Maryville @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

The Saints have some very tough wrestlers on their team this year & will look to have a good weekend in Indianapolis! 

U.R.
Hudson Hackbarth
141

Although unranked, Hudson Hackbarth can be very tough at times.  Won 22 matches last season. 

#1
Cole Ritter
174

Cole Ritter is an extremely interesting case.  An NCAA D2 champion last year & currently ranked #1, the Midwest Classic has been a bit of a curse for the Saint.  Although he was 4th year three years ago, he's been R12 the past two seasons.  Can he end the curse? We'll soon find out. 

U.R.
Dalton Litzsinger
184

Here's another tough Saint in spite of being unranked.  24 wins on the season, Litzsinger was one match shy of being an NCAA D2 qualifier & he owns an impressive 10-7 s.v. over Clint Morissette.  

#16
Jeremiah Larson
197

Last but certainly not least, Jeremiah Larson an NCAA DII qualifier for the Saints last year will look for a top 8 finish this weekend. 

McKendree @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

The Bearcats a very, very tough team this year.  The Midwest Classic usually gives out t-shirts to all of its 80 place-winners throughout 10 weight classes & I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see many of McKendree's wrestlers wearing them as they board the bus back to Lebanon, Illinois. 

#2
Thaddeus Long
133

It's been one heck of a career thus far for Thaddeus Long. What began at NCAA DII, is ironically enough ending at NCAA DII.  The past two seasons Long has proven himself to be the best of the best at the NAIA level.  Making the finals two seasons in a row & being crowned National champion last year.  What has made the D2 community so excited about him?  His manhandling of Christian Davis, that's what.  A 6:55 fall & a 17-4 dismantling.  

#9
Ronan Schuelke
141

Back-to-back 7th place finishes in the D2 nation, Ronan Schuelke has been 5th & 3rd the past two Midwest Classic championships.  10-1 on the year owns a 8-0 major over James Wright & both a 5-0 dec & 7:00 fall over Troy Dolphin. 

#19
Cale Hoskinson
157

Currently standing at 9-3 on the year, Cale Hoskinson was one match shy of a top 8 finish here in Indianapolis a year ago. 

#15
Zeke Waltz
174

Zeke Waltz has competed at 184 the past two season where he's been twice R12 at D2 nationals & 8th here at the Classic last year.  Seems to be adjusting to the weight cut & we'll see him against some of the best D2 has to offer this weekend. 

#6
Darion Johnson
184

The two-time NJCAA runner-up for Western Wyoming is making his former Coach Art Castillo proud with how well he has wrestling thus far in NCAA D2.  Another Bearcat on the prowl for a top 8 finish this weekend. 

#4
Logan Kvien
197

I talk a lot about wrestlers sometimes having chips on their shoulders. I'd say last year's Midwest Classic champion, Logan Kvien may be one of them.  The Bearcat earned a 6th place finish at the D2 championships in 2023 & a 3rd place finish in 2024.  Last year, he came up short of his third All-American medal.  I would imagine he doesn't plan on doing anything other than adding another gold medal to his collection this weekend. 

Mary @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

The Marauders look to come into Indianapolis this weekend pillaging and ransacking their way to victory! They have some very tough wrestlers on their team! 

U.R.
Mason Gutenberger
125

Mason Gutenberger is a tough wrestler, who if it wasn't for falling apart at the Super Regions last year, might even be ranked right now.  He won 23 matches last season & stuck Shane Corrigan at the 2:06 mark.   Thus far this year, he's 11-5.

#6
Sean Solis
141

3rd in the D2 nation, Sean Solis was 6th here a year ago.  Owns a 7-6 decision over Ronan Schuelke & a 3:47 fall over Brock Durbin. 

#5
Kaden Renner
157

Currently 7-2 on the season, Kaden Renner was 7th in the D2 nation last year. 

U.R.
Mike Murillo
197

Super tough youngster Mike Murillo went 21-5 last season & is likely to not only have a good weekend here in Indianapolis but soon find himself in the rankings. 

#6
Luke Tweeton
HWT

Will I be Tweeting about Tweeton Sunday night? All predictions point that way! Back in 2024, Tweeton was 5th at the Midwest Classic & 8th in the D2 Nation.  He has returned to action to once again claim a top 8 spot on the award stand this weekend! 

