And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 184 lbs

 

Ty McGeary
West Liberty

The story of Ty McGeary is one that every wrestler who has ever doubted him or herself should here.  During his high school days, McGeary made the high school state tournament twice & only placed once. Hard to believe, considering the phenomenal collegiate career he had wrestling in NCAA Division II.  A three-time NCAA D2 finalist, McGeary won the NCAA D2 title the past two seasons.  He was 3rd-1st-1st-1st at Super Region III. 

Matt Weinberg
Kutztown

The Bear had an outstanding career full of many credentials and accomplishments.  4th-2nd-3rd in the D2 nation, Matt Weinberg was 2nd-1st-1st at the Super Region I & 6th & 1st at the Midwest Classic. 

Cade Mueller
Augustana (S.D.)

It's uncanny how ironic wrestling can be. Coming into '24-'25, I easily named Cade Mueller as one of the best yet to All American at 184 lbs. Low & behold in order to achieve that goal, he had to defeat someone who had been an All American thrice in his career.  Mueller was 1st-3rd-2nd-1st at Super Region V. 

Jacori Deal
Nebraska Kearney

Like brother Jacobi, Jacori Deal came to Nebraska-Kearney after a standout career at Fort Hays Tech Northwest where he won an NJCAA title.  In his final season for the Lopers, Deal earned a runner-up finish at Super Region VI & an 8th place finish in the D2 nation. 

Reece Worachek
UW-Parkside

I've said it many times in my 23 years of covering collegiate wrestling.  This sport can rip the heart straight out of your chest.   Yet in looking over someone's career, it's important to see it as a journey & not a destination. 8th-7th-4th in the D2 nation in his first three seasons, Worachek came up a match short of his fourth All American honor.  With that said, what Worachek did achieve this year, was the rare distinction of becoming a four-time Midwest Classic place-winner with finishes of 6th-7th-4th-2nd.  He was also a four-time Super Region V finalist with finishes of 2nd-1st-1st-2nd. 

Bryce Fitzpatrick
St. Cloud State

A two-time NCAA DII qualifier for the Huskies, Bryce Fitzpatrick took an 8th place finish at the D2 national tournament last year as a junior.  He was 5th-3rd-3rd at Super Region V. 

Austin Gibson
Fairmont State

In his final season with the Fighting Falcons, Austin Gibson qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place showing at Super Region I. 

Jason Bynarowicz
Colorado Mesa

We could very well be looking a future Detective Bynarowicz of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  During his collegiate wrestling career, Jason Bynarowicz saw NCAA DII qualification finishing 4th-3rd-6th at Super Region VI. 

Colter Bye
Upper Iowa

Most of the time in wrestling if you see you have a Bye, that's a good thing.  Not the case with Colter.  The Peacock was an NCAA DII qualifier during his career, with 2nd-4th-6th place showings at Super Region V. 

Shylik Scriven
UNC-Pembroke

During his career with the Braves, Shylike Scriven placed 5th at the Super Region II on three occasions. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 174 lbs

 

Jacobi Deal
Nebraska-Kearney

After an NJCAA All American career at Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Jacobi Deal put together an outstanding senior season for the Lopers of UNK.  Winning a Super Region IV title, he made the NCAA DII finals. 

Matt Ortiz
McKendree

What a great final two seasons of wrestling it was for Matt Ortiz of McKendree.  Made the finals of Super Region IV twice & took a 5th place showing at the NCAA D2 championships this year.  Was also 7th & 2nd at the prestigious Midwest Classic. 

Owen Butler
Frostburg State

After success on both the mat and the track & field at Indianapolis, Owen Butler decided to spend his final season of wrestling at Frostburg State.  A three-time NCAA Division II qualifier, Butler was 3rd-3rd-3rd at the Super Region. 

Cole Hernandez
Western Colorado

Things didn't quite end the way for Cole Hernandez the way he was hoping that they would, but nonetheless, what a great career for the Mountaineer.  3rd-1st-4th at Super Region VI, Hernandez made D2 All American status of 6th & 7th in his sophomore & junior seasons.   He was 7th-3rd-3rd at the prestigious Midwest Classic.  This year alone, he tech'd Josh Kenny 20-5 and had both a 19-4 tech & a 15-2 major over Gus Dalton. 

