Talk about a loaded weight class. H-O-L-Y C-O-W! Here we have last year's NCAA DIII champion, plus two other D3 All Americans. A two-time Pete Willson Invitational champion, last year's runner-up, plus four more returning medalists! 174 is going to be an all-out war!
 |
| #1 Jared Stricker UW-Eau Claire |
Last year's NCAA DIII champion, Jared Stricker heads into this weekend already a two-time Pete Willson Invitational champion, looking to win his third title. Among the competition he's beaten nearly anyone who would dare to challenge him this weekend. Owns two techs over Dejon Glaster by scores of 17-1 & 19-3. Had defeated Eddie Simes on three occasions, 11-0, 8-1 & 8-0. Owns an 11-1 major, as well as 2:21 & 4:37 falls over Carson Trotzer. A 5-1 decision & 1:24 fall over Leo Draveling. 12-0, 5-2, 6-0 & 10-5, well as a 4:06 fall over Ryan Riser. A 2:36 fall over Xavier Preston & a 1:08 fall over Tyler Joseph. There are no sure things in the sport of wrestling, but I'd say this might be as close are you're going to get.
 |
| #5 Dejon Glaster Millikin |
Dejon Glaster hasn't faced much of the competition he's likely to face this weekend, but a 6th place finish in the D3 nation last season & a current record of 20-1 pretty much speak for themselves. No guarantee, but a likely finals opponent for Stricker.
 |
| #7 Eddie Simes UW-La Crosse |
A high ranking and results give Eddie Simes plenty of confidence heading into this weekend. He owns both a 17-1 tech & an 11-3 major over Carson Trotzer. Owns both a 9-7 & a 4-1 s.v. over Leo Draveling. Also owns a 4-1 decision & a 10-4 major over Ryan Riser.
 |
| #8 Javen Estrada North Central |
Competing at 149 lbs, Javen Estrada proved that he was a D3 world beater. Finished as the national runner-up in 2023. Moving up weight classes, hasn't been quite as rewarding. He came up short of qualifying last season, competing at 157 lbs. I wondered if he might move back to 149, but instead he shocked the heck out of me by moving up to 174 lbs. I wasn't sure what to think, but he's thus far been most impressive. A 15-3 record and a respectable ranking. Can he climb that rankings ladder? He'll have plenty of opportunity to this weekend. Owns an 18-2 tech over Tyler Joseph
 |
| #13 Carson Trotzer UW-Stevens Point |
The Pointer was 4th in last year's Pete Willson Invitational & has proven that he can garner some pretty big victories. Owns a 19-4 technical fall over Leo Draveling & a 36 second fall over Tyler Joseph.
 |
| U.R. Leo Draveling UW-La Crosse |
As good as Eddie Simes is, the varsity spot come Regionals is still up for grabs. Leo Draveling still wants that position & there's still a chance that he could get it. He was the runner-up here at the Pete Willson invitational last year. He owns a 2:49 fall over Javen Estrada & he owns a 2:46 fall over Ryan Riser.
 |
| U.R. Ryan Riser UW-Whitewater |
This sport is often about proving yourself and then reproving yourself over and over again. Ryan Riser isn't currently ranked at the moment, but that could easily change after this weekend. Riser proved how tough he can be at last year's Pete Willson Invitational by taking home the bronze medal. He already owns two victories over Dejon Glaster by scores of 8-7 & 4-1 s.v. He also owns both a 2:47 fall & a 6-1 decision over Carson Trotzer. Add in a 15-5 major decision over Xavier Preston, he has defeated Tyler Joseph by scores of 3-2, 12-0 & 7-4.
 |
| U.R. Xavier Preston Roanoke |
Here's a guy that can come alive at opportune times. One I'd watch out for if you're into upsets, because Xavier Preston upsetting someone in this bracket is not a far-fetched conception. The Maroon is an NCAA DIII qualifier & he placed 5th here a year ago. Owns a 5-2 decision over Tyler Joseph.
 |
| U.R. Tyler Joseph Chicago |
8th at last year's Pete Willson Invitational, Tyler Joseph will be going for medal number two this weekend. Owns an 8-6 decision over Ryan Riser.
No comments:
Post a Comment