period.   That's a lot of points, in a relatively short amount of time.   It's a reflection of how good Endene is.  I still wonder how he would have fared in DI had he stayed at Wisconsin.   However this match ends, don't let it deter your thoughts on Arsenault.  He was 4th at the Lower Midwest Regional last season, and capable of qualification this year. 

Penn State 10 for 10 @ BIG 10?

 

Penn State beat Iowa last night like Iowa was a red-headed stepson.  The Nittany Lions took it to the Iowa Hawkeyes, like no other #1 team has ever taken it to a #2 team.  With the blue and white's outstanding showing, some fans were asking if the Nittany Lions could possibly win all 10 weight classes at the BIG 10's.   

Is that a possibility?  Does that have any probability to it?  

Let's take a look. 

Luke Lilledahl
Penn State

The freshman out of Wyoming Seminary has thus far had an outstanding season.  12-1 on the year, his only blemish is to Dean Peterson of Rutgers in a 4-1 decision.  That's a loss that can easily be turned around.  He also had a tough, tight match with Cornhusker Caleb Smith, winning a 4-2 decision.  That doesn't so much concern me. What does is a current 20-0 on the year Matt Ramos of Purdue.  The Boilermaker was an NCAA DI finalist in 2023, and doesn't look to want to collect anything other than what will match the gold on his singlet.  While Peterson does own a win over Lilledahl, the Nittany Lion's biggest threat is still the Boilermaker.

Best BIG 10 Outcome?  Champion 

Worst? 3rd  (Still some season left, so Lilledahl could get *2 seed, but likely to get *3 seed in my estimation.  Meaning a match with Ramos is likely in the semis) 

Braeden Davis
133

Jacob Van Dee dismantling the young Nittany Lion 14-7 earlier this season really gives JT#1 a lot of doubts about him winning a BIG 10 title.  Add in the fact that this bracket will also feature Drake Ayala of Iowa & Lucas Byrd of Illinois.  Davis didn't exactly light the world on fire against Dylan Shawver either, squeaking out a 2-1 victory.  

I know good and well that Sanderson, as he always does, will have his Nittany Lions peaked for the post season.  Yet, rip me to shreds and feed me to your cubs, I cannot see Davis getting past JVD, Ayala & Byrd to win a BIG 10 title.  I'm sure I'll be @ a bunch, and I'm ok with that, if Davis proves me wrong but....

Best BIG 10 outcome? 3rd

Worst BIG 10 outcome? 6th (Keep in mind we haven't seen him against Bouzakis yet) 

Beau Bartlett
141

I've been calling the senior one of the best wrestlers in all of DI wrestling yet to win an NCAA title.  And that's true...he is.  However, if he wants to win an NCAA DI title & if he wants to win a BIG 10 title, he has to get past Jesse Mendez of Ohio State.  That's one Hell of a task, the toughest the Nittany Lion will have in '24-'25.   He's faced the Buckeye on three occasions, and the score has been the same all three times.  Mendez owns two 4-1 decisions & Bartlett owns one 4-1 decision.  

With that said, also realize that Brock Hardy of Nebraska poses a threat to Bartlett.  8-7 & 9-6 decisions the Husker has shown he can give Bartlett a match, plus he also owns a 7-3 victory over him.  

Bartlett take out Hardy in the semis & then take out Mendez in the finals?  Yes, that's a possibility.  Bartlett without a doubt can make that happen, but let's be honest, it is not a guarantee. 

Best BIG 10 Outcome? Champion 

Worst? 3rd 

Shayne Van Ness
149

The way SVN sunk his claws into Kyle Parco last night was unreal.  Parco is a damn good wrestler, and for SVN to demolish him 17-6 last night was nothing short of impressive.  With that noted, let's keep in mind that Ridge Lovett manifested into John Henry Patterson & 10-2 major decisioned the Ghost & the Darkness earlier this season.  That cannot be overlooked or ignored.  Ironically enough, Parco is 2-0 against the Husker & we'll see if he can beat him a third time this Friday.  That in itself will be very telling. 

Can SVN turn around his loss to Lovett?  I think so.  In fact, I'd go as far as to say I know so.  A lot of scrambling situations happened in that match, and Sanderson coached wrestlers never make the same mistakes twice.  

So my analysis? 

Best BIG 10 outcome? Champion

Worst? 2nd 

Tyler Kasak
157

I'm going to say two things that will make some of you Nittany Lion fans curse me.  

One, like it or not, if Sammy Sasso were 100% and wrestling like his old self (as in the wrestler he was before he was shot by a gun),  Kasak would have a lot more to worry about than what he currently does.  That's a fact. 