Mount Olive @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

The Trojans head into Indianapolis with some very tough wrestlers looking to become Midwest Classic place-winners this weekend. One with the potential to pull of what could be '25-'26's biggest upset in NCAA DII. 

U.R.
Eli Pendergrass
133

One match shy of being an NCAA DII qualifier last year, Eli Pendergrass has shown on more than one occasion he can be a force to be reckoned with on the mat. Owns a 4:39 fall over Stephen Spitko. 

U.R.
Ben Hernandez
141

An up and down career thus far, of course now would be a good time to have an up for Ben Hernandez who was 5th at last year's Super Region II. 

#4
Brent Nicolosi
165

Here's the prize.  Brent Nicolosi was one match shy of a medal at both the Midwest Classic & the NCAA DII national tournament last year.   Here's the kicker.  He owns a 6-5 decision over two-time D2 champion/two-time Midwest Classic champion David Hunsberger.  The other time he wrestled him, it was a close 7-6 match in favor of Hunsberger.  

#11
Jack MacKiernan
184

Jack MacKiernan has a chip on his shoulder for more than one reason.  Reason number one is that after qualifying for the NCAA DII championships as a freshman, he has been one match shy of a second qualification as both a sophomore & a junior.  Reason number two?  He competed for American International & because they decided to ax their wrestling program, he was forced to find a new home.  He's 14-3 for the Trojans this year & poised for a top 8 spot in Indianapolis. 

U.R.
Calan Staub
197

1st-4th-3rd at Super Region II, Calan Staub has looked sharp competing at 184 lbs.  Now he's at 197, and it's time to see if he's as sharp 13 lbs up. 

Lander @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

Lander has an outstanding team this year, one that could potentially be in the hunt for the NCAA Division II title by season's end.  This weekend, they'll be tested at D2's toughest in-season tournament, the Midwest Classic! Often known to be just as tough or tougher than the national tournament itself, the Bearcats will be tested among the likes of Central Oklahoma, Gannon, McKendree, Pitt-Johnstown, & UW-Parkside.  

#18
Kaden Kuenzi
Lander

Some might point to the fact that it has been a bit of a rough start for Kaden Kuenzi thus for in 2025-2026, but the guy has never been known for having an impressive record. He's known for turning it on at right times, as he demonstrated very well by winning last year's Super Region II. 

#5 James Joplin Or U.R. Christian Davis
133

Considering James Joplin is the one with the ranking & that Christian Davis is currently redshirting, I'm going to assume that James Joplin will be the starter for the Bearcats this weekend.  Both of these guys have placed 3rd in the NCAA D2 Nation in their careers, & both of these guys are champion material this weekend in Indianapolis.  Among Joplin's wins, a 13-4 and 4-3 decision over Isaiah Gamez, a 7-2 decision over Anthony Aniciete, a 17-2 decision over Luke Acuna & a 3-0 win over Stephen Spitko. 

#10
Elijah Lusk
141

8th & 6th in the D2 Nation in 2023 & 2024 respectively, Elijah Lusk returns to action this season after taking a redshirt this past year.  Notable wins include a 13-4 major over Ethan Hardy, 7-3 decision over James Anderson & an 8-7 decision over Jason Henschel. 

#12
Isham Peace
149

6th in the D2 nation last year competing at 141 lbs, Isham Peace is still currently adjusting to the world of D2 wrestling up at 149 lbs.  The Midwest Classic will be an excellent test to see exactly where he's at. 

#16
Noah Roulo
157

The VMI transfer didn't take to the mat much last season, but he wrestled enough to earn an NCAA DII qualification.  Among those looking for a top 8 finish here in Indianapolis, he's one of them. 

#1
David Hunsberger
165

There are reasons why I can't say it's a shoe-in, but I can say that it is practically a shoe-in.  David Hunsberger is already a two-time NCAA DII champion & he's a two-time Midwest Classic Champion. A favorite to win a third title this weekend?  You betcha. 