Trey Sizemore
Indianapolis

5th in the D2 nation last year, Trey Sizemore unfortunately faced a series of injuries this year and was unable to make it back to the national championships. Starting off his career for the Illinois Fighting Illini, it should be noted that he was a Midlands place-winner before coming to NCAA Division II.  He was 3rd-6th at Super Region IV. 

Zane Coleman
Central Oklahoma

Zane Coleman spent the bulk of his career at Arizona State before coming to Central Oklahoma.  In his final season of competition, Coleman came within one match of being an NCAA DII qualifier with a 4th place finish at Super Region IV. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 157 lbs

 

Gabe Johnson
Central Oklahoma

It doesn't get much better than what it was for Gabe Johnson during his collegiate career.  Success was no stranger to the Broncho. In fact, it turned out to be a close personal friend.  7th as a sophomore in the D2 nation, Gabe Johnson would go on to win back-to-back NCAA D2 titles in his junior & senior seasons of competition.  1st-1st-1st at Super Region IV, he also enjoyed a tremendous amount of success at the Midwest Classic, placing 2nd-1st-1st. 

Aaden Valdez
Adams State

An outstanding career for the Grizzly, as Aaden Valdez captured three Super Region VI titles & D2 All American honors of 7th & 3rd in his final two seasons.  Went 20-2 on the year. 

John Ridle
Central Missouri

John Ridle had an outstanding sophomore season a couple of years ago, winning a Super Region IV title & placing 5th at both the Midwest Classic & the NCAA D2 championships.  Unfortunately injuries got the best of him in his junior season, as he finished one match shy of placing at the Midwest Classic & finished 5th at Super region IV.  At the end of that season, John's father told me John wasn't sure if he wanted to wrestle another season or not.  He was still making up his mind.  I told John's Dad that I supported him either way & hoped the best for him no matter what decision he made.  I also told him that it was important to realize this last opportunity would be it for wrestling.  Once it was over it was over.  John did decide to give it one more go & I'm sure glad he did.  Had another stellar season, which saw a second Midwest Classic medal earned with a 4th place finish.  He then took runner-up honors at Super Region IV, besting everyone in front of him into the finals, & giving NCAA DII champ Gabe Johnson a good match.  He then earned his second DII All American honor, capping off a great career with a 6th place finish. 

Jake Nicolosi
Mount Olive

2nd-4th-6th-1st at Super Region II, Jake Nicolosi enjoyed much success during his time as a Trojan.  Was one match shy of D2 All American honors this year, but did make the finals of the prestigious Midwest Classic.  Anxious to see if he ends up a member of the Mount Olive coaching staff next year, to help out younger brother Brent. 

Guy DeLeonardis
Glenville State

Guy DeLeonardis had a great final three seasons competing for the Pioneers (wrestled at Millersville freshman season).  A Super Region III champion as a sophomore, he took runner-up honors in both his junior & senior seasons.  3rd in the D2 nation as a junior, was one match shy of a medal as both a sophomore & senior.   

Noah Roulo
Lander

The Bearcats have Noah Roulo listed as a freshman on their roster, but I have no idea how that could be possible.  He was at VMI for years before coming to Lander. So he might have more time left, but his first year at VMI was '19-'20.  I think this was his final season & in his final season, he qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a 3rd place finish at Super Region II. 

Nathan Conley
Indianapolis

Nathan Conley earned NCAA DII qualification honors in his final season, with a 3rd place showing at Super Region IV. 

Ben Durocher
UW-Parkside

With as many notable W's as Ben Durocher picked up during his career, it is difficult to believe that he only made the NCAA DII tournament once.  Came extremely close the other three times though as he was 5th-4th-3rd-4th at Super Region V.  With many highlights during his career, I'd have to say the highlight was this year when he captured a 3rd place finish at the Midwest Classic. 

Jaylon Otero
Ouachita Baptist

The Tulsa native is one of the toughest in DII at the 157 lbs weight class to never see the NCAA DII tournament.  Came close the past three seasons with 5th-4th-4th place showings at Super Region IV. 

Matt Kaufman
Lake Erie

Like Otero, Matt Kaufman was another super tough wrestler who never made the NCAA DII tournament. The future elementary school teacher started off his career competing for The Real Notre Dame & then transferred to Lake Erie for his final season of competition.  5th-4th-4th in Super Region competition. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 165 lbs

 

Jack Haskin
Lake Erie

What a career Jack Haskin had for the Storm! A four-time NCAA DII qualifier, Haskin finished off his time suiting up for the green & white, earning All American honors of 4th & 2nd.  4th-3rd-1st-1st at Super Region III, he was 3rd at this year's Midwest Classic.  75 career wins. 