Two, I'm not convinced that since coming back off of an injury that Jacori Teemer is 100%.   Kasak looked very strong & as if his defense was impregnable winning a 5-2 decision last night.  I wouldn't call that a shoe-in though.  Not against the 2024 NCAA DI finalist, I wouldn't.   Probability, very high, but not 100%. 

Best BIG 10 outcome? Champion

Worst? 2nd 

Mitchell Mesenbrink
165

You want a shoe-in? You want a guarantee?  Wrestling doesn't have guarantees.  Well, actually, yeah it does & at 165 in the BIG 10, that guarantee is Mitchell Mesenbrink.  He's 4-0 against the #2 wrestler not only in the BIG 10, but in the nation.  Not only 4-0, but all four wins have been by a significant margin, including tech'ing him last night!  Unless he gets severely injured or contracts a deadly disease, no one is stopping Mesenbrink.  

Best BIG 10 Outcome?  Champion

Worst?  Champion 

Levi Haines
174

I wouldn't quite call as strong of a probability as is Mesenbrink, but I assure you the probability is still extremely high with Levi Haines.  I mean, I will entertain the idea of Carson Kharchla plausibly knocking off the Nittany Lion, I'm not giving it very high odds on the over/under.  

Best Big 10 Outcome? Champion 

Worst 2nd 

Carter Starocci
184

We're talking about a four time NCAA DI champion, looking to become a five time NCAA DI champion here.  I don't think that is emphasized, hyped or celebrated enough.  While people are going apeshit over true-freshmen, this unbelievable and furthermore UNMATCHABLE stat on Starocci only gets casual mention.  I don't get that. 

Many I think are making a little too much out of Angelo Ferrari's ability to keep Starocci to a 3-1 decision.  I think Ferarri is very good.  I think he'll win some national titles for Iowa before his collegiate career is said and done.  You know what else I think?  I think Starocci was wrestling very conservative last night.  I don't think he was firing off at all cylinders and I don't think he was going after the Hawkeye at 100% capacity. 

In the finals of this year's BIG 10, he's most likely (in fact, I'd bet on it) going to face one of two phenomenal freshmen.  Either Gabe Arnold of Iowa (who most of the nation was hoping he'd face last night) or Max McEnelly (if you don't think McEnelly can beat Arnold in a BIG 10 semi-final, you haven't been paying attention).   

I think once again we could see Starocci wrestle conservatively and not put himself at risk by executing offense.  That's a possibility.  Yet lose?  We've seen it happen in the past.   Three time DII champion Tony Champion getting knocked off in his final collegiate match.  Dan Gable getting dethroned by the Washington sophomore.  As pointed out, nothing is guaranteed.   Yet I do not see the Nittany Lion being denied.  He's going to be cemented in history.  

Best BIG 10 Outcome? 1st

Worst? 1st 

Josh Barr
197

I imagine reading through 165, 174, and 184, I'm probably on your good side if you're a Penn State fan.  Well, I'm about to be disinvited to your birthday.  

Josh Barr has thus far had an outstanding '24-'25.  The freshman is looking like '26, '27 & '28 might all end in collecting gold medals from some of collegiate wrestling's toughest tournaments.  You know what?  '25 might end that way too.   Not saying it can't.  Not saying it won't. 

He gave #1 ranked Stephen Buchanan a very tough match last night.  A 4-1 loss, he didn't look like this wasn't a match he couldn't have won.  He didn't look like this wasn't something he can work on, make improvements & turn into a W.  

With that said, Buchanan isn't going to be Barr's only challenge at the BIG 10's.  If you don't think Jacob Cardenas of Michigan poses a threat, I assure you, he does.  13-0 on the season, that's 7 techs, two major decisions and a fall.  Barr gets past him, he'll have earn that victory.   I also wouldn't sleep on Isaiah Salazar here either.  I think come BIG 10's Barr will have the higher seed, but if Barr is matched up with him, this is not a match to be looking ahead. 

Best BIG 10 Outcome?  Champion

Worst? 4th 

Greg Kerkvliet
HWT

This is simple and this is honest.   Greg Kervliet isn't beating Gable Steveson.  It's just not going to happen.  No shame in it either.  Collegiately speaking Gable Steveson is probably the best HWT we'll ever see.  If he decides to dedicate his life to international wrestling, he might even surpass Bruce Baumgartner.  That's how good the Golden Gopher is.  He already owns 8-3 & 9-4 decisions over the Nittany Lion. 

On the same hand, I'm very confident that no one else besides Steveson is beating Kerkvliet.  BIG 10 has some tough HWT's, but I don't see anyone even remotely keeping Kerkvliet from making the finals. 

