Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Who's Who of D2 Collegiate Wrestling: Top Returnees 141 lbs 2024-2025

 

Nick James
Nebraska Kearney

141 lbs in NCAA Division II wrestling is a loaded weight class, full of a ton of a talent.  The top returnee is four time qualifier, three time All American Nick James of UNK.  7th as a freshman & 5th as a sophomore, James narrowly missed out on an All American honor in 2023.  He made up for it big time, by making the finals in 2024.  A three time Super Region VI champion, James was 20-5 on the year. 

Ronan Shuelke
McKendree

35 wins on the season, Ronan Schuelke finished 3rd at the NCAA Division II championships, 2nd at the Super Region IV & 5th at the Midwest Classic. 

Angel Flores
Adams State

30 wins on the year, Angel Flores was 4th in the NCAA DII & 3rd at Super Region VI. 

Jake Niffenegger
Mercyhurst

Jake Niffenegger has made the most of his time thus far in NCAA DII wrestling.  7th in the DII nation in 2023, he was 6th this past year.  A two time Super Region I champion, he finished one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Midwest Classic.  He was 26-7 on the year. 

NOTE: Mercyhurst will be going NCAA DI this season, but will not be eligible for the post season.  Not sure if they'll compete NCWA or not. 

Khyvon Grace
West Liberty


Khyvon Grace heads into the '24-'25 season having placed 7th in the DII nation on a 24-9 record.  Thus far he has been 4th & 3rd in Super Region III. 

Hunter Burnett
Augustana (SD)

Two time NCAA DII qualifier Hunter Burnett has thus far been 2nd & 1st in Super Region V.  A 16-3 record last season, he finished 8th in the DII nation. 

Corey Gamet Or Carsen Richards
Lake Erie

The Storm has two very talented wrestlers at the 141 lbs weight class.  Corey Gamet, an All American from 2022 (5th), nearly earned his second All American honor, finishing one match shy of a top 8 finish.  He was 2nd at Super Region III, finishing out the season with a 15-5 record.  Among those 15 wins, four were against All Americans.  He defeated Angel Flores 8-6, Jake Niffenegger 13-12, and he had both a 4-3 as well as a 4-1 s.v. over Khyvon Grace. 

Richards on the other hand, finished one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Midwest Classic.  A 10-5 win over Hunter Leake, he also defeated Braydon Mogle 8-7. 

Dylan Lucas
Central Oklahoma

Bad tournaments, they happen sometimes.  Such is the case with Dylan Lucas at last year's NCAA DII championships.  3rd in the DII nation in 2023, Lucas came up one match shy of earning another All American honor in 2024. Nevertheless he still had quite a standout season.  Winning his second Super Region IV title, he was 2nd at the Midwest Classic (champion in 2023).  He also had a 4-2 victory over Ronan Shuelke. 

Easton Taylor
Central Oklahoma

As if the Bronchos don't have enough talent already, they bring in another super talented wrestler, Easton Taylor of Pratt.  The former Beaver brings in the credentials of having been a two time NJCAA finalist & a two time South Central District champion. 





Cayden Henschel
UW-Parkside


"Sell yourself baby, cause ain't nobody else going to" The American Dream Dusty Rhodes.  When it comes to self-promotion, there's nobody in NCAA Division II wrestling that sells themselves more than Cayden Henschel does.  Some love him for it, some hate him for it, but there's no denying that he's getting eyeballs on NCAA Division II wrestling that otherwise wouldn't be there.  He's about done it all in NCAA DII wrestling, with exception of earning an All American honor.  Twice the R12, this will be his final chance.  He's been 1st & 2nd thus far in Super Region V and he's been 8th & 3rd at the Midwest Classic. 22-5 on the season, he actually defeated All American Jake Niffenegger 8-6 at the NCAA DII championships.  He also had a win over All American Khyvon Grace 4-2. 

With all of this said about Cayden Henschel, also keep in mind that the Rangers have Troy Dolphin at 141 lbs too.  A very tough backup, Dolphin had 12 victories of his own last year. One of which included an 8-6 decision over Khyvon Grace. 

Isham Peace
Lander

25-8 on the year, Isham Peace won the Super Region II & finished one match shy of All American honors at the DII national championships.  8th at the Midwest Classic, he had a 12-7 win over Hunter Barnett. 

John Carayiannis
Belmont Abbey

Like Dyan Lucas, John Carayiannis was victim to a bad tournament last year.  8th & 6th in the DII nation, Carayiannis came up short of a third All American honor.  3rd and 2nd the past two Super Region II's, he had 12 wins on the year. 

Kody Ketchum
Maryville

NCAA DII qualifier Kody Ketchum was 3rd at Super Region IV last season, posting 29 victories. 

