Thoughts on this year's CKLV Tournament

125 -  The forerunners for this year will be returning NCAA finalist Nahshon Garrett of Cornell and 4th place All American Joey Dance of Virginia Tech.   However, there are quite a few other wrestlers at this weight class wanting to make a name for themselves as well.   Ohio State fans have a lot of confidence in Nathan Tomasello who lost to Dance earlier this year in a close match.  The Buckeye faithful believe the next time the two meet, which could very likely be in Vegas, Tomasello will win.   Minnesota fans also have high expectations for the much improved Sam Brancale.  Brancale put his name on the map last year with a fall over Iowa's Thomas Gilman and thus far this year has an impressive win over Wyoming All American Tyler Cox.   CKLV provides an excellent opportunity for Brancale to add even more impressive wins to his resume.    I personally can see Air Force's Joe Martinez being a surprise champion and wouldn't put it past David Terao of American to have a major upset or two as well.   Northern Iowa's Dylan Peters will also be very tough.

133 -  Johnni DiJulius shined at the CKLV tournament last year with a very impressive win over Northern Iowa's Joe Colon.  I'll be anxious to see if he can repeat his dominant performance again this season.    I feel that his weight class is fairly wide open with Minnesota's Chris Dardanes being the probable champion on paper.    Look for Northern Iowa's Levi Wolfensperger, who has thus far been struggling this season, to perhaps turn the corner at this tournament.

141 -  Rather loaded weight class with many ranked wrestlers entering the tournament.   This will be a great opportunity for a few wrestlers to go up in the rankings and for a few wrestlers to go down as well.  A God among men, Logan Stieber looks to go untouched in this tournament but will face either a tough Nick Dardanes of Minnesota or Devin Carter of Virginia Tech.   Michigan's Stephen Dutton could make a surprise appearance in the finals.

149 -  I've been on the Chris Villalonga bandwagon for quite some time now.   I want to see him have a very rewarding and successful senior season this year.   He might as well kick things off with a CKLV title.

157 -  I'm a James Green fan, but I'm also the type of person that refuses to go against my gut instinct.  My gut has been telling me for about the past several months that Green may win an NCAA title this year, but he will not do so undefeated.  The number 0 will not be in his loss column this season.    I can see one of many upsetting him along the way to the finals or in the finals, depending on where they are placed in the bracket.   Dylan Ness of Minnesota has already proven he can beat him, but Nick Brascetta, Anthony Perrotti, Josh Demas and Brian Murphy are all capable as well.

165 -  I am making a prediction that Indiana's Taylor Walsh sets himself apart at this tournament, pins his way to a Gorriaran award and signifies himself as a real threat at 165. 

174 -  Minnesota's Logan Storley seems to have made leaps and bounds in every department there is to make improvements in over the summer.  He looks more technical, stronger, quicker, confident and in better shape than ever.   He and Nebraska's Robert Kokesh have yet to meet this year, but they have had some common opponents.   Kokesh has been beating them by 3-5 points and Storley has been tech-falling them.    That doesn't always mean anything, but never the less I am very excited for these two to meet this year.     The four (Storley, Kokesh, Iowa's Mike Evans and Penn State's Matt Brown) have set themselves apart from the rest of the pack at 174 lbs.   However, amongst themselves they all seem very even, with no clear leader of the pack.   Storley could prove that to be different at this tournament.     Look for Iowa State's Tanner Weatherman to do very well.

184 - Taylor Meeks of Oregon State has not been doing as well this season down a weight class as I was hoping that he would.   I'd like to see him go up at least 2 rankings and get into at least the #8 spot.   He'll have to have a few upsets in order to make that happen.     Michigan's Dominic Abounader hasn't made much of a scene yet this year, after having a fantastic run at the BIG 10 tournament last season.   He's slated most likely to be seeded second, and might give Dean more of a match than he bargained for.

197 - I believe Iowa State's Kyven Gadson will win this tournament.   

HWT - Look for Michigan's Adam Coon to win this tournament.

