NCAA DII - SUPER REGION SIX - Preview (Saturday March 6th)

 

Another super tough regional with way more than three wrestlers per weight class eligible for NCAA DII qualification.  We have #4 Nebraska-Kearney, #13 Western Colorado, #16 Colorado School of Mines, #25 Colorado Mesa plus many other talented teams looking to send wrestlers to the national tournament. 

125

Talk about an insane amount of talent. It'll be hard enough to finish top 6 within the SUPER REGION VI, let alone try and finish within the top 3.  Last year's Super Region champ, Zach Ourada was 5th in the D2 nation.  12-3 on the year, owns a 15-0 tech over Christian Lopez.  

Isaiah Gamez was the runner-up here last year & he finished 4th in the D2 nation.  23-3 on the season, owns a 6-0 decision over Dayson Torgerson, a 6:41 fall over Hunter Jacobson & a 6-3 decision over Lopez. 

Torgerson collected bronze last season & finished one match shy of D2 All American honors.  He owns a 5-4 decision over Lopez, who in turn owns a 9-5 decision over him & finished 6th in the Region last year. 

Know how tough the road looks but also have to put in a word for Rhys Sellers. Despite how astronomically tough the region has been the past two seasons; he's walked away with 5th place finishes both times. 

133

Oran Huff looks to lead the way in what looks to be a competitive bracket for those top 3 spots.  A SUPER REGION VI runner-up last season, he owns an 8-3 decision over James Davis. 

Speaking of Davis, he'll look to challenge Huff, as he does own a 4-0 decision over the Maverick. He also owns a 2-0 decision over Trebor Moreno. 

Moreno, owns a 14-3 decision over Huff & a 6:21 fall over Hector Serratos, who himself is 14-5 with some nice wins on the season. 

141

Funky, unorthodox, and a lot of fun to watch on the mat, there are two things Grayston DiBlasi has left to accomplish in his illustrious career.  3rd-2nd-5th, he has yet to win a SUPER REGION VI title & he has yet to make NCAA DII All American honors.  He'll start with goal one this weekend, with challenge from both Johnny Lopez & Joseph Airola.  Lopez 4th in the Region last year, is 14-1 on the season.  Airola, owns a 3-2 decision over DiBlasi. 

149

Another loaded weight class.  Dean Noble thus far has been 1st & 2nd in the SUPER REGION VI, as he was 7th in the D2 nation a year ago.  Owns a 5:08 fall & a 17-2 technical fall over Alex Castaneda. 

Cody Thompson, the region champ last year, was the NCAA D2 runner-up.   

You'd think that Noble & Thompson were pretty safe with credentials like those, yet Torry Early, 4th in the region a year ago, wasn't late when he handed Noble an 11-3 major or when he handed Thompson an 8-0 major. 

To make it more fun, more interesting, and of course add a healthy dosage of parity, Castaneda owns both a 5-2 & 10-4 decision over Early.  

Let's add in that Kiernan Thompson owns a 5-1 decision over Casteneda & Kevin Boston owns a 7-1 decision over Thompson. 

Feel safe making your bets? 

157

I'm not 100% sure what is going on with Aaden Valdez, he could be currently redshirting.  I don't know.  COVID-19 came in, confused the Hell out of everyone, and most of us decided to stay confused.  Hip, Hip, hurray!  He's a two-time SUPER REGION VI champ & he was 7th in the D2 nation last year.  If he is wrestling this tournament, I can't leave him out. 

We also have Ryan Wheeler, who ironically enough, I spent all of '23-'24 wondering what ever happened to him!  Well, he's back.  He's 11-1 on the season, and he was a 3rd place finisher at the 2022 NCAA DIII championships. 

165

Very confident that our champion here will be last year's SUPER REGION VI runner-up Trenton Munoz, who was also one match shy of D2 All American honors. Believe Jakob Smith is a strong candidate to meet him in the finals. 

174

A another super tough bracket here in SUPER REGION VI.   Cole Hernandez 13-2 on the season, has thus far been 3rd & 1st in the Region, with 6th & 7th place finishes in the D2 nation.    Wyatt Reiz is 18-3 on the season with an 8-2 decision over Hernandez. 

Gus Dalton was an NCAA DII qualifier last year, with a 3rd place finish at the Region.  Logan Berger has a 3-1 tiebreaker over Reisz & Kaden Hart owns a 4-2 decision over Reisz. 