Mason Myers
Pittsburgh-Johnstown

17 wins on the season, Mason Myers qualified for the NCAA DII championships with a runner-up finish at the Super Region I. 

Colton Stoneking
Fairmont State

5th at Super Region I in 2023, Colton Stoneking qualified for the NCAA DII championships last season with a 3rd place finish.  All in all he had 21 wins on the season. 

Caleb Chaves
Gannon

17 wins on the season Caleb Chaves was both one match shy of a top 8 showing at the Midwest Classic and one match shy of NCAA qualification, finishing 4th at Super Region I. 

Avery Buonocore
UNC-Pembroke


Avery Buonocore was one match shy of NCAA qualification last season, finishing 4th at Super Region II.  Among 17 wins, he defeated Mason Myers 11-10. 

Ashton Anderson
Findlay

14 wins on the season, including a 14-0 major decision over Mason Myers, Ashton Anderson finished 4th at Super Region III. 

Sabian Russell
Quincy

Quincy has had quite a bit of success since starting their program a few years back. They look to continue that success this season & Sabian Russell looks to be a part of it. 4th at Super Region IV last year, he had 19 wins on the year. 

Alyeus Craig
St Cloud State


Alyeus Craig is another wrestler who finished off the season one match shy of NCAA DII qualification.  4th at Super Region IV, he did have a 5-4 decision over Cayden Henschel. 

Johnny Lopez
San Francisco State

The Gator didn't wrestle much last season, but he wrestled well enough to come within a match of NCAA DII qualification.  Lopez finished 4th at Super Region IV. 

Grayston DiBlasi
Colorado School of Mines

Grayston DiBlasi is an example of how at the NCAA DII level you cannot afford to slip up and have a bad day.  A two time NCAA DII qualifier with Super Region VI finishes of 3rd & 2nd, DiBlasi slipped to a 5th place finish last season, missing out on his third qualification.  Nevertheless, he still had an assortment of victories to indicate that not only will he contend for his third qualification, but he will also contend for All American honors.  He defeated All Americans Ronan Schuelke (4-3) & Jake Niffenegger (fall 4:59) and he also defeated R12'er Isham Peace 7-5.  Thus far DiBlasi has finished 7th on two different occasions at the Midwest Classic. 

Gabe Adams
Kentucky Wesleyan

Posting back to back 5th place finishes at Super Region IV, Gabe Adams looks to qualify for the NCAA DII championships in his final season of competition.  He actually defeated Kody Ketchum 11-6 at Super Region IV last year, but as Ketchum came back to place 3rd, Adams took 5th. 

Tyson Emmons
Davenport

Another wrestler who has had back to back 5th place finishes, is Tyson Emmons in Super Region III.  He'll contend for NCAA qualification this season as well, as he looks to become a three time Region
place-winner. 


Braydon Mogle
Northern State

The former Northeast Junior College standout had a pretty respectable first season in NCAA DII wrestling last year.  One match shy of a top 8 finish at the Midwest Classic, he was 5th at Super Region V.  19 victories, one of which was an 8-5 s.v. over All American Jake Niffenegger. 



Aiden Micheli
Millersville

Aiden Micheli was 5th at Super Region I last season, winning 15 matches on the year. 

Denim Torgerson
Colorado Mesa

11 wins on the season last year, Denim Torgerson was 6th at Super Region VI. 

Heard Kaleem
Limestone

11 wins on the year, Heard Kaleem was 6th at Super Region VI. 

Raymond Rioux Or Braydon Lowery
Indianapolis


Look for a good wrestle-off between Raymond Rioux and Braydon Lowery for the starting spot on the Greyhound wrestling team.  Rioux, a qualifier in 2023, defeated All American Ronan Schuelke 4-2 last season & he also had a 4-0 win over 2022 All American Corey Gamet.  Lowery won 12 matches last season, including pinning Tyson Emmons at the 2:36 mark. 

Ashtan Hendricks
King

We didn't see much of Ashtan Hendricks last season, but what little we did see of him, tells me that he'll be a contender for NCAA DII qualification.  He pinned three time qualifier/two time All American John Carayiannis at the 4:48 mark. 

Cole Thomas
Thomas More

You know as of 7-9-2024 (the day this was written) I'm not sure if Thomas More will be eligible for the post season or if they will still be competing in the NCWA once the regular season has concluded.  What I can tell you is that if Thomas More is eligible to compete in the Super Region IV,  Cole Thomas will be a contender looking to place within the top 3.  He had a 5-4 victory over qualifier Colton Stoneking last season. 

