2022: The Preseason: North Carolina Tar Heels

 The Atlantic Coast Conference continues to grow as a wrestling entity and the North Carolina Tar Heels are a big part of it. I predict as many as 9 national qualifiers, 5 of which are All American caliber and 2 that could possibly win individual NCAA titles.  

125
Joey Melendez 
Sophomore 
Record: 34-13 

Melendez has yet to make it to the NCAA tournament but he has a list of wins that highly suggest that he will qualify this season.  Joey Prata of Oklahoma, Liam Cronin of Nebraska, Kobin Meink of Campell and Malik Heinselman among his notable victories.  Within the ACC with Sam Latona of Virginia Tech, Jakob Camacho of North Carolina State & Gage Curry of Pittsburgh, I think 4th is where he sits. The depth of the weight, this should be an automatic allocation. 

133
Jamie Hernandez or Joe Heilman
Record: 35-20 OR 39-29
NCAA: 20'NQ OR
ACC: 20'2nd OR 
MIDLANDS: 20'R12 OR 20'8th 

Hernandez has already defeated Heilman 7-3, so I'm going to give him the nod in this wrestle off.  He'll be another NCAA qualifier for the  Tar Heels. Like Melendez I don't see him making the ACC finals with Korbin Myers of Virginia Tech and Mickey Phillippi of Pittsburgh at the weight, but I do think he's in the battle for third place.  An 8-5 victory over Louie Hayes of Virginia & a 5-3 victory over Brian Courtney of Virginia doesn't guarantee anything, but it defines the odds. 

Heilman in his own right is also NCAA qualifier material. He himself owns a 2-0 victory over Hayes. 

141
Zach Sherman
Junior 
Record: 68-33
NCAA: 18'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'7th
ACC: 18'5th, 20'1st, 21'2nd
CKLV: 18'8th 
MIDLANDS: 19'3rd, 20'3rd 

What concerns me here most is an 11-3 major decision loss to Nick Lee of Penn State. Even with that said, I still consider Sherman to have an outsider's shot at the NCAA title.  A 2-1 tiebreaker victory over Dom Demas of Oklahoma and then taking Chad Red of Nebraska into the tiebreakers helps to illustrate why. If anything, I know he can outdo his 7th place finish from 2021. He's already defeated 5th place Dylan Duncan of Illinois twice by scores of 8-5 and 3-2.  I say at the Midlands is when we'll get a real test of where exactly Sherman sits this year.  He's finished 3rd twice thus far & if things go right it'll give him a chance to face Iowa's Jaydin Eierman, a forerunner for the NCAA title this season.  

ACC wise, I don't see anyone challenging Sherman. He should win his second ACC title and add one for the Carolina blue and white. 

149 
Kizhan Clarke 
Senior 
Record: 112-45
NCAA: 20'NQ
EIWA: 20'4th
Midlands: 20'5th 

It's hard to believe with some of the credentials that Clarke has within his resume that he has only been to the NCAA tournament once. A transfer from American, Clarke is a much welcomed addition to the Tar Heel line up. His most impressive victory, a 7-2 decision over All American Jaden Abas of Stanford, Clarke has also defeated NCAA qualifiers Require Van Der Merwe of Stanford, Patrick Ogunsanya of Army and Kanen Storr of Michigan.  I do think that Clarke has potential to be an All American, but he'll have a tough enough time within the ACC.  I suppose I could possibly see him upsetting Bryce Andonian of Virginia, in order to face Tariq Wilson of North Carolina State in the finals, but I'm thinking that Clarke will most likely be in a three way battle with Josh Finesilver of Duke and Jarod Verkleeren of Virginia for 3rd.  An illustration of the depth that the ACC has become. 

157 
Austin O'Connor
Junior 
Record: 92-10
NCAA: 19'3rd, 20'NQ*, 21'1st 
ACC: 19'2nd, 20'1st, 21'1st 
Midlands: 18'7th, 20'2nd 
CKLV: 19'3rd 

O'Connor won the NCAA title at 149 lbs last season, but this season he moves up to 157 lbs, where he isn't the only Orca in the sea.  David Carr of Iowa State was the champion at 157 last season, and by year's end, there's only enough room on the top of that stand for one of them.  If that isn't challenge enough, O'Connor also has Ryan Deakin of Northwestern to contend with as well. I look for this to be a three way race, with a few other horses making their dark presence possibly known.   As the ACC? Can't see him being challenged in route for his third title. 