184

14-2 on the season, Keegan Gehlhausen was one match shy of D2 All American honors in 2023. Thus far this year, he owns a 6-5 decision over Jason Bynarowicz.  Bynarowicz himself, has been 4th & 3rd within the Region.  He has some weird losses this year, but I still think he'll be one of the top three by tournament's end.  Jacari Deal has a 6-3 s.v. over Bynarowicz. 

197

I've written about a lot of super tough brackets within the six regions of NCAA D2 wrestling, and this I would call probably the second or third toughest out of ALL of them.  Super tough weight class.  Jackson Kinsella was a SUPER REGION VI runner-up last year & 4th in the D2 nation.  He owns a 5-3 decision over Tereus Henry. 

Gabe Carranza was 3rd in the Region last year, and owns a 2:53 fall over Ryan Cody. 

Henry, has been 3rd-1st-1st within the Region & had an outstanding D2 tournament in 2023 where he finished 3rd.  He owns an 8-0 decision over Ryan Cody this year.   Cody himself was 6th in the Region a year ago. 

Remington Winmill owns a 19-4 technical fall that cannot be ignored over Carranza.   We also have Steve Karas, a transfer of Wartburg, who owns a 4-1 decision over Carranza. 

HWT

21-0 on the season, a SUPER REGION VI champ and 3rd in the D2 nation, Crew Howard is the favorite to win the title this weekend.  However, Tyler Doyle, last year's runner-up, gave Howard a close 4-3 match earlier this season.  Laith Ibrahim, 4th in the Region last year, owns a 4-1 s.v. over Doyle. 

NCAA DII - SUPER REGION FIVE - (Sat March 1st)

 

I hope those participating in SUPER REGION FIVE are ready for an all out war, because that's exactly what it is going to be.  Every weight class features ranked wrestlers.  In fact, 9/10 weight classes feature at least three ranked wrestlers! I've heard many coaches say that it is easier for a wrestler to make All American honors at the NCAA DII tournament than it is to qualify for the NCAA DII tournament.  Just take a look at some of the talent in these weight classes & you'll easily see the truth in that sentiment. 

Featured today will be #1 St. Cloud State, #3 UW-Parkside, #8 Augustana (SD), #11 Mary & #17 Upper Iowa among many other talented teams.       

125

 Two-time NCAA D2 runner-up Jaxson Rohman has yet to win a Region title, as he's been 3rd & 2nd in the past two.  However, he stuck rival Shane Corrigan at the 1:54 mark in a dual earlier this season. With that said, Corrigan is a two-time SUPER REGION V champion & he'll be looking to earn a third title.  He's also been 7th & 6th in the D2 nation.  Also in this bracket will be Conor Knopick, 3rd in the Region last year & R12 at the national tournament. He owns a 4-1 s.v. over Corrigan. 

133

21-2 on the season Reece Barnhardt is looking to become both a four-time SUPER REGION V finalist (2nd-2nd-1st thus far) & a four-time NCAA D2 All American (4th-7th-4th).  With a 15-3 major over Matt Chi & a 2:09 fall over Beau Klingensmith, he is the favorite to win a title the weekend.  Matt Chi 27-4, has proven himself to be one of the best wrestlers in the D2 nation yet to make the national tournament.  He placed 4th in last year's Region.  Beau Klingensmith at 13-2, was a runner-up last year. 

141

NCAA DII's most well known & famous (or in some cases infamous ;) ) figure, Cayden Henschel has but one thing left to do in his illustrious career.  Make All American status, and not only does he look to finish in the top 8 this year, he looks to finish at the very top.  With that said the Ranger will first need to look at winning SUPER REGION V on Saturday.  1st & 2nd the past two seasons in the Region, his biggest challenge will be from Sean Solis, who he defeated 5-4 earlier this year.  Solis is a transfer from North Dakota State and owns both a 4-2 & 4-1 win over Braydon Mogle, a strong candidate for the bronze medal. 

149

It's one thing if you're a ranked wrestler and you're in a position to where you might not qualify for the NCAA D2 tournament.  It's a whole other, if you're a ranked wrestler, and it's going to be hard enough to even place top 6 within your own region!  Without a doubt 149 lbs, SUPER REGION V is the toughest bracket within all of the Regions! 

*NOTE* - Not sure what is up with Jalen Spuhler.  12-2 on the year, he's been 2nd & 3rd within the Region the past two seasons, as well as 4th & 6th in the D2 nation.  I don't think Easton Worachek would be beating him out for the starting spot, but Worachek is the one with the ranking.  

Cael Larson is our likely *1 seed here.  A SUPER REGION V runner-up last year & one match shy of D2 All American honors.  For whatever it's worth, he owns a 4-3 decision over Spuhler. 