Nick Novak
St. Cloud State

Nick Novak put together an outstanding career for the Huskies.  79-10 overall, Haskin won an NCAA DII title as a sophomore, once again making the NCAA DII finals as a junior & finishing 4th in the D2 nation this year as a senior.  A three-time Super Region V champion. 

Jace Fisher
Newman

The Kansas native made two trips to the NCAA D2 championships during his illustrious career for the Jets, ending his collegiate wrestling days with a 6th place All American honor.  2nd-4th-3rd at Super Region IV. 

Hunter Jump
Central Oklahoma

With as many injuries as Hunter Jump went through during his collegiate career it is utmost impressive what he was able to accomplish during his time as a Broncho.  It also makes you wonder how much more he would have achieved if he hadn't have broken his collar bone & dealt with other injuries during his career.  3rd in the D2 nation last year as a junior, he came up a little short of another All American honor this year, but nevertheless was able to win his second Super Region IV title & he placed 6th at the prestigious Midwest Classic. 

Kyle Botelho
San Francisco State

Also a member of the Gator Track & Field program, Kyle Botelho enjoyed a successful career on the mat qualifying for the NCAA D2 championships his final two seasons with back-to-back runner-up finishes at Super Region VI. 

Leo Mushinsky
Mary

In his final season as a Marauder, Leo Mushinsky took 3rd at Super Region V & finished one match shy of D2 All American honors. 

Will Kuster
Drury

An NCAA DII qualifier as a sophomore with a 3rd place showing at Super Region IV, Will Kuster was unable to make another trip to the NCAA DII championships in his final two seasons.  He came painstakingly close with a 5th place Region finish in 2024 & a 4th place finish this year.  Despite not making the national tournament, he did place 7th at the Midwest Classic.  He had wins over both Jace Fisher (8-6) & Dejon Johnson (7-4). 

Will Lowery
UNC-Pembroke

Will Lowery narrowly missed out on NCAA DII qualification with a 4th place finish at Super Region II.   On the year had a 3:57 fall over Trent Mahoney & a 15-12 s.v. over Guy DeLeonardis. 





 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 149 lbs

 

Nick James
Nebraska-Kearney

You know my love for redemption stories.  Nick James story was a very rewarding one.  7th as a freshman & 5th as a sophomore, James finished one match shy of D2 All American honors as a junior.  He came back in a very big way for his final season of collegiate wrestling, making the NCAA Division II finals!  He was also 1st-3rd-1st-1st at Super Region VI. 

Dean Noble 
Western Colorado

What a rewarding career it was for Dean Noble.  A three-time NCAA Division II qualifier, Noble was 1st-2nd-3rd at Super Region VI, earning 7th & 4th place D2 All American honors.  He also made the Midwest Classic Finals this year. 

Jackson Hoover
Indianapolis

Also a scholar All American, Jackson Hoover earned NCAA D2 All American honors of 5th place in his final season of collegiate wrestling.  He was 4th-3rd-1st at Super Region IV. 

Joey Semerad
McKendree

In his final season of collegiate wrestling, Joey Semerad demonstrated how it can often be tougher to earn a medal at the Midwest Classic, than the NCAA D2 tournament.  One match shy of placing at MWC, Semerad would not be denied at nationals, earning 7th place All American honors.  The past two seasons he was 2nd & 3rd at Super Region IV. 

John Carayiannis
Belmont Abbey

Zoitos "John" Carayiannis earned D2 All American honors of 6th in both his freshman & sophomore seasons.  Unfortunately, he was never able to capture All American honors again, but he did have many other ups in his career, including placing 3rd-2nd-1st in his last three Super Region III's. 

Colby Njos
St Cloud State

Colby Njos put together a strong career for the Huskies, placing 1st & 3rd in the last two Super Region V's.  On the season he had a 4-3 decision over D2 champion Cael Larson. 

Torry Early
Chadron State

A match shy of D2 qualification last year as a junior, Torry Early would not be denied in his final season, capturing runner-up honors at Super Region VI. 