Best BIG 10 Outcome? 2nd

Worst? 2nd


So here you have it.   

I might end up getting served a large dish of crow.  The Nittany Lions may very well crown 10 for 10 at the BIG 10's.  Greg Kerkvliet may channel the spirit of Rulon Gardner and knock off the American version of Alexander Karelin in a match that will be talked about for decades to come.   You never say never, but I'll channel a spirit of my own, Gorilla Monsoon, and say, "Highly unlikely." 

Best I see it for Penn State?

8 champions 

I do not see Davis with that many upsets & again, I do not see Kerkvliet upsetting Steveson.  Everyone else though, I can see winning a BIG 10 title. 

Iowa Vs Penn State Preview (Friday Jan 31st)

 

This is the dual of duals. Everyone and their dog is weighing in on this one and JT#1 will be no different.  We have what could very well be the most watched dual meet in television history coming up this Friday between the #2 Iowa Hawkeyes and the #1 Penn State Nittany Lions. 

I've sat down and evaluated this dual up and down about five times now.  What I'm about to say may get my Iowa Hawkeye wrestling fan card permanently revoked.  Over the last 23 years, I've made some other statements that have gotten it removed, but I usually get it back.  Not sure if I will this time or not. 

I can't score this an Iowa win.  Not if I'm being honest. Not if my job is to report candidly with integrity.  Even if Drake Ayala was in the lineup, the best I see it for Iowa is 15-17.  Which in my opinion would be a Hell of a showing against one of the best NCAA DI teams I've ever seen put together, but we're talking Iowa here.  B&G faithful only want to hear talk of coming into Centre County, stepping out onto Penn State's mat, and in their house, in front of their people, knocking them off. 

I'm sorry, but I don't see it happening.  

With Ayala out of the lineup, I only see one match favoring the Hawkeyes, and to be honest, it is still one that I'm not completely sold on.  At the same time, I see six matches favoring the Nittany Lions, with all six having merit behind the favor.  Three tossup matches.    

Iowa is going to have to bring their A game to every match.  100% ain't gonna cut it.  Only 110% will do.  

If we're betting people, as of right now, I have this scored 

Penn State 21
Iowa 12 

Here are my thoughts on the matches....

#7 Luke Lilledahl Vs #26 Joey Cruz
125

There are a lot of wrestling fans who are still in the faith that true freshman Luke Lilledahl could win both a BIG 10 & an NCAA DI title by season's end.  11-1 on the season, he's shown why the blue and white faithful have such confidence in him.  I think Joey Cruz is coming along for the Hawkeyes. His recent victory over Brendan McCrone of Ohio State shows that he's buying into the system and making the necessary improvements and adjustments necessary to adhere to the standards.  However, has he got himself a test on Friday.  We're talking Advanced calculus. 

#7 Braeden Davis Vs U.R. Kale Peterson
133

It's a real shame that Drake Ayala is out right now, as I think that this match with Braeden Davis would have been one of the best of the evening.  Wrestling is a lot like life however, often unfair.  No doubt about it, Kale Peterson will go out on the mat wings spread, talons and beak ready to pierce, but the Lion will be ready with razor sharp claws and a biteforce of 400 pounds per square inch.  This is where Penn State can really show their dominance.  I predict no less than a major decision here. 

#3 Beau Bartlett Vs Ryder Block, Jace Rhodes or Cullan Schriever
141

I'm not sure who the Hawkeyes send out on the mat against Beau Bartlett, and I'm not sure if it matters. Regardless if it is Block, Rhodes or Schriever, the key here will be to avoid bonus points, and against the 2024 DI finalist, good luck.  12 matches so far on the year, 7 of them have ended in bonus points. 3 falls, two techs, and three majors. 

#4 Shayne Van Ness Vs #2 Kyle Parco
149

Kyle Parco has the higher ranking, but Shayne Van Ness owns the head-to-head in a 7-2 decision.  That means that the two cancel each other out & we've got a toss-up right?  That's how I'm treating this match anyway.  Kyle Parco is a four time All American, looking to not only become a five time All American by the end of 2025, but to also become a national champion.  If he wants to stand atop the podium in Philadelphia this March, he's going to have to beat everyone in front of him.  This includes SVN.  Flip the coin over, same thing for the Nittany Lion.  He has to beat everyone in front of him, including Parco.  I'd say these two are likely to meet at least once if not twice more after this encounter.  Who wins match one of '24-'25? 