18-3 on the season, Wyatt Turnquist has thus far been 3rd-3rd-5th within the Region.  He had an outstanding run at the 2023 NCAA DII championships where he pinned his way to a 3rd place finish.  Thus far this year he owns a 1-0 decision over Worachek, a 3-0 decision over Larson, and 9-0 major over Walker Bents. 

Ethen Doty with 25 wins on the season, was 4th in the Region last year.  He owns both a 15-0 tech & a 10-6 decision over Bents. 

Woracheck is 20-7 on the year.

Colby Njoys was a SUPER REGION V champion last year & 3rd in the D2 nation.  He owns a 1-0 decision over Bents, a 2-1 decision over Woracheck, a 4-3 decision over Larson & a 1-0 decision over Turnquist. 

Bents is a North Dakota State transfer. 

157

19-0 on the season, Iowa transfer Joel Jesuroga is having an outstanding year. He owns a 5-1 decision over Ben DeRocher, a 14-3 major over Connor Simmonds & both a 4-2 & a 4-1 s.v. over Caleb Meunier.

Simmonds, probably the highest ranked wrestler ever with a .500 record, owns a 7-2 decision over DeRocher.

DeRocher, 27-6 on the year, has been 5th-4th-3rd in the region thus far & was a match shy of D2 All American honors last year.  He owns a 7-1 decision over Meunier. 

Meunier, who could be the "stealer" within this group of talent, is 25-6 on the year.  Owns a 6-3 decision over Simmonds. 

165

1st & 2nd within the D2 nation & a two-time SUPER REGION V champion, Nick Novak might not score a lot in his matches, but what he does do, is win.  Has defeated Dajun Johnson by scores of 8-1 & 4-1 s.v.  He also owns a 2-0 decision over Kole Marko, a 5-0 decision over Peyton Handevidt & a 6-3 decision over Leo Mushinsky. 

Johnson, a Northern Iowa transfer, is 26-5 on the year. Owns both an 11-2 major over Marko, as well as 4-2 & 7-6 decisions over Handevidt.

Marko has thus far been 4th & 5th within the Region. 

Two plausible "thieves" in this bracket.  Handevidt owns an 11-5 decision over Marko, as well as a 4-1 decision over Leo Mushinsky.  Mushinsky, a 2022 NCAA DII R12'er, owns a 4-2 decision over Handevidt. 

174

18-3 on the season, Bryce Dagel has been wrestling exceptionally well thus far in '24-'25.  Owns an 8-2 decision over Lawson Losee, and an 8-5 decision over Drake Hayward. 

Losee, is 22-9 on the year. 6th in the SUPER REGION V last year, he owns a 14-6 major over Hayward.  Hayward is 22-5 in his own right, and owns both a 4-1 decision over Dagel & a 14-3 major over Losee.  Will be fun to see what happens in the Losee Vs Hayward rematch, should that happen. 

Also wanna say that Brady Schuh will be a threat to qualification.  Injuries have unfortunately taken their shot at the Ranger this season, otherwise, I think he too would be ranked.  Was 4th in the Region last year. 

184

27-3, Reece Worachek has the opportunity to cement himself in history as both a four-time SUPER REGION V finalist (2nd-1st-1st thus far) & a four-time NCAA D2 All American (8th-7th-4th).  The Ranger owns both a 4-3 decison over Colter Bye & an 8-6 decision over Bryce Fitzpatrick. 

Bye, an NCAA D2 8th place All American in 2023, was the Region runner-up that season, but finished 4th in the Region a year ago.  He'll look to reclaim his status this weekend. 

Fitzpatick was 3rd in the Region last year & 8th in the D2 nation. 

Do we have a thief among the three All Americans?  Absolutely we do.  Cade Mueller is no stranger to success, and he himself is a three-time NCAA D2 qualifier with Region finishes of 1st-3rd-2nd.  Owns a 4-1 s.v. over Worachek & a 3-0 over Fitzpatrick. 

197

Another freakin' insane weight class.  Way tougher & way more competitive than ranking suggest.  The # next to your name may get the better *, but it isn't going to necessarily keep you safe.  Not in this bracket, not with this amount of talent. 

Two-time SUPER REGION V champ & two-time NCAA D2 All American (4th & 5th) Dom Murphy is currently 20-0 on the season.  Owns both a 3:46 fall & an 8-3 decision over Chase Stegall. Also owns an 8-1 decision over Matt Kaylor & an 8-4 decision over Max Ramberg. 