165
Kennedy Monday
Senior 
Record: 78-43
NCAA: 18'R12, 20'NQ, 21'NQ 
ACC: 18'3rd, 20'5th, 21'4th 
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 17'R12
CKLV: 19'6th 
MIDLANDS: 20'7th 

I heard that Monday might be transferring, but so far I haven't seen or heard anything about it.  So for right now, I'm gonna write about him as if he's still competing for the Tar Heels.  I realize that injuries are a part of it, but I'm still surprised that Monday hasn't made All American status yet.  I'm also surprised that he hasn't won an ACC title yet or at least made the finals.  

I think he stands a good shot at both this season.  I don't see him being an NCAA champion or even an NCAA finalist. He's capable of big wins, he more than proved that with an 8-5 victory over NCAA finalist Jake Wentzel of Pittsburgh and a technical fall over three time All American David McFadden of Virginia Tech... BUT I don't know if he's capable of big wins in succession.  A big 2nd round win, followed by a big Quarterfinal win, followed by a big Semi-final win.  That's something he's gonna have to show me throughout in-season tournaments he's capable of before I start thinking he's a title contender.  As of now I'm thinking somewhere in the 5th-8th range  

Now as to an ACC title, I don't see why not.  Thomas Bullard of North Carolina and Justin McCoy are both worthy challenges but neither one is unbeatable. 

174 
Clay Lautt 
Junior
Record: 58-35
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'R12
ACC: 20'1st, 21'2nd 

Ironically enough I think Lautt will do better in the NCAA than he ever has before, but not as good as he has in the ACC.  With Mekhi Lewis of Virginia Tech and Haydin Hidlay of North Carolina State in the bracket, I think Lautt battles it out with Matt Finesilver of Duke for 3rd place.  With that noted, Lautt is a top 8 wrestler if he wrestles well. I can see him as good as 6th, 7th or 8th. 

197
Max Shaw
Freshman
Record: 20-12
NCAA: 21'NQ
ACC: 21'3rd

197 looks to be a bit tougher than it was last season in the ACC, but I still think Shaw should finish 4th or 5th and contend for NCAA qualification.  He already owns a win over Nick Reenan of North Carolina State.  

HWT
Brandon Whitman
Junior
Record: 34-33
NCAA: 19'NQ
ACC: 19'4th
MIDLANDS: 20'R12 

All of Whitman's success was down at 197 lbs and it was two seasons ago, but I still think Whitman should wrestle well enough this season to be an NCAA qualifier for the Tar Heels. I look for him to finish 4th at the ACC's and probably go 0-2 or 1-2 at the NCAA's. 

=== 

125 - NQ
133 - NQ
141 - Champion 
149 - All American
157- Champion 
165 - All American 
174 - All American
184 - DNQ
197 - NQ
HWT - NQ 


For a university  Hell bent on referring to itself as a "basketball school," North Carolina has one Hell of a wrestling team. 9 Qualifiers? I think that's a very real possibility.  Honestly the only real question I see is HWT. I'm not completely sold there.  5 All Americans? I don't see why not.  As to the two champions? That's a bit more of a stretch but it isn't outside of the realms of possibility. 

Defending the Title: 2000: Those Who Did and Those Who Did Not Defend the Title

 Cael Sanderson of Iowa State wins title #2 of 4. 

2000 Champion 125 
Jeremy Hunter Penn State 

A four time state champion for McGuffey High school, Hunter had an impressive career wrestling for the Nittany-Lions.  Placing 5th in the nation as a sophomore in 1998, he was the NCAA runner-up in 1999 as a junior.  He capped off his career of 123 victories with the NCAA title in 2000.  He later coached at Illinois. 

2000 Champion 133
Eric Juergens of Iowa 

Juergens never knew defeat during high school as he went 144-0 winning four state titles for Maquoketa High School.  Competing for the Hawkeyes, he went 120-13, capturing back to back 3rd place NCAA showings in his freshman and sophomore campaigns of 1998 and 1999.  He then finished off his career winning back to back NCAA titles in 2000 and 2001.  A coach at Augustana (IL) he was also a co-founder of the Young Guns wrestling. 

2000 Champion 141
Carl Perry of Illinois 

I once went to a wrestling camp where Carl Perry told us that it was never a bad idea to have a go to move as well as a secret move that your competition might not expect.  He practiced what he preached.  The two time Virginia state champion from Great Bridge high school, didn't seem like a likely candidate to win the NCAA title.  Placing 7th in the nation as a sophomore in 1998, he failed to place in 1999 as a junior.  Entering the NCAA tournament as a senior in 2000, he had finished a disappointing 4th at the BIG 10 championships. Using the very strategies that he advised camp goers in Mexico, Missouri three seasons later, he shocked the nation as he won the NCAA title.  