#16
Max Kiel
174

The Belmont Abbey transfer has been dealing with injuries his entire collegiate career, but still he's managed 1st-1st-2nd finishes are Super Region II to become a three-time NCAA II qualifier.  7-0 on the year thus far, not only am I anxious to see what he can do this tournament, I'm anxious to see what he can do a full season if he doesn't get hurt. 

#7
Dylan Kohn
184

Dylan Kohn is a NCAA Division I transfer that spent time at both Edinboro & West Virginia.  This isn't just a guy that sat on the bench for a while & then decided to transfer to NCAA DII either.  He has some wins worth mentioning.  Jack McGill, an NCAA DI qualifier.  How about James Conway? That name sound familiar? The CKLV champion at 184 last weekend! Yeah, Dylan Kohn is going to be just fine here in NCAA DII & he'll be just fine this weekend in Indianapolis.  Already owns a 14-3 major over Jack MacKiernan. 

#13
Marvelous Rutledge
197 

A REAL Notre Dame transfer, you could really see the improvements of Marvelous Rutledge in his first season with Lander last year.  Learning how to turn close losses into wins & learning how to gut out those hard fought close wins. That was the difference maker for Marvelous Rutledge last year, who placed 7th in the D2 Nation.  Among his wins heading into this weekend, a 3-2 win over John-Parker Wilson, a 4-3 win over Logan Kvien, a 6-2 win over Wyatt Miller & both an 8-5 & 4-1 s.v. over David Bertrand. 

#8
Isaac Sheeren
HWT

One match shy of D2 All-American honors last year, Isaac Sheeren is yet another Bearcat very capable of a top 8 showing this weekend.  


=== 

As you can see Lander is solid up and down their lineup.  They don't have a weak spot or a hole anywhere.  A very tough team, one that might even be able to challenge Central Oklahoma this weekend, which until proven otherwise is king. 

Indianapolis @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

If you're going to talk Midwest Classic, then you HAVE TO include host Indianapolis!! They Greyhounds aren't currently ranked as a team, but they have some very tough wrestlers, all of which are more than capable of earning Midwest Classic top 8 honors this weekend!! 

#14
Nathan Smith
125

The Greyhound was one match shy of being an NCAA DII All-American last season & among his wins a 6-3 decision over Colton Drousias. 

U.R.
Aiden Sprague
133

Aiden Sprague has shown in the past how he can be a dangerous wrestler.  Owns a 3:42 fall over Max Shore. 

#18
Gavin Garcia
141

Here is your box of chocolates wrestler.  With Gavin Garcia, you never know what to expect.  The Greyhound finished out last year 11-13, but thus far this year he's already ranked #18.  Owns an impressive 4-2 victory over Gabe Onorato. 

#14
Logan Farnell
165

9-1 thus far this season, Logan Farnell heads into his home hosted tournament with an impressive 13-5 win over Nate Barrett. 

#11
Cale Gray
HWT

A two-time NCAA DII qualifier, Cale Gray already has Midwest Classic finishes of 4th & 3rd. No doubt about it, he'll be gunning for a third honor this weekend in front a crowd of Greyhound fans! 

Grand Valley State @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic

 

Ever since being reinstated a few short years ago, the Lakers have continued to impress season after season, tournament after tournament.  This year's Midwest Classic will be no different.  The Lakers have put many on the award stand before & they will again.  Currently ranked #14 in the D2 Nation, wouldn't be surprised at all if they jump a few spots come Monday! 

#17
Jak Keller
133

The Lakers are begin to really show their power & dominance within the upperweights, but they have a very talented lightweight here in Jak Keller.  Although he's in a bit of a slump at the moment, Jak Keller was one match shy of being an NCAA DII qualifier last year & he was 6th at the Midwest Classic.  Owns an 8-5 decision over Christian Davis & a 13-3 major over Evan Bindner. 

U.R.
Maclain Morency
165

5th in Super Region III a year ago, Maclain Morency has yet to wrestle this season, but he did win matches at last year's Midwest Classic. In a tournament as tough & prestigious as this one, you need every point you can get when competing against teams like Central Oklahoma, Lander & Glenville State. 

