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| 197 |
Here at 197 lbs, I believe we have a pretty clear favorite for our CKLV champion, and I'd be very surprised if he ends up getting knocked off. Competition will be more fierce as we discuss possibilities for his finals opponent.
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| #2 Rocky Elam Iowa State |
A recent dominating performance against Iowa's Massoma Endene & the fact that he's already a four-time All-American, Rocky Elam is the clear favorite for a CKLV title this weekend at 197 lbs. Among his wins, he's defeated Joey Novak (whom he could very well see in the semis or finals) by scores of 5-1 & 5-3.
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| #4 Justin Rademacher Oregon State |
A high ranking & some notable wins suggest that Justin Rademacher could make the finals this weekend in Vegas. Among those wins, a 7-3 decision over Ben Vanadia.
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| #7 Bennett Berge South Dakota State |
Ups and downs within the career of Bennett Berge, I would imagine that this weekend in Vegas will be among the ups. Berge has shown he knows how to succeed at major tournaments before & it is likely that CKLV is no different. Owns 4-2, 10-6 & 5-4 decisions over Colton Hawks.
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| #8 Joey Novak Wyoming |
Depending upon his seed, I wouldn't be the least be surprised to see Joey Novak heading back to Laramie with either a 🥈 or🥉medal. It really depends on when and where he'll face Rocky Elam. Let me also add that if anyone upsets Elam this tournament, I think it'd be Novak. 8th in 2024, the Cowby was 4th here a year ago. Owns a 7-2 decision over Justin Rademacher.
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| #11 D.J. Parker Oklahoma |
Cradlezone is hoping for a lot of CKLV place-winners this weekend & I think he has one here in D.J. Parker. The Sooner should have a pretty good seed & as long as he doesn't face early upset, should make the quarters without much worry.
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| #19 Rune Lawrence West Virginia |
It hasn't been talked about much yet this season, but '25-'26 is shaping up to be one of West Virginia's best seasons in recent times. I see them having potential for an individual CKLV champion & an even higher potential to put quite a few on the award stand. Among the likely place-winners? Rune Lawrence, who owns a 7-6 decision over Sonny Sasso.
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| #20 Sonny Sasso Virginia Tech |
While I do have a lot of faith in Joey Novak to perform very well this tournament, it doesn't escape me that Sonny Sasso owns a 12-2 major decision over the Cowboy. A tall, lanky wrestler, Sasso has used his reach to upend a variety of opponents over the years. Could possibly pull off some big upsets this weekend.
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| U.R. Colton Hawks Arizona State |
Colton Hawks has shown us in the past that he's capable of having a great tournament this weekend. A very strong & powerful wrestler, he owns both an 11-2 major as well as a 3-2 decision over D.J. Parker.
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| U.R. Ben Vanadia Purdue |
Vanadia was one match shy of a top 8 showing at last year's CKLV tournament & will look to make the award stand this weekend.
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| U.R. Zayne Lehman Ohio |
If you want a darkhorse for 197 lbs, the answer is Ohio's Zayne Lehman. A 2023 NCAA DI qualifier, coming up just a hair short in 2024 & then redshirting in 2025, the Bobcat is currently suffering from collegiate wrestling's greatest disease, "Out of sight, out of mind." I'd imagine he's not getting much mention, if any mention from any other wrestling media sources heading into this weekend. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he shows up saying loud & clear, "remember me!?!?!"
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