Taylor Robinson
Mount Olive

20 wins on the season for Taylor Robinson last year.  One of which was a 9-6 decision over Denim Torgerson. 













































Monday, August 12, 2024

Who's Who of NAIA Collegiate Wrestling: Top Returnees 133 for 2024-2025

 

Thaddeus Long
Life

What a phenomenal season for Thaddeus Long last year.  A huge contributor to Life winning the NWCA national duals, claiming a fall against Indiana Tech & then a technical fall over Jackson Cockrell in the Eagles takedown of Grand View.  Long won the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) & then rook runner-up honors in the NAIA nation. 

Carson Taylor
Grand View

 
Carson Taylor heads into his final season of NAIA competition thus far a two time All American with finishes of 2nd & 3rd.  A two time Heart of America (HOA) champion, he's also won the past two Grand View Opens.  If that resume doesn't impress you already, take into consideration that Taylor has been 5th & 3rd the past two RENO's, which is by the way, a mainly Division I tournament. 

Jackson Cockrell
Grand View

Truth to be known, Grand View could probably put together three to four full lineups, and each one would end the season with a winning dual record & none would finish outside of the top 25.  That's just how stacked the Vikings are up & down the weight classes.  Here at 133 lbs, Jackson Cockrell is another top talent.  Winning titles at both Oppenheim & Missouri Valley, Cockrell was the HOA runner-up & 6th in the NAIA nation. 

Andrew Voiles
Southeastern

Andrew Voiles took 2nd at the AAC & 7th in the NAIA nation last season. 

Sammy Shires
Cumberland

Sammy Shires enters his junior season of competition now a two time NAIA All American with finishes of 5th & 8th.  He also looks to become a three time Mid South Conference (MSC) champion this season as well. 

Freddy Barajas
Saint Mary

The two time Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) champion finished one match shy of NAIA All American honors last season.  He also made the finals of the Oppenheim Invitational. 

Haden Hernandez
Missouri Valley

The California native was 3rd in the HOA & one match shy of an All American finish at the NAIA championships. 

Dillon Witt
Missouri Baptist

Dillon Witt enters his final season of competition now a two time American Midwest Conference/Sooner Athletic Conference (AMC/SAC) runner-up.  A match shy of NAIA All American honors, he took 4th place finishes at both the Oppenheim Invitational & the Falcon Invitational. 

Isaiah Miller
Jamestown

The Great Plains Athletic Conference freshman of the year won a GPAC title last season & he also finished 2nd at the Glenville State tournament, mainly amongst NCAA Division II competition. 


Randy Frailey
Siena Heights

When the Saints decided a few years ago to reinstate their wrestling program, Randy Frailey decided he was going to do some big things for the team.  He helped them win their first dual after a 30 year layoff by scoring a major decision over his opponent.  Last season he became the Saints first Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) champion.  He was also 3rd at the Patriot Open. 

Roman De La Cruz
Saint Mary



Like teammate Freddy Barajas, Roman De La Cruz enters his final season of competition.  A KCAC runner-up last season, he had thrice finished 3rd at the Falcon Invitational. He was one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Invitational. 

Jarrod Gilliam
Briar Cliff


In one of the most selfless acts I've ever witnessed in 32 years of watching wrestling, Jarrod Gilliam's older brother Ca'Ron Watson forfeited to him in the GPAC semi-finals, assuring that Gilliam would make the finals & earn NAIA qualification. Watson gave up his opportunity to win his one and only GPAC title, finishing out his career with finishes of 3rd-3rd-3rd-2nd-3rd.  Gilliam finished in 2nd place, as he heads into the '24-'25 season ready to do battle in what will be his junior year of competition. 

Simon Graeber
Southern Oregon

A runner-up at the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Simon Graeber qualified for his first NAIA championship appearance last season.  He was also 3rd at the Patriot Open. 

Cole McKinley
Lourdes

Cole McKinley heads into '24-'25 having made the WHAC finals last season. 

Devan Johnson 
Cornerstone

Also a member of the Cornerstone Track & Field team, Devan Johnson took 3rd at the WHAC last season.  He was also one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

Jeremiah Steele
Menlo

22-9 on the year, Jeremiah Steele was 3rd in the CCC & 5th at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 



Devin Avedissian
Doane


If I ever win the Jackpot lottery, there's a good chance that Devin Avedissian and I would share where we're from.  I personally feel that Temecula, California is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to in my life.  With that aside the NAIA qualifier took 4th at the GPAC last season, as he has posted 5th & 6th place finishes at the Patriot Open. 

Colby Evens
Embry Riddle

An NAIA qualifier last season, Colby Evens took 4th place finishes at both the CCC & the Mile High Invitational. 

Braden Carson
Eastern Oregon

An Academic All American for the Mountaineers, Braden Carson heads into the '24-'25 season having posted 4th & 5th place finishes in the CCC thus far.  He was also one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

Anthony Hughes
Marian


An NAIA qualifier last season, Anthony Hughes has twice finished as the Patriot Open runner-up. 