2000 Champion 149 
Tony Davis of Northern Iowa 

Yet another standout from Mount Carmel High school in Illinois, Davis finished out his final two years of high school winning a state title as a junior and finishing as the state runner-up as a senior.  Collegiately he spent his first two seasons at Iowa Central where he won back to back NJCAA titles before transferring to Northern Iowa.  Finishing as the NCAA runner-up in 1999, he ended his career as the NCAA champion.  He coached East Chicago High in Indiana, as well as collegiately for Nebraska and North Carolina State. 

2000 Champion 157 
Brett Matter of Pennsylvania 

It came as a bit of a surprise when the son of Andy Matter a two time NCAA champion for Penn State, chose to go to Pennsylvania instead. Yet when the two time New Jersey state champion of Delran began competing it was for the Quakers, not the Nittany Lions.  While at Pennsylvania, Matter won four EIWA conference titles. Placing 5th in the nation as a junior in 1999, he ended his career as the national champion in 2000, accumulating 128 victories. 

2000 Champion 165
Donny Pritzlaff of Wisconsin 

Another representative of New Jersey, Pritzlaff won three state titles for Lyndhurst high school.  Competing for the Badgers, he won three BIG 10 titles, earning All American status four times.  After placing 6th as a freshman in 1998 and 5th as a sophomore in 1999, Pritzlaff won back to back NCAA titles in 2000 and 2001.  Post college he won Bronze medals at both the World Cup and World Championships as well as Pan-American Silver. 

2000 Champion 174
Byron Tucker of Oklahoma 

Sometimes in order to achieve the things you want in life, you have to change the way you go about trying to obtain them. A Virginia state champion in high school for Western Branch, although Tucker qualified for the NCAA championships in his first three seasons, he wasn't accomplishing what he felt he was capable of.  He went 1-2 in 1996, 2-2 in 1997 and 1-2 in 1998.  He took the 1999 season off in redshirt to reflect what it was that was holding him back. He came to the conclusion that he focused too hard on winning and more importantly way too hard on not losing. Those weren't the goals he should have. Instead he changed his philosophy to going out, wrestling as hard as hard as he could and doing his best to score as many points as possible while keeping his opponent from scoring. He stopped worrying about winning and losing and began to concentrate on simply wrestling well.  When he returned in 2000 for his final season, it made all the difference in the world.  Not only did he win the NCAA title but he went undefeated that season as well.  109 career victories, Tucker now works as an endodontist. 

2000 Champion 197
Brad Vering of Nebraska 

A three time state champion for Howells High school, Vering headed an hour south to compete for the Cornhuskers in college.  Placing 4th in the nation as a sophomore, Vering's NCAA title came in his junior season of 2000.  He ended his collegiate career by placing 7th in 2001.  Internationally Vering won Pan-American Silver in 2003 & World Silver in 2007. 

2000 champion HWT
Brock Lesnar of Minnesota 

If you wonder why he was one of the most feared wrestlers in NCAA wrestling during his reign, just take a look.  The guy was solid, cut up muscle, and he was at HWT!  Hard to believe but the best Lesnar ever did competing for Webster High school in South Dakota was 3rd.  He began his college career at Bismarck State where he was 5th in the NJCAA in 1997, winning the NJCAA title in 1998.  He then transferred to Minnesota where he was the NCAA runner-up in 1999, finishing his career as the NCAA champion in 2000. 

Post college there isn't anything Lesnar hasn't done.  He's won titles in the UFC. He's won titles in the WWE. If that isn't enough, he's also played in the NFL and he's had roles in television shows as well. His daughter runs track at Arizona State. 

==== 


Sanderson previously mentioned 

Juergens and Pritzlaff repeat as champions 

Vering does not 

Hunter, Perry, Davis, Matter, Tucker and Lesnar all seniors 

2022: The Preseason: Iowa State Cyclones

 As of right now, I think Iowa State sends 8 or 9 to the NCAA tournament.  With that said 197 is thus far the weakest spot in the lineup, BUT 184 has two talented grapplers fighting for the spot, either of which could bump up to 197 giving Iowa State then 9 to 10 NCAA qualifiers. At this point I only see three of them making the award stand, though two of them at NCAA title contender status.  