#3 Tyler Kasak Vs #1 Jacori Teemer
157

After a two-month layoff, Jacori Teemer looked slick and sharp against a Sammy Sasso we all know is far from 100%.  How does the Hawkeye fare Friday night against Tyler Kasak, who has nothing on his mind other than taking the #1 ranking and making it his own? Tom Brands preaches that nothing is ever deserved, everything has to be earned.  If Teemer is to hold on to his #1 ranking, you bet the farm that Kasak is going to make him earn every bit of that victory.  We're competing in Penn State's house, which might as well be thought of as the Roman Coliseum at this point. 

#1 Mitchel Mesenbrink Vs #2 Mikey Caliendo
165

I'm a big fan of Mikey Caliendo's and I'd love to see the Hawkeye give Mitchel Mesenbrink a good fight here, but the results don't lie.  So far in three matches, the Nittany Lion has ripped and shred the Hawkeye up pretty good. 17-9, 23-7, and 12-6 have been the scores. Things can happen.  The only certainty this sport guarantees us with is uncertainty.  Probability is never 0, but the under/over highly favors the blue & white in this one. 

#2 Levi Haines Vs #6 Pat Kennedy
174

As far as I'm concerned, I feel that Pat Kennedy has already made his case for why he should be the starter come BIG 10's. That's taking nothing away from Nelson Brands.  That's simply telling it like it is about Patrick Kennedy.  Now if you disagree with me, fair.  However, if Kennedy were to pull off an upset Friday night against Haines, case closed.  Kennedy is showcasing his value, and I say while knocking off Haines may be a tall order, he at least shows that he belongs out on the mat with him.  I may very well eat those words later on, and I'm well aware of it.  I know how good the two-time national finalist/NCAA DI champ is.  I still think Kennedy can keep this to a respectable decision. 

#1 Carter Starocci Vs #5 Gabe Arnold
Iowa

Call it arrogance. Call it delusion. Call it whatever you want, it takes a tremendous amount of guts and courage to call out a four-time NCAA DI champion, going for his fifth NCAA DI title.  I question Arnold's strategy here, and can't help but wonder if we're not going back 55 years in time, and channeling a little Larry Owings and Dan Gable here.  Psychological warfare.  It's no secret that Owings got inside Gable's head in 1970, and that appears to be what Arnold is doing. 

Iowa could end up wrestling Ferrari here instead, but from a marketing/promotional position, the people want to see Starocci & Arnold go at it.  I'll repeat, the 2020 meeting between Iowa and Penn State is the most watched televised dual I believe of all time. (Some reports say of BIG 10 Network, some say T.V. period).  There is hope that record gets broken this Friday night.  In possibly doing so, I'm of the position that Starocci Vs Arnold, is our main event. 

I listened to a podcast last night, where a fan said that he believes that Starocci will make Arnold regret the day he ever challenged him. Can you imagine the noise that will be made in Rec Hall or the Bryce Jordan Center?  OMG, it'll be deafening.  Now imagine if Arnold were to somehow, someway pull off the upset.  You could hear a gnat fart from 10 miles away.  

Setting has a lot to do with how we perceive and rate upsets, and I understand this isn't the NCAA DI finals in the last collegiate match that Starocci will ever wrestler.  We're quite finicky as a fanbase.  However, you can't tell me that an Arnold win here wouldn't rate somewhere on the list of all time greatest upsets. I mean come on, we're talking about a 4 time NCAA DI champ, looking to try and win a 5th title.  Let's give it the stature it deserves. 

#4 Josh Barr Vs #1 Stephen Buchanan
197

Here's the one match that favors the Hawkeyes and I don't think that favor is by much.  We're not talking Rapunzel in a comparison to hair length here, we're talking the stubble currently a top of Cael Sanderson's head. Both Josh Barr and Stephen Buchanan have looked exceptionally good this season.  Barr 12-0, has knocked off three All Americans, including majoring one & tech'ing another!  Buchanan 13-0, bonus points in nearly 85% of his matches.  Here's where we really start to see where both of these incredible athletes are in terms of being a national champion by '25's end. 

#2 Greg Kerkvliet Vs #11 Ben Kueter
HWT

I know Ben Kueter is going to step out onto the mat and give Greg Kerkvliet everything he's got.  I have no doubt about that, because that's the kind of guy Ben Kueter is.  110%, 100% of the time.  With that said, Greg Kerkvliet is the #2 wrestler in the nation for good reason.  If it weren't for Gable Steveson, he'd almost be a shoe-in for another national title.  With that said, I was surprised how close Yaraslau Slavikouski wrestled him last week.  Kept the match to a 2-0 decision, considering that Kerkvliet has literally pinned or tech'd everyone else he's stepped on the mat with this season.  That result gives me reason to think that Kueter can keep this match to a decision.  Kerkvliet defeated the Hawkeye 9-1 the last the two met. 
 