Mario Sandoval
Vanguard

Sophomore Mario Sandoval took an 8th place finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational last season. 

Daryl Mills
 Missouri Baptist    

A tough 133 lbs'er along with teammate Dillon Witt. Daryl Mills was 5th in the AMC/SAC last season. 

Blake Runion
Corban

Blake Runion looks to improve upon back to back 6th place finishes in the CCC.  

Lane Scorpil
William Penn

One of Iowa Wesleyan's final NAIA qualifiers before the school shut down, Lane Scorpil just barely missed out on qualification #2 last season when he finished 4th in the HOA.  He'll look to reclaim qualification status this season. 

Kaden Ramos
Life

The Eagles are in much the same boat as are the Vikings, in the fact that they have a deep depth of talent in each weight class.  Kaden Ramos was 6th at the Missouri Valley Invitational last season. 

Tristan Bremer
Providence 

Another tough freshman from last season, Tristan Bremer was one match shy of a top 8 finish at the Missouri Valley Invitational. 

Kolby Encinas
Oklahoma Wesleyan

The two time Academic All American heads into '24-'25 looking to become a three time NAIA qualifier. 

Jose Toascano
Evergreen State

The Geoducks are still looking for their first ever NAIA qualifier & I say that if anyone can do it, that someone is Jose Toascano. He won the EOU Mountaineer Open last season. 


Arojae Hart
Central Methodist

A standout for Indian Hills last season who took runner-up honors at the North Central District & 5th place All American honors in the NJCAA nation, Arojae Hart will test his skills in the NAIA this season competing for Central Methodist

Ayden Rader
St Andrews

8th in the NJCAA nation last season for Iowa Lakes, Ayden Rader will compete for St Andrews this season. 

Caleb Peralta
Benedictine

A transfer from Nassau, Caleb Peralta will compete for Benedictine this year.  He was R12 at the NJCAA championships. 





















































Who's Who of NJCAA Collegiate Wrestling: Top Returnees 125 for 2024-2025

 


Ane'e Vigil
Clackamas

Ane'e Vigil was voted the NJCAA freshman of the year, and boy oh boy did he earn that distinction with flying colors.  He won both the West District title as well as the NJCAA title in absolute fashion. 

Elijah Cater
North Idaho

The Tacoma, Washington native earned runner-up honors at the West District & 6th place NJCAA All American honors last season. 

Isaac Gibbs
Indian Hills

Great start to the collegiate career of Isaac Gibbs.  Academic All Region, Gibbs won 27 matches last season, winning the North Central District & taking 7th place honors at the NJCAA championships. 

Calvin Mendez
Northeastern

One of the reasons Calvin Mendez decided to go the NJCAA route, is because he wanted to see how college wrestling would go for him, before deciding whether he wanted to dedicate a full four years to it or not.  I'd say, so far so good.  Mendez qualified for the NJCAA championships last season, and fell just a match short of All American honors. 

Keiichi Kong
Rochester Tech

A product of the great Apple Valley high school program, Keiichi Kong took runner-up honors at the North Plains District last season. 

Roman Citro
Sussex County

Roman Citro won titles at both the Garrett Open & the Gulf Atlantic District last season. 

Kyler Pace
Snow

Kyler Pace heads into the '24-'25 season having placed 3rd at the West District last season.  It should be noted that he stuck NJCAA All American Mikey Doerr twice in the first period.  Once at the 2:45 mark & again at the 2:55 mark. 

Beau Murphy
Cowley

Beau Murphy was an NJCAA qualifier for the Tigers last season. 

Yasin Carter
Camden County

Yasin Carter took runner-up honors at the Gulf Atlantic District last season. 

Edward Lauritsen
Lackawanna

Edward Lauritsen was an NJCAA qualifier for the Falcons last season. 

Josiah Crandall
Northland

Josiah Crandall was an NJCAA qualifier last season. 

Dallas Dunn
Iowa Western

The New Mexico native earned NJCAA qualification for the Reivers last season. 

Chris Compton
Ellsworth

Chris Compton was an NJCAA qualifier for the Panthers last season. 

Kolton Misener
Labette

Kolton Misener was an NJCAA qualifier this past season. 

Joey Florance
Niagra County

Joey Florance earned NJCAA qualification for the Thunder Wolves this past season. 

Elijah Montalvan
Otero

The Rattler earned NJCAA qualification last season. 

Edward Wilkowski
Neosho County

Edward Wilkowski was an NJCAA qualifier for the Panthers this season. 

Jacob Campbell
Henry Ford

Jacob Campbell was an NJCAA qualifier for the Hawks last season.