125
Kysen Terukina or Aden Reeves
Freshman OR Freshman
Record: 8-7 OR Record: 16-15
NCAA: 21'NQ OR 
BIG 12: 21'6th 

Terukina upset his way into NCAA qualification by defeating Cody Phippen of Air Force last season 9-6 at the BIG 12's.  I think a full season of varsity wrestling will allow him opportunity to earn an allocation this year, rather than having to steal one.   With that said, I'll admit my bias for Aden Reeves.  He grew up in my Great Grandparent's house & his great aunt dated my Grandpa for 10 years. So of course I want to see him do well and be successful.  I think he can be. He's struggled a bit, but with the kind of coaching he's getting at Iowa State & the work I know he's putting in, I don't doubt his capabilities. He does own an 11-9 victory over Nebraska's Liam Cronin.  

133
Zach Redding 
Freshman 
Record: 10-7
NCAA: 21'NQ
BIG 12: 21'3rd

In 10 victories last season, Redding had some good wins.  6-0 over Reece Witcraft of Oklahoma State, a 6-5 tiebreaker over Kyle Biscoglia of Northern Iowa, an 84 victory over South Dakota State's Zach Price and most impressive a 20-7 major decision over Mosha Schwartz of Northern Colorado. Will be an NCAA qualifier again for the Cyclones. 

141
Ian Parker OR Todd Small
Senior OR Senior 
Record: 99-34 OR Record: 43-23
NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'NQ OR 20'NQ
BIG 12: 18'5th, 19'4th, 20'1st, 21'2nd  OR 20'WC
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 19'R12 OR 19'5th 
CKLV: 20'4th OR 20'4th 

Although pinned by Jaydin Eierman in their only meeting, Parker is 1-2 overall with Chad Red of Nebraska and 3-4 over all with Dom Demas of Oklahoma.  As far as I'm concerned this does make him a candidate for the NCAA title, as well as the BIG 12 title. 

I realize that you only deserve what you earn & with coaches like Kevin Dresser, Brent Metcalf and Derek St. John, Cyclone wrestlers probably recite that prayer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nevertheless it is a shame that someone with the talent of Todd Small will most likely ride out the last year of his career a backup.  He's not going to win a national title in the way that Parker might, but he'd place at in-season tournaments, have some notable wins and qualify for the NCAA's. 

149
Jarrett Degen
Senior 
Record: 96-38
NCAA: 18'R12, 19'7th, 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 12: 18'3rd, 19'2nd, 20'3rd, 21'4th 
CKLV: 18'R12, 20'6th
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 19'5th 

I am so, so, so, SO happy that Jarrett Degen has another year of eligibility left.  I don't know who that was competing for the Cyclones last season, but that wasn't the Jarrett Degen I know.  Injuries? A victim of the short season? I can't put my finger on it. All I know is that he is SOOOOO much better than how he performed last season.  I'd like to think that he's going to come into the 2021-2022 on fire, winning matches that cement him into maybe making a run at the NCAA title, but for right now I'll call him an All American. No reason to think he can't get on the award stand again. Two wins over 5th place Brock Mauller of Missouri and an 18-8 major decision over 8th place Jonathan Millner of Appalachian State. 

157
David Carr
Sophomore 
Record: 61-2
NCAA: 20'NQ*, 21'1st
BIG 12: 20'1st, 21'1st
CKLV: 20'3rd 

The defending NCAA champion, Carr has some challenges standing in his way if he is to reclaim his throne. His greatest? Ryan Deakin of Northwestern, who owns a 9-3 victory over the young Cyclone. In wrestling a clash of styles can present the greatest of challenges and Deakin's style doesn't pose well for Carr. It's not that Carr doesn't have other challenges, he does, but that is the one I think poses the most threat. As long as he figures him out, could be looking at title #2. 

165
Austin Kraisser
Senior
Record: 67-38 
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 17'R12
RENO: 20'5th

I'm giving this one a chance. A smidgen of a chance.  Kraisser has wrestled in and been unable to make it out of four Southern Conference tournaments. BUT, maybe, JUST maybe the change of scenery is what he needed. Not holding my breath on this one, but won't be overtly shocked if he ends up qualifying by year's end.  

174
Julian Broderson 
Freshman
Record: 27-12

Broderson has already proven that he is going to be a nice addition to the Cyclone lineup.  Victories over Anthony Mantanona of Oklahoma, Anthony Montalvo of Oklahoma State, Corey Hazel of Lock Haven, Canton Marriott of Missouri and most noted and 8-3 victory over Abe Assad of Iowa.  He'll be another national qualifier for the Cyclones if not a little better. 