Ramberg is 28-4 on the year.  4th & 3rd thus far in the Region, he was 6th in the D2 nation a year ago.  Owns a 19-9 major over Stegall. 

Geoff Freeman, I spoke of at the end of last season as the best NJCAA wrestler in recent times to not make All American status. I said that I felt he could be a wrestler who came up short of top 8 finish within the NJCAA that was capable of earning a top 8 finish in a higher division of wrestling.  I'm standing by that statement, because I still believe that is a possibility.   He owns a 7-6 decision over Cannon Potts. 

Matt Kaylor is perhaps the best wrestler at 197 who isn't currently ranked.  A two-time NCAA D2 qualifier he's been 3rd-3rd-5th within the region.  He was also 5th in the D2 nation two seasons ago. 

Stegall, while inconsistent, is still a threat to qualification.  A qualifier in 2022, he owns an 8-3 decision over Kaylor & an 8-3 decision over Potts. 

Potts, 4th in the Region last year, owns a 5-4 decision over Stegall. 

HWT

Looking over all of SUPER REGION V, I just cannot believe the massive amount of talent this Region produces.  It's unreal.  Hate to say it, but there is just no way around it.  A lot of really good wrestlers, as in All American caliber wrestlers are going to be staying home this year.  It goes to show just how freakin' good you have to be to make it to the national tournament. 

La'Ron Parks, a three-time NCAA DII qualifier & 4th place All American is looking to make a fourth trip to the national tournament & looks to do so by winning a title this weekend.  Owns a 9-5 decision over Lloyd Reynolds, a 4-1 decision over Luke Tweeton, a 2-1 decision over Jake Swirple & a 7-2 decision over Clay Ours. 

Reynolds is 22-8 on the season.  A region Runner-up last season, he owns a 2-1 tiebreaker over Parks.  He also owns a 2-1 tiebreaker over Jake Swirple, as well as a 7-5 decision over Ours & a 5-1 decision over Tweeton. 

Swirple was 8th in the D2 nation in 2023, with 3rd & 4th place finishes within the Region. A very impressive 13-2 major over Tweeton, he owns an 8-2 decision over Nathan Schauer.  Ours owns a 12-6 decision over Schauer. 

Schauer the unranked who could possibly steal a spot, has a very impressive 14-4 victory over Reynolds. 

NCAA Division II - SUPER REGION FOUR - (Sat March 1st)

 

Talk about a tough regional. We have #5 Central Oklahoma, #7 McKendree, #21 Central Missouri (Host), #23 Indianapolis & #24 Maryville.  Once again JT#1 has done his best to try and narrow down who will be the top contenders in each weight class to contend for NCAA DII qualification.  Let's take a look. 

125

22-1 on the season, 2023 NCAA D2 R12'er Studd Morris looks to try and win a Super Region IV title this Saturday.  Here to challenge him will be former NJCAA standout Jakason Burks, who is thus far having an outstanding season in his first year in D2 wrestling.  The Broncho & the Mule have met once so far this year with Morris winning a 2-1 tiebreaker.  

As to who takes the bronze here? Not for sure, but I am anxious to see how Dylan Sheler does.  Talk about a wrestler who "shows up" at the right time.   He was one match shy qualification in 2023 & despite having a losing record last year, made the Super Region IV finals. So maybe he'll pull off that kind of performance once again. 

133

15-3 on the season, Peter Rolle was one match shy of NCAA D2 qualification last year.   He owns a 9-2 decision over James Anderson, who was 3rd at the Region last year & one match shy of being an NCAA D2 All American.  Anderson owns an 8-0 major over Evan Binder, who among being a Super Region IV runner-up, was also one match shy of being an All American last year. 

141

Believe we're going to see a very good final here at 141 lbs.  Ronan Schuelke, 23-5 on the season was a Super Region IV runner-up last season & 3rd in the D2 nation.  Dylan Lucas, a two-time Region champion, was 3rd in the D2 nation two seasons ago.  In a meeting earlier this season, Lucas won a 5-3 decision.  

As to bronze, a lot happening at Indianapolis I can't quite make sense of.  Not sure if we'll see Brayden Lowery or if we'll see Jake Niffenegger.  Might not see either one of them.  What I do know is that Niffenegger is a two-time D2 All American with 7th & 6th place finishes.  Lowery owns a 3:44 fall over Schuelke. 