#3
Josh Kenny
174

An NCAA D2 champion in 2024, Josh Kenny was also a Midwest Classic runner-up that season.  Last year, he slipped to a 7th place finish at the national tournament & 4th at the classic.  This is a guy that wants to end both this weekend, as well as the final weekend of his collegiate career with gold.  A 4:46 fall over Matt Ortiz & a 5-4 decision over Hayden Pummel both suggest he is more than capable of doing just that. 

#20
Bradley Mayse
184

11 wins already this year, Bradley Mayse looks poised to compete at the Midwest Classic. 

#6
Brayden Mirjavadi
197

The Lakers have more than one Midwest Classic champion hopeful & Brayden Mirjavadi is one of them.  A match shy of being an NCAA DII All-American last year, Mirjavadi was 7th at the Midwest Classic.  12-5 on the year, four of his five losses have been to NCAA DI competition.  Owns a 2:12 fall as well as a 4-3 decision over Peyton Lemon.  4-3 over Zeke Waltz, 20-6 over Nick Johnson & 8-1 over Cole Gray. 

#5
Carter Blough
HWT

Carter Blough a Midwest Classic title contender?  8th in the DII nation last year & a Midwest Classic runner-up, I'd say so!  He's currently 10-1 this season & one of his wins was a 4-1 s.v. over David Szuba who was 4th last weekend at Cliff Keen!! 

Glenville State @ The 46th Annual Midwest Classic!

 

If you want my opinion, and you must because you're reading my stuff, at #12 Glenville State is severely underrated. I look up and down their lineup & I feel many of their wrestlers are ranked far lower than they should be. I'm not much for complaining & I'm going to continue my praise for Theopenmat.com as they are the best website for treating DII, DIII, NAIA & NJCAA as good as they do DI in terms of rankings, but hear me when I say this...

The Pioneers are better than #12 & I say they more than demonstrate that this weekend. 

#5
Colton Drousias
125

8th in the D2 Nation last season, Colton Drousias was 6th here at the Classic.  The Pioneer owns an 8-6 win over Trevon Gray, a 7-4 s.v. over Dayson Torgerson & both a 7-1 & 3-1 tiebreaker over Logan Davis. 

#12
Ethan Hardy
141

An NCAA DII qualifier in 2023, Ethan Hardy was both a match shy of NCAA DII qualification & of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic in 2024.  The Pioneer owns both a 5-2 decision over red-hot Khyvon Grace & a 4-3 decision over Jaylon Spuhler. 

#9
Gabe Onorato
149

8th in the D2 Nation last year, Gabe Onorato was 3rd at the Midwest Classic.  Owns a 3-1 win over Ethen Doty, a 5-4 decision over Isham Peace & he's defeated Hayden Kuhn by 6-3 & 3-1 scores. 

#15
Jimmie Bailes
157

As much as Head Coach Dylan Cottrell has utilized the portal, it's a bit off-guard seeing a freshman in the varsity lineup, but here we are with Jimmie Bailes. A native of West Virginia, the freshman owns an impressive 5-4 win over Noah Roulo. 

#10
Hayden Pummel
174

Hayden Pummel ranked #10 is downright laughable to be quite honest.  Unless he's still suffering from last year's injury, he's one of the top prospects for an NCAA DII title this season & he'll demonstrate that this weekend being one of the top prospects for a Midwest Classic title.  A champion last year, his only loss so far in '25-'26 is to DI competition.  He owns both an 11-7 as well as a 3:19 fall over Josh Kenny.  9-1 & 6-3 over Clint Morissette.  8-6 over Cole Ritter & 15-0 over Coy Gunderson. 

#7
Nick Johnson
197

5th in the D2 nation a year ago, Nick Johnson was 3rd at last year's Midwest Classic.  Let the fact that earlier this year he stuck Rune Lawrence who was 5th at Cliff Keen Las Vegas in 1:40 speak for itself!! If that's not enough!  3-2 & a 5:52 fall over Logan Kvien.  4-1 s.v. & 10-3 over Wyatt Miller.  5-1 over Marvelous Rutledge. 

#4
Colby Whitehill
HWT

8th at the Midwest Classic last year, Colby Whitehill is in his first season as the starter for the Pioneers at HWT.  Thus far, looking great at 12-0.  Owns a 6:16 fall over Cale Gray & a 9-4 decision over Carter Blough.