184
Marcus Coleman OR Joel Shapiro
Junior OR Sophomore
Record: 81-33 OR 40-21
NCAA: 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'NQ OR 
BIG 12: 19'4th, 20'5th, 21'4th  OR 
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 19'6th OR 19'R12 

I'm almost positive Coleman takes this wrestle-off and he takes it rather handedly.  In the case, an NCAA qualifier, top 16 wrestler, maybe top 12. I can understand why Shapiro wants to go 184, results wise he has better quality wins.  NCAA qualifiers Zach Carlson of South Dakota State, Zach Braunagel of Illinois and Michale Fagg-Daves of Rider.  However, I don't think he can beat Coleman, which makes the move back up to 197 logical.  

HWT
Sam Schuyler 
Junior 
Record: 54-37
NCAA: 21'NQ
MAC: 21'5th 

I was a little surprised when Gannon Gremmel opted out of his final year of eligibility but I knew when the "extra year" was announced that not everyone would take it.  Gremmel was a BIG 12 champion and an All American, tough shoes to fill. I don't think Buffalo transfer Schuyler will quite fill them to that degree, but he'll be a welcomed addition to the Cyclone lineup. An NCAA qualifier for sure. 

==== 


125 - NQ
133 -NQ
141 - Champion 
149 - AA
157 - Champion 
165 - Miracle Max Says it'd take a miracle, but stranger things have happened NQ 
174 - NQ
184 - NQ
197 - NQ if Shapiro ends up moving up to 197 
HWT - NQ 

Defending The Title: 1998: Those Who Did and Those Who Did Not Defend the Title

 Oklahoma State's Eric Guerrero won title #2 of 3

Iowa's Mark Ironside finished off his career as a two time champion as teammate Jeff McGinness a champion in 1995 returned to finish off his career with his second title as well.  Teammate Joe Williams finished off his career with title #3. 

1998 Champion 118
Teague Moore Oklahoma State 

Moore came to Oklahoma State from Pennsylvania where he was a state champion for North Allegheny high school.  Competing for the Cowboys, Moore's NCAA title came in his junior season of 1998, as he placed 4th in 1997 and finished off his career with a 3rd place finish in 1999.  Post college, Moore has coached at Pittsburgh, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Harvard, Clarion and American. 

1998 Champion 150
Eric Siebert of Illinois

A state champion for LaSalle-Peru, Siebert put together a record of 112-30 while competing for the Fighting Illini.  5th in the nation as a junior in 1997, he capped off his career national champion in 1998.  He later coached at Carl Sandberg high school. 

1998 Champion 158 
Dwight Gardner of Ohio 

Gardner came to Ohio from Florida where he wrestled for Miami-Palmetto high school.  During his time as a Bobcat, he went 123-27 winning two MAC titles as he earned 7th place All American honors in 1997 as a junior, capping off his career as NCAA champion in 1998 as a senior. 

1998 Champion 177
Mitch Clark of Ohio State 

One of the most brutal and dominate top wrestlers in the history of collegiate wrestling, it's hard to believe that a state title never made an appearance in Clark's high school career. The best he finished in the state of New York competing for Canton High was two-time runner-up.  While competing for the Buckeyes, Clark finished NCAA runner-up during his junior campaign of 1997.  He finished his career as NCAA champion in 1998.  Post college Clark has coached as well as sold fitness equipment.  His father coached at St. Lawrence and his brother John a two time All American for the Buckeyes, is currently the head coach at Sacred Heart.  If your looking for a good read, Clark's MAKE IT HAPPEN is one of the best amateur wrestling books out there. 

1998 Champion 190 
Tim Hartung of Minnesota 

College wrestling didn't look to be in the future of Tim Hartung. While a Wisconsin state champion for Durand High School, the "experts" informed him that he wasn't good enough to wrestle at the DI stage in college. Hartung strongly considered going to St. Cloud State to play football and baseball instead. Yet he ended up at Minnesota and quickly made ghosts out of his doubters.  Finishing 3rd in the nation as a sophomore in 1997, he won back to back NCAA titles in 1998 and 1999. 

1998 Champion HWT
Stephen Neal of Cal State Bakersfield 

Competing for San Diego High School, the best Stephen Neal ever did was 4th at the state championships.  Competing for the Road-Runners he'd do a lot better than that in college.  A four time PAC-12 champion, Neal finished 4th at the NCAA's as a freshman in 1996.  Earning NCAA runner-up honors in 1997 as a sophomore, Neal won back to back NCAA titles in 1998 and 1999.  Shortly after graduation, Neal won Pan-American Gold and World Gold.  He then made the switch to football, where he played in the NFL for the New England Patriots. During his grid-iron career, he helped to win three Superbowls. 