149

Believe we're going to see another good final here at 149 lbs.  Dylan Brown was a Super Region IV champion last year and 4th in the D2 nation.   Joey Semerad was 27-6 on the year, was the runner-up & one match shy of D2 All American honors himself.  Both Brown & Semerad own victories over Garrett Lyons (Brown 3-1 & Semerad 8-0) who finished 4th in the Region a year ago. 

157

18-1 on the season, two-time Super Region IV champion & 2024 NCAA D2 champion, Gabe Johnson looks like he's going to win a third title this weekend.  As to his finals opponent?  I think we're looking at a good semi between John Ridle & Jaylon Otero.  So far Ridle has defeated Otero in two close matches 6-3 s.v. & 4-2.  Ridle a Region champion himself in 2023, with a 4th place finish in the D2 nation, was 5th in the Region last year.  Otero has finished 5th & 4th the past two season.   Against Johnson, Ridle gave him a 9-6 match.  Otero has given him both a 4-2 match & a 9-6 match. 

165

20-4 on the season, thus far Cory Peterson has been 4th-3rd-4th in the D2 nation & will look to win a Super Region IV title this weekend as he prepares to become a four-time All American.  He owns a 4-1 s.v. over Hunter Jump, who was a Super Region IV champ last year & 3rd in the D2 nation.    This I believe will be our final. 

As to our consolation final?  I think we're looking at a good match between Jace Fisher & Will Kuster.  Fisher is 22-4 on the season.  An NCAA DII qualifier with a runner-up finish at the Region, he was 4th a year ago.  Kuster 27-6, was also an NCAA DII qualifier in 2023, with a 3rd place finish.  He finished 5th a year ago.  The two are split, with Fisher owning a 4-1 s.v. & Kuster owning an 8-6 decision. 

174

23-8 on the year, Matt Ortiz was a Super Region IV runner-up last year & one match shy of being an NCAA D2 All American.  Cole Ritter, was also a Super Region IV runner-up last season, and he finished 5th in the D2 nation.  Ritter owns a 9-4 decision over Ortiz. 

I believe that Trey Sizemore, 3rd in the Region last year, and 5th in the D2 nation, may be currently redshirting this year.  It's practically impossible to tell at any level other than D1, so I don't know for sure.  He hasn't wrestled much this season, but ironically enough does have losses to both Ortiz and Ritter.   So if here, obviously a candidate for qualification. 

184

Going to be a lot of good finals here in Super Region IV & here is another other at 184.  Garrett Wells, 15-4 on the year, was a Super Region IV champion last year & 6th in the D2 nation.  He owns an 8-5 decision over Zeke Waltz.  Waltz himself was one match shy of D2 All American honors in 2023.  A match away from qualification last season, finishing 4th in the Region.  He owns a 13-12 decision over Damon Ashworth.  Ashworth was a region runner-up last year & 5th in the D2 nation.  So looking at a good semi, as well as a good final here at 184. 

197

After Derek Blubaugh was finally able to overcome Dalton Abney in last year's NCAA DII finals, I thought that the Greyhound might never lose again.  After all he is 2nd-2nd-1st in the NCAA D2.  However, Logan Kvien defeated him earlier this year 4-1 s.v.  Can he once again defeat Blubaugh and keep him from winning the Super Region IV title this year? If so, Blubaugh will finish 2nd-2nd-2nd-2nd & I'm not sure if that's ever happened in Super Region IV before.  Kvien himself has been 3rd the past two Regions and 6th & 3rd in the D2 nation.   We also have Emmanuel Skillings in this bracket, who has done a great job of filling in for the graduated Abney.  Kvien owns a 6-3 decision over Skillings. 

HWT

20-2 on the season, Ryan Herman was the sole defeat of last year's NCAA DII champion, Shawn Streck, whom he defeated in the finals of the Super Region IV.  7th in the D2 nation, Herman looks to win another title this tournament.  He owns a 7-5 decision over Torin Forsyth & a 5-0 decision over Tyler Hynes.  Hynes was a 3rd at the Region last season.

Cale Gray is another mystery within Indianapolis.  4th in the D2 nation in 2023, not sure if he'll be wrestling this tournament or not.  Don't think he will be, but if he is, note that he has a 5-1 decision over Herman. 

NCAA Division II - SUPER REGION III - Preview (Sat March 1st)

 

No easy pickings here.  If you want a spot at the 2025 NCAA DII championships in Indianapolis, you're going to have to earn it.  This tournament is loaded with talent.  We have #2 Glenville State, #6 Grand Valley State, #9 Tiffin (host), #10 West Liberty, #15 Lake Erie & #21 Ashland.  There are again, only three per weight class that will be headed to nationals.  Yet in most cases, many more than three who are eligible to take those spots. 