 

2025 Pete Willson Invitational - HWT - (Fri Jan 31-Sat Feb 1)

 

HWT

HWT at the Pete Willson Invitational has the potential to be a lot of fun.   I was recently informed that (as in very recently.  As in 125 through 197 were already written) that UW-La Crosse was most likely to only send reserves & that North Central would probably do the same.  Not surprised by the Eagles doing so, but find it peculiar that the Cardinals would.  North Central in my opinion has a sleeper team.  As in a team good enough to shock the D3 nation and finish as high as say 4th at this year's national tournament.  They have the talent on their team, they just need to showcase it.  I would think they'd want a tough in-season competition like Pete Willson before Regionals.  I would think.

Even if there are not starters from UW-La Crosse & North Central, HWT still looks to be a tough bracket.  Take a look for yourself. 

#1
Michael Douglas
UW-La Crosse

Of course, if Michael Douglas does show up to compete this weekend, he'll most certainly be out *1 seed. The Eagle is a two time NCAA DIII All American, who finished 2nd at last year's national tournament.  Against the competition, he owns a 7-6 decision, as well as a 2-1 tiebreaker against Robby Bates.  He also owns a 2:21 fall over Jackson Brinker. 

#2
RayShawn Dixon
Ferrum

In a quest to become the Panthers first NCAA DIII champion, RayShawn Dixon is on a quest this weekend to become a three-time Pete Willson Invitational champion.   The 5th place D3 All American owns an 8-6 decision over Robbie Bates, an 18-1 tech over Brody Miskimon & an 8-1 decision over Jackson Brinker. 

#8
Mike D'Orazio
Chicago

Working his way up the rankings ladder, Mike D'Orazio looks to challenge Dixon this weekend for the Pete Willson Invite title.  Owns 4-2, 11-1, 1-0 & 7-0 decisions over Leno Campbell & a very impressive 2:01 fall over Robby Bates. 

#9
Robby Bates
North Central

I can North Central a darkhorse team very capable of finishing a lot higher than what they are currently ranked.  I call Robby Bates, not even currently ranked in the top 8 at the moment, capable of winning an NCAA DIII title this season.  When on, Bates is a tough wrestler to beat.  Thus far owns 6th & 4th place finishes in the D3 nation.  Love to see him compete here at the Pete Willson Invitational, see how he measures up against Dixon & another go with D'Orazio.  Bates owns 1-0, 2-1, 2-0 & 3-1 decisions over Josh Woodrey.  Owns a 6-2 decision over Jackson Brinker. 

#13
Myles Johnson
Ohio Northern

D3 HWT is often not a kind world to newcomers, but Myles Johnson of Ohio Northern seems to be doing quite well. 24-2 on the year, owns a 9-7 decision over Jackson Brinker. 

#15
Josh Woodrey
Augustana (ILL)

3rd at last year's Pete Willson Invitational, Josh Woodrey has a lot of opportunity to improve upon his ranking this weekend.  Has proven his skills in the past with a 3-1 decision over Robby Bates.  Owns 4-2, 8-1 & 7-3 victories over Jackson Brinker & has defeated Leno Campbell twice by scores of 4-0 & 4-3. 

U.R. 
Jackson Brinker
Cornell (IA)

Built just like a Ram, Jackson Brinker was 5th at last year's Pete Willson Invitational.  I would imagine, he's just outside of the rankings, and a good showing this weekend, he'd be within them the next time they come out.  Owns 6-3 & 1-0 decisions, as well as a 3:57 fall over Leno Campbell. 

U.R.
Leno Campbell
Millkin

The Big Blue was 7th a year ago in these championships and will look to add another medal to his collection this weekend.  Owns a 9-0 major over Jackson Brinker, an 8-4 decision over Jaden Brownlee & a 15-1 major over Mason Swanson. 

U.R.
Jadon Brownlee
Ohio Northern

While the Polar Bears have a very tough freshman in Mike D'Orazio, they also have a tough senior in Jadon Brownlee.  He was 8th here a year ago in his own right and will be looking to earn himself another medal this weekend. 

U.R.
Mason Swanson
Concordia (MN)

The Cobber finished one match shy of a Pete Willson Invitational medal in 2024, and will be looking to earn one here in 2025.  Owns both an 18-1 tech as well as a 3-0 decision against Brody Miskimon. 

U.R.
Brody Miskimon
Alma

R12 in 2024, Brody Miskimon will be another tough HWT looking for a top 8 finish here in Wheaton this weekend.