=== 

Guerrero, Ironside, McGinnis, and Williams previously mentioned 

Moore did not repeat 

Hartung and Neal both repeated 

Siebert, Gardner and Clark all seniors 

2022: The Preseason: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

 Should be a pretty good year for Rutgers I would think. The school Hell bent on showing the nation what New Jersey wrestling is all about has 7 natives on their squad either varsity or least contending for varsity, and from where I sit could qualify as many as 9 to the NCAA tournament. I think in the least, they'll send 6.  5 of these individuals contend for All American status, with one a solid candidate for a national title and the other not quite as solid, but still a candidate for a national title. 

125
Dylan Shawver
Freshman 
Record: 4-3

I'm basing a lot on one match here, but I would think that if you are able to defeat 3rd place NCAA All American Pat McKee of Minnesota 6-5, that your name in the very least belongs in the discussion for a top 33 spot in the NCAA. A year of experience under his belt, he contends for NCAA qualification. 

133
Sebastian Rivera
Senior
Record: 100-19
NCAA: 18'6th, 19'3rd, 20'NQ*, 21'4th 
BIG 10: 18'5th, 19'1st, 20'1st, 21'3rd 
MIDLANDS: 18'3rd, 19'1st, 20'4th 
CKLV: 19'1st 

4th place in the nation is one Hell of an accomplishment and I'm not trying to suggest otherwise. What I'm saying though, is that I feel 141 wasn't as good of a fit as what 133 was/will be for Rivera. I think it'll show in terms of strength and execution this season.  A 10-4 loss to Stevan Micic of Michigan illustrates the tough road that it'll be, but a 7-2 victory over Roman Bravo-Young provides evidence that Rivera does indeed contend for the NCAA title this season.  If  he (and this goes for anyone BIG 10 133) can win a BIG 10 title & a NCAA title, with as loaded as 133 is, that deserves some type of honor. 

141
Sammy Alvarez
Sophomore
Record: 29-10
NCAA: 20'NQ
BIG 10: 20'6th
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'1st 

He more than proved himself to be a top 12 wrestler at 133 lbs.  An impressive title run at the Southern Scuffle, I would think he'll do quite well at 141.  Yet I want to see him at 141 before I make up my mind.  No doubt about it, a top 33 wrestler.  I don't question NCAA qualification at all.  Top 20? Yes.  Top 16, probably. Top 12 or higher? Let's find out. 

Mike Van Brill OR Gerard Angelo
149 
Senior OR Sophomore 
Record: 63-50 OR Record: 25-21
NCAA: 20'NQ, 21'NQ OR 
BIG 10: 20'7th, 21'3rd OR 
MIDLANDS: 18'R12 OR 
SOUTHERN SCUFFLE: 20'8th OR 

Van Brill looked phenomenal at last year's BIG 10 tournament. Smooth, solid, confident and on a mission. What a performance in route to a 3rd place finish.  Yet at the NCAA's he completely crapped the bed going 0-2.  It's a mental state of affairs and he's capable of doing more big things and having more successes like his 3rd place finish at the BIG 10's.  7-2 over Max Murin of Iowa, 6-1 over Kanen Storr of Michigan and 7-2 over Griffin Parriott of Purdue.  With the depth of 149, at this point I think Van Brill is a low end All American. I can see him in that 7th place match by year's end.   

Having a guy like Gerard Angelo in the room backing him up is going to help. He's a tough kid in his own right.  Completely demolished two time NCAA qualifier Colston DiBlasi of George Mason 14-3 and took it right to two time NCAA qualifier Graham Rooks of Indiana 13-7.  He'll sit behind Van Brill this season, but be a solid hand for Rutgers the next two. 

Robert Kanniard OR Nick Santos
157
Freshman OR Junior
Record: 17-9 OR Record: 27-12

I don't know who wins this wrestle-off, but either way I think we see about the same results. I'm giving either one of these guys a begging man's chance at NCAA qualification.  Kanniard's most notable win in my opinion is a 7-5 overtime victory of Elijah Cleary of Pittsburgh (formally of Ohio State).  Santos is 0-2 at 157 lbs, but fared respectably at 149.  A 15-4 major decision of Jake Keating of Virginia.  

Jackson Turley 
174
Sophomore 
Record: 21-10 
NCAA: 21'8th 
BIG 10: 21'WC 

An All American last season, Turley will once again attend for All American honors.  With the field of talent within 174 lbs, including Iowa's Mike Kemerer, Virginia Tech's Mekhi Lewis, North Carolina State's Hayden Hidlay, Penn State's Carter Starocci, Nebraska's Mikey Labriola and Michigan's Logan Massa, I look for a similar finish to last year's result.  