125

Talk about a tough weight class. You're achieving something if you can place top six here, let alone place top three.  Anthony Anciete will be a favorite here to win a title.  15-3 on the season, the home crowd favorite was a Super Region III runner-up last season.  He owns a 10-5 decision over Braden Hahlen.  Luke Acuna was the Region champ last year. 24-8 on the year, he's defeated Colton Drousias twice by scores of 8-2 & 8-4.  He also owns three victories over Hahlen by scores of 17-14, 8-6 & 15-2.  

Drousias is a transfer of West Virginia, with 23 wins on the season, including a 7-1 decisin over Logan Davis.  Davis is a tough freshman, 20-3 on the year, with an impressive 12-4 major decision over Acuna & a 4-2 decision over Hahlen.  Hahlen owns a 9-4 decision over Drousias. 

Then when also have Billy Smith, who has both an 8-4 decision over Drousias & an 8-3 decision over Acuna. 

Parity ='s chaos right?   To think, if NCAA DII were like the NAIA, we'd also have Cael Woods (Aniciete's backup) in this bracket too.  He owns a 12-4 major over Acuna himself. 

133

Things are every bit as wild up at 133 as they are at 125.   Another home crowd favorite, Max Shore looks to keep the 133 lbs title at home for the Dragons.  19-4 on the season, he was 3rd at the Super Region III last year.  Owns both an 8-0 major & a 3-2 decision over Ashton Anderson.  Owns a 16-6 major & a 19-4 tech over Anthony Sagaris. 

Among Shore's challengers, Jak Keller owns 21 wins on the year, a 6-3 decision over Ross among them.   Anderson was one match shy of NCAA DII qualification last year, finishing 4th in the Region.  He owns both a 17-0 tech over Keller & an 8-4 decision over Sagaris.   

Ross owns a 13-7 decision over Anderson & Sagaris owns a 4-2 decision over Anderson. 

141

A lot of things about this bracket interest me.  I suppose first and foremost that Gavin Quiocho is ranked #2 at 133, yet hasn't (to my knowledge) competed at 133 this season.  I'm almost positive that he'll be competing at 141 this weekend.   The 2023 NCAA DII champ & 2024 NCAA DII runner-up, is 18-5 on the season.  He's also, for the record a two-time Super Region III champion.  This year he owns a 5-0 decision over Brock Durbin. 

Christian Small, a 2023 NCAA DII runner-up, went a very disappointing 0-2 at last year's national championships.  He's looking to make up for that this year & has thus far illustrated himself very well with a 8-0 major decision over Quiocho.  He's been 2nd & 1st within the Region the past two season. 

Here's a kicker though.... Small is 17-4 on the season & one of those losses is a 4-2 decision to teammate Carson Richards.  I'm 99.9% positive the Storm is still going with Small, but I note that just in case. 

In the hunt for the bronze medal will be Brock Durbin & Khyvon Grace, and perhaps Grace should be thought of as more than just a threat for the bronze.  4th & 3rd in the Region thus far, and 7th in the D2 nation, Grace recently took Small into the tiebreakers before losing a tight 7-6 decision. 

May I also add how ridiculously tough it is for Quiocho to even make the varsity lineup.  Glenville State is absolutely packed at 141 lbs.  Caleb Brooks owns an 11-0 major over Durbin & a 9-6 s.v. over Grace!  Another teammate, Zach Parker owns a 4-1 decision over Durbin!  That's a ton of talent in one room! 

149

A Super Region III runner-up last year & one match shy of NCAA DII All American honors, Chris Donathan looks to make out like a '49'er and collect some gold this weekend! He hasn't wrestled a ton of matches this year, but does own a 5-3 decision over Gabe Onorato.  Onorato a transfer out of Drexel, owns 20 wins on the season, including a 6-3 decision over Hayden Kuhn who I believe is a strong candidate for the bronze. 

157

22-6 on the year, Guy DeLeonardis was 3rd in the D2 nation last season & has thus far been 1st & 2nd in the Super Region III as he'll look for gold this weekend.  He owns a 5-2 decision over Jordan Watters. 

Casey Barnett, one match shy of D2 All American honors in his own right in 2023, is 14-3 on the season looking to challenge DeLeonardis.  Watters, a D2 qualifier back in 2022, is 10-1 on the season. 