Jake Piccirilli
UNC-Pembroke

As a rouge writer without a major publication backing me, I sometimes wonder who all is reading me?  Is it fellow fans, such as myself?  Do any actual coaches or wrestlers read JT#1? When I first started covering NCAA D2 years ago, the first D2 wrestler to start following me via Twitter was Jake Piccirilli.  I enjoyed watching him have an outstanding career for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke, that just about saw him qualify for the NCAA DII national championships on four occasions.  Missed it by a mere hair his sophomore season.  3rd-4th-3rd-2nd at Super Region II. 

James Ryan
Kutztown

The Long Island, New York native spent time at both Gannon & Kutztown, where he enjoyed success for both programs.  A three-time NCAA DII qualifier, with finishes of 2nd-3rd-3rd at the Super Region. 

Wyatt Turnquist
Northern State

Every season there are a lot of really good wrestlers in NCAA Division II wrestling that miss out on the National tournament because of how few qualifiers there are.  If I had to narrow it down to the very best, I might say Wyatt Turnquist, because if he isn't the best, he is certainly one of them.  3rd in the D2 nation as a sophomore, Turnquist was the victim of an insanely tough Super Region V.  3rd-3rd-5th-4th in the Region, on the year he had a 3-0 win over D2 champ Cael Larson.  He also defeated D2 runner-up Nick James 7-1.  On another day, Turnquist could've very well been a D2 champ himself.  3rd-1st-4th at the Midwest Classic these past three seasons. 

And That's a Career - A final salute to the Class of '25 - NCAA Division 2 141 lbs

 

Christian Small
Lake Erie

I tell you what, 141 lbs in NCAA Division II broke my heart in many ways this season.  I was always hoping to see Christian Small win an NCAA II title during his career, but between bad luck & injury, things unfortunately didn't work out that way.  An NCAA DII runner-up as a sophomore, he had a nightmare tournament as a junior going 0-2 & this year injury saw him finish a match shy of D2 All American honors.  3rd-1st-1st at Super Region III, he was the Midwest Classic runner-up this season.  When it comes to class & sportsmanship, one of the best ever. 

Brayden Lowery
Indianapolis

Braydon Lowery fought hard to earn the varsity spot at Indianapolis this season & made the most of it by winning Super Region IV & finishing one match shy of D2 All American honors. 

Angel Flores
Adams State

Angel Flores ended an outstanding collegiate career as a two-time NCAA D2 qualifier, with an All American finish of 4th in 2024.  Was 3rd & 2nd at Super Region VI. 

Cayden Henschel
UW-Parkside

As said when I spoke of Small,  141 lbs in D2 was very heartbreaking this year.  Cayden Henschel seemed to have done everyone in D2, except make All American honors.  Not only did he seem poised to make the award stand, he looked like he was going to stand a top of it.  He beat everyone this year. Wins over nearly everyone who made All American honors.   Yet come Super Region V time, a tournament he had previously finished 1st & 2nd at, things fell apart for him & he took 5th.   I've spoken of this many times already this season, but the fact that many celebrated his tragedy, I find injudicious & concerning.   Henschel was very self-promoting, but I never saw him degrade anyone else. It's like in wrestling so many want the sport to grow in terms of popularity & viewership, yet they want the masses to come to us like the Prince who suddenly shows up to awaken Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty with a kiss out of nowhere.  It doesn't work that way.  It's us that has to attract them.  It takes going the extra mile and doing things like what Henschel did, which in many ways takes a lot of courage.  I personally think he was one of the best things to happen to D2 wrestling.   His highlights were the prestigious Midwest Classic, where he was 8th-3rd-1st. 

Grayson DiBlasi
Colorado School of Mines

While Cayden Henschel is probably the best to not qualify for the NCAA DII championships this year at 141 lbs, Grayson DiBlasi is a very, very close second.  An unorthodox wrestler, who made it up as he goes, this is a guy I'm going to miss seeing on the mat.  You knew any time he stepped his toe to the line, as Doc Brown would say in Back to the Future you were about to see some serious shit.   3rd & 2nd in his first two Super Region VI tournaments, DiBlasi was a victim of loaded brackets in both his junior & senior years, finishing 5th & 4th.  Matter of fact, in his final collegiate match, he gave Johnny Lopez a tough 11-9 match.  Lopez went on to win the D2 title.   DiBlasi was 7th-7th-4th at the Midwest Classic. 

Mason Myers
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

An NCAA DII qualifier last year as a junior with a 2nd place finish at Super Region I, Mason Myers came up a little short in his final attempt as he finished 5th at Super Region I.