184 
John Poznanski OR Billy Janzer
Freshman OR Sophomore 
Record: 14-5 OR 40-21
NCAA: 21'4th OR 20'NQ, 21'NQ
BIG 10: 21'3rd OR 20'WC, 21'8th 

While he did get handled 10-2 by NCAA champion Aron Brooks of Penn State, he did take NCAA runner-up Trent Hidlay of North Carolina State into the tiebreakers.  What impressed me most about Poznanski last season was not only defeating Oklahoma State's Dakota Geer twice, but once by a score of 14-2.  I'll say that his probability is slightly less than that of Rivera's, but he does give the Scarlet Knights another shot at an individual national title. 

With a national champion contender at the weight, two time NCAA qualifier Billy Janzer will sit backup this season.  With victories over the likes of Tanner Harvey of American, Cam Caffey of Michigan State, Jonathan Loew of Cornell, Jelani Embree of Michigan and Max Lyon of Purdue, he more than deserves recognition for his toughness. 

197 
Greg Bulsak 
NCAA: 18'NQ, 19'NQ, 20'NQ, 21'NQ
EWL: 18'2nd, 19'WC
MAC: 20'1st, 21'3rd
CKLV: 19'6th, 20'6th 

He's been to the dance four times already and I'd really like to see him get out on to that dance floor and really rock and roll.  He seems to hold back when there's more on the line, but his explosiveness in matches when he lets loose can be dangerous to anyone he steps out onto the mat with.  He's pinned both Michael Beard of Penn State and Tanner Sloan of South Dakota State. I do think he'll break through and All American this year.  Where on the award stand? Well, all I can say for right now is top 8. 

HWT
Boone McDermott
Sophomore
Record: 9-4 

On the fence about McDermott as well.  An NJCAA champion for Iowa Central, I would like to think he's top 33, NCAA qualification material.  Admitting my homer bias, of course I want to see an Iowa boy make it to the dance, but as to DI competition the only victory that really sticks out to me is a 2-0 win over Gary Traub of Oregon State (at the time of Ohio State).  HWT is a tough weight class, especially in the BIG 10. 5 of the All Americans at the NCAA's last season were from the BIG 10 and at least 4 of them are returning, maybe all 5.  With a full season of wrestling I would think that McDermott cements himself as allocated if not in the least at large, but he also strikes me as one of those types that might be right outside the cut at 34 or 35.  We'll see. 


=== 

125 - Contend for NCAA qualification 
133 - Champion 
141 - NQ possible R12
149 - Low end AA 6-7-8 
157 - Giving it a beggarman's chance at NCAA qualification 
165 - DNQ
174 - 7th or 8th AA 
184 - Champion, but a bit more of a darkhorse than what Rivera would be 
197 - AA...somewhere in the top 8 
HWT - Contend for NCAA qualification 

That's how I see things rolling for Rutgers this season.  

2022: The Preseason: Cornell Big Red

 A quick analysis of the Cornell Big Red I see anywhere from 5 to 9 NCAA qualifiers with 3 All Americans, all 3 of which should place high/contend for NCAA finals.  With the strength of individual performances, should contend for the EIWA conference title. 

125
Vitali Arujau
Sophomore
Record: 31-4
NCAA: 19'4th
EIWA: 19'2nd 

Looks to be a very good year for the 2021 Pan-American Gold Medalist as he makes his return to collegiate wrestling.  He'll contend with Princeton's Patrick Glory for the EIWA title, whom he is 1-1 against having pinned the Tiger and having dropped a10-8 decision to him.  Arujau hasn't faced any of the other top competition at 125 lbs, but should prove himself a contender to face Iowa's Spencer Lee in the NCAA finals. 

133
Greg Diakomihalis 
Freshman 

Another extraordinarily rare occurrence when you'll see me mention a true freshman in one of my writeups without a collegiate resume to speak of.   Again, being related to someone doesn't always mean anything, but nepotism does often give you the nod of expectation.  Anxious to see if he ends up as dominate as his brother.  Have to say that I was a little disappointed to learn that Greg wasn't a middle name and that his real first name wasn't Kenneth.  Props to anyone that gets my Cornelly (corny I mean) sense of humor.  

149
Yianni Diakomihalis OR Hunter Richard
Junior  OR Senior 
Record: 66-1 OR 50-22
NCAA: 181'st, 19'1st OR 20'NQ
EIWA: 18'1st, 19'1st OR 20'2nd 
CKLV: 18'1st 

Even though he is moving up a weight class, I believe Yianni Diakomihalis will continue to dominate the field. I think he'll have some close matches this year, and I can even see him losing a few. Come years end though, I look for a third EIWA title and to strongly contend for a third NCAA title.  With that said, Hunter Richard deserves mention as a top notch backup.  He was an EIWA runner-up in his own right and with victories such as his 7-5 decision over Jimmy Hoffman Lehigh, he himself is NCAA qualifier material. 