Could we have a theif among these three ranked talents?  I say yes, we do.  Matt Kaufmann a transfer from The REAL Notre Dame is currently competing for Lake Erie.  5th & 4th thus far in the Region, he's been "right there" the past two seasons.  He's likely to either finish "right there" again or literally RIGHT THERE.  He has the tools to be top three this tournament. 

165

Talk about a tough group of wrestlers. You take gold, silver or bronze here, there's a very high probability you place top 8 at the D2's.  Hard to believe that as good as Nolan Gessler has wrestled this season he was only 5th at the Super Region last year.  A 4:14 fall over Jack Haskin & a 5-3 decision over Nate Barrett.  Haskin himself has thus far been 4th-3rd-1st, as he looks to not only defend his title, but also become a rare, four-time Region place-winner. 18-3 on the season, he was 4th in the D2 nation last year.  Owns an 11-2 major over Nate Barrett. 

Barrett, 24-8 on the season was a D2 All American in 2023 with an 8th place finish & just missed out on another AA honor last season.  He's been 1st & 2nd within the Region the past two season. 

With that kind of talent in the bracket, how could I dare mention anyone else's name?  Well, I'm going to.  I may not be able to spell or pronounce his name right, but I know Loranzo Rajaonarivelo is a 'secret weapon' the Pioneers have ready to launch this Saturday.  A George Mason transfer, he has 27 wins on the season. 

Also want to put in a word for Gessler's backup Emilio Arellano.  Have to illustrate once again how much talent there is in some of these D2 rooms.  Arellano owns both a 12-6 & a 6-4 decision over Barrett! 

174

Ooh, rubber matches, gotta love 'em!  33-5 on  the season, Northern Illinois transfer Hayden Pummel is among the vast amount of talent at 174 looking to win an NCAA DII title this season.  The focus this weekend however, will be the Super Region III title.  He owns an 11-7 decision over Josh Kenny, who won both the Region title & the D2 title last year.  Kenny owns a 5-4 decision over Pummel.  Who wins meeting three at the Super III?  For the record Pummel also owns a 2-0 decision over Sevi Garza & both a 13-10 & 6-4 decision over Carter Winegardner. 

Garza has been a Super Region III champion in his own right.  He's 23-2 on the season & Winegardner is 17-3. 

184

3rd-1st-1st in the D2 nation, I'm going to say that the gold medal here at the Super Region III is already spoken for.  Ty McGeary is 22-1 on the season, and doesn't look to be adding anything to column two ever again. Owns two majors 17-5 & 14-6 over Kyle Homet. 

Brayden Mirjavadi, owns 18 wins this season.  One an 11-4 decision over Homet & two more over Peyton Lemon (4-3 & a 2:12 fall.)

Lucky Starr, Kyle Homet is 32-7 on the year.  He's defeated Mirjavadi 14-10 & 12-7.  He also owns a 4-2 decision over Lemon. 

197

Another tough bracket.  Last year's Super Region III champ Nick Johnson is currently 24-5 on the season.  Owns both a 20-4 tech & a 2:12 fall over Kaine Morris.  Morris has 21 victories this season, including a 14-5 major over Lucas Salmon. 

Wyatt Miller, to be quite frank hasn't had the season he should be having and that's mainly due to injury.  3rd in the Region last year & 8th in the D2 nation, he's still a threat to qualification (as well as All American status) this weekend.  However, not being 100%, I think opens up the door for Salmon to sneak into that bronze medal position.  Salmon was 5th at the Region last year & does own a 7-6 decision over Morris. 

HWT

21-4 on the season, Michigan State transfer Carter Blough looks to be our Super Region III champion this Saturday.  Owns a 14-1 major over Isaiha Casto, who was 4th in the Region last year.  21-5 on the year, Casto owns both a 4-2 & an 8-0 major over Parker Bentley, who himself is 21-7 on the year. 

NCAA Division II Wrestling - SUPER REGION TWO - Preview (Saturday March 1st)

 

Hosted by #19 UNC-Pembroke, Super Region II will also feature #12 Lander among many other teams will be looking to send their wrestlers to the NCAA DII tournament.  Going to be some great wrestling in this tournament. 

Colt Brown
 Montevallo 
125

13-5 on the year, I believe our only NCAA DII team in Alabama crowns a Super Region II champion this tournament.  He was 5th at the Region last year. 

