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.