157
Colton Yapoujian
Sophomore 
Record: 21-5

Yapoujian has yet to qualify for the NCAA championships, but I'm almost positive that he does this season.  Victories to validate include a 2-0 decision over Midlands runner-up Markus Hartman of Army and defeating NCAA qualifiers Zach Hartman of Bucknell 6-3 and Elijah Cleary of Ohio State 3-1. I can't see him defeating Quincy Monday of Princeton, but among the rest of the EIWA field, I see no reason why he can't contend for a spot in the conference finals.  

165
Adam Santoro
Senior 
Record: 58-55
EIWA: 20'6th 

Santoro's entire career he has fought for a varsity position and it is rewarding to see that at least on paper, this should be his year.  NCAA qualification?  He certainly has the tools.  Alex Klucker of Old Dominion, Mike Van Brill of Rutgers, Josh McClure of North Carolina, he has wins worth noting.  I think defeating Bucknell's Zach Hartman or Harvard's Philip Conigliaro is probably out of the question.  Five years ago he dropped a 10-4 decision to Ricky Stamm of Hofstra.  He'll need to prove himself with victories over wrestlers =/< #33 and I think he should do that.  See him as good as 3rd in the EIWA. 

Meant to also include Julian Ramirez who went 23-6 in 2020.  Owns impressive major decision victories over Hunter Ladnier of Harvard and Robert Patrick of Virginia. 

174 
Andrew Berreyesa
Senior
Record: 42-21
EIWA: 19'8th 

Another senior on the Big Red team that has yet to make the NCAA tournament.  I think he proposes even more of a doubt than Santoro but he has two things going for him. Wins such as a major decision over two time R12 Devin Kane of North Carolina indicate what he's capable of. Secondly, the EIWA isn't overly loaded at 174 lbs, which gives way for a higher placing at the conference championships. On the flip side that also means less automatic allocations.  I can go either way on Berreyesa. I can see him heading to the NCAA tournament and I can see him staying home.

Meant to also include Chris Foca who went 21-3 in 2020.  Owns victories over Appalachian State's Thomas Flitz & Joe Grello of Rutgers as well as falls over Sage Heller of Hofstra and Dean Sherry of Rider.   

184
Jonathan Loew
Sophomore
Record: 43-24
NCAA: 20'NQ
EIWA: 20'5th
CKLV: 20'7th 

A tough top 15, maybe even top 12 wrestler. Might even surprise me and end up being a top 8 wrestler by years end. As of now I see him finishing in the R16 at the NCAA tournament.  As to the EIWA, he already owns a 4-3 victory over Travis Stefanik of Princeton, who he'll battle with for a spot in the conference finals. I don't see him defeating Binghamton's Louie DePrez, but a 2nd place finish is very doable.  

197
Ben Darmstadt 
Record: 80-14
NCAA: 18'6th, 20'NQ*
EIWA: 18'1st, 20'1st 
CKLV: 20'R12 

The Sam Huntington doppelganger and two time EIWA champion should absolutely steamroll the conference this season.  I can't see anyone within the EIWA even remotely challenging Darmstadt. As you've been reading these team by team analyses, you already know how big I am on A.J. Ferrari of Oklahoma State, but I tell you Ferrari Vs Darmstadt is a match that I look forward to.  Darmstadt has a great reach and tremendous leverage.  Dangerous tools that can be very effective in NCAA wrestling's second biggest weight class.  He's untested against the top of the crop at 184 lbs, but I would think goes into the NCAA tournament with the #2 or #3 seed.  Very anxious to see him against former teammate Max Dean of Penn State. 

HWT
Brendan Furman 
Junior 
Record: 46-25
NCAA: 20'NQ
EIWA: 20'3rd 

A 3-1 victory over Army's Ben Sullivan and a 7-2 victory over Hofstra's Zachary Knighton-Ward I believe that Brendan Furman should finish within the top 3-5 at the EIWA championships and I would tend to believe that through either automatic allocation or an at large bid that should get him into the NCAA tournament. A 1-2 or 2-2 performance is how I see his season coming to an end. 

=== 

125 - NCAA finalist 
133 - Up in the air about this for now 
141 - Believe this will be Cornell's weak link this season 
149 - National Champion 
157 - NQ, possible R12 
165 - Should be NQ
174 - Should be NQ
184 - Top 16, maybe R12, give it enough of a chance to say top 8 
197 - NCAA finalist 
HWT - NQ