133

*NOTE* - I'm not sure what is up with James Joplin.  I'm almost positive that he's not redshirting, as he already took a redshirt when he was at North Carolina State.  What I know is that we're talking about a guy that has been 1st-4th-1st in the Super Region II & has NCAA D2 All American finishes of 4th & 3rd.  So if he's here, he's the obvious favorite to win the title.   However, I don't think he will be.  Christian Davis, I believe will be the Bearcats rep, a qualification candidate in his own right.  The freshman owns a 7-4 s.v. over Stephen Spitko.   Also in this bracket will be Elijah Boyd, who was one match shy of qualification last year with a 4th place finish at the Region.  He owns a 6-5 decision over Spitko & a 4-2 decision over Davis. 

141

The name may be peace, but once he gets on the mat, Isham Peace is anything but.  A Super Region II champ last year & one match shy of D2 All American honors, he looks very likely to repeat as champion this tournament.  Owns a 19-4 tech over Avery Buonocore, who I believe will be his finals opponent.  Buonocore was one match shy of qualification last year.   Look for Braden Tatum, a transfer of the now defunct Lindenwood to contend for that bronze medal. 

149

Here at 149, I'm pretty confused.  Neither John Carayiannis or Elijah Lusk are in the rankings, and frankly I can't make sense of it.  Carayiannis is 13-1 on the year, 3rd & 2nd within the Super Region II and 8th in the D2 nation last season.  Lusk is 6-1 on the year, 2nd-1st-2nd in the Region and 8th & 6th in the DII nation.   Perhaps neither is wrestling this weekend.  I don't know.

I'll tell you who IS wrestling this weekend though, Jake Piccirilli.  The Brave has been 3rd-4th-3rd in the Region so far & what a way to end his final Region than to win a title on his home mats in front of his home fans. A DII All American candidate. 

157

Piccirilli isn't the only Brave looking to win gold in front of his fans on his mats.   Keegan Roberson, 3rd in the Super Region II last year & 6th in the D2 nation, will be looking to win the title this tournament.  He'll have a tough challenge though with both Jake Nicolosi & Trent Mahoney both in the bracket.  Nicolosi 24-5 on the year has been 2nd-4th-6th thus far in the Regional, looking to qualify for nationals again after making it as a freshman.  Trent Mahoney is 33-8 on the year, and owns a 7-3 decision over Nicolosi.  Roberson also owns a victory over Nicolosi this season by a 7-4 decision. 

165

I honestly thought that after winning the NCAA DII title last season that two-time Super Region II champion David Hunsberger might not ever know defeat again.  Yet he has lost twice thus far this season and leave it to a Nicolosi brother to be one of those to hand him an L.  The score was 6-5.  We're likely to see a rematch for the Super Region II title this Saturday. 

174

Lawd help me if I can't figure out why some are left out of the rankings.  Could be a series of many reasons, but I don't know what they are.  Max Kiel is a two-time Super Region II champion, yet he's not currently ranked.  Redshirt? Don't know.  What I do know is that he owns a 4-3 win over Nathan Buckovich. 

Clint Morrisette, a qualifier in 2023 has thus far been 3rd & 5th in the Region.  A 32-8 record, he owns a 7-3 & 4-2 decision over Buckovich.  Buckovich owns a 7-2 decision over him. 

184

Got a war here at 184 as we look for NCAA DII qualification.  Andrew Reid was 3rd at Super Region II last year & owns a 10-2 major over Kyler Pickard.  Anthony Giampetro, a transfer from Millersville, is a two-time NCAA DII qualifier.  He owns both a 3:22 fall & a 4-1 decision over Ethan Lopez. 

Pickard was one match shy of qualification last year & owns a 6-1 decision over Giampetro.  Shy Scriven was a qualifier in 2023, and owns a 7-6 decision over Pickard.   

Lopez was 3rd at last year's Region & owns a 12-10 decision over Scriven. 

197

Gold, Silver, Bronze.  

Gold?  Feel confident in JPW, last year's Super Region II champ who was one match shy of All American last year.  He owns a 4-0 decision over Marvelous Rutledge & a 10-0 major over Caleb Moore. 

Silver & bronze? 

Moore is 13-2 on the season, with an 8-0 major over Raife Smart. 

Rutledge has 20 wins on the season and owns both a 5-2 decision & 10-1 major over Smart.  He also owns a 8-5 & 4-1 s.v. over David Betrand. 

Betrand owns a 10-5 victory over Smart. 

Who owns the 5-2 decision over JPW?  Why Smart of course. 

Massimo Sullivan
UNC-Pembroke

Are the Braves going to crown Super Region II champs on their own mats in front of their own fans? Yes, I think they will.  Named two already, and now I'm gonna name three.  My pick for champ at HWT is Massimo Sullivan, who has thus far been 4th & 3rd in the Region.