Random Thoughts Thus far on the 2014-2015 College Wrestling Season

Edinboro - I thought at the beginning of the year if Edinboro wanted to win a team trophy this year and place in the top four at the NCAA tournament they would need everyone to wrestle to expectation and have some wrestle beyond it.   Thus far this year,  Kory Mines needs to step it up a notch.  He's performed well in some matches, and poorly in others.  He'll need to perform well at the NCAA's for Edinboro to bring home a trophy.    As for a wrestler exceeding expectations Austin Matthews a transfer from Clarion  at 157 has been doing just that.   He is thus far undefeated, with a dominating 6-0 decision over NCAA qualifier Luke Smith of Central Michigan. 

Wrench at 133? -  We as wrestling fans like to make our picks early and come Hell or high water stick to them like glue.  I wonder though if there is anyone that may end up throwing a wrench into the mix of things come seeding time.    As of today, I can see that being one of three people.    One of those people being Wisconsin's Jesse Thielke.   Thielke was at 141 lbs last year, undersized and wrestling opponents much stronger than him.   He was overpowered a lot on the mat.   I don't see that happening at 133 lbs.   On top of that Thielke is a phenomenal thrower.   Someone doesn't do their homework and ends up trying to go upperbody with him, they'll end up on their back.     I also look for Northern Iowa's Levi Wolfensperger and Chattanooga's Nick Soto throwing a few upsets in here and there to give the seeding committee headaches.

Will Logan Stieber go undefeated this season?  - I do believe that Stieber will win his fourth NCAA title, but I can see him suffering a loss this season.    Mitchell Port of Edinboro has the best chance to do just that.    Next in line is Zane Retherford of Penn State and then after him the list of those who can possibly beat Stieber goes from a legitimate shot to a fantasy.  Nevertheless I'll give Chris Dardanes of Minnesota and Richard Durso of Franklin and Marshall that small chance in Hell.

149 is a fun weight class! -  Holy smokes this is a wide open weight class.  Much more wide open than most fans initially realize.    Everyone seems to be consistent about the already long list of Jason Tsirtis Northwestern, Drake Houdashelt of Missouri, Devin Carter of Virginia Tech, David Habat of Edinboro and Josh Kindig of Oklahoma State but the list goes on.     Princeton's Adam Krop, Iowa's Brody Grothus, Nebraska's Jake Sueflohn,  and Illinois's Caleb Ervin will be in the hunt too.  If that's not enough Brandon Nelsen of Purdue, Mike Racciato of Pittsburg and Chris Castillo of Boise State are bound to shake things up as well.    Tough, tough weight class.

James Green of Nebraska will not go undefeated this season -  I'm no soothsayer.  I cannot predict the future.   Green might end his season with 0 in the loss column, but I have a feeling he'll lose at least once this season.     Minnesota's Dylan Ness looks like the most likely candidate to hand Green a loss this season, but I wouldn't limit it to him.    Virginia Tech's Nick Brascetta, Virginia's Gus Sako, and Ohio State's Josh Demas could as well.   If Brian Realbuto is not redshirting, add him to the list as well.

Freshmen -  Lot's of really good freshman this season.    Oklahoma State's Chance Marsteller, Ohio State's Bo Jordan and Ohio State's Kyle Snyder seem to be hogging all of the spotlight though.    Also keep an eye of Stanford's Connor Schram and Illinois's Isaiah Martinez.  

Who will be Dieringer's Finals Opponent -  Call me overconfident, but I just don't see anyone even remotely coming close to beating Oklahoma State's Alex Dieringer.   He's just too strong, too technical, too conditioned and too quick to be beaten.     Who is taking the silver medal at the NCAA's this year though?    I think the list of possible candidates may be longer than you think.    Virginia's Nick Sulzer has thus far placed himself as the second best wrestler on paper.  Ohio State fan's and those dreaming of the next Cael Sanderson, believe it'll be Bo Jordan.    Iowa Fan's are hoping for a knockout performance out of Nick Moore.    I'll also add Northern Iowa's Cooper Moore, Indiana's Taylor Walsh, Cornell's Dylan Palacio and my personal favorite Chattanooga's Corey Mock.

Don't over look me at 174! -  I think 174 is a very solid weight class where wrestling fans know who's who.   They are very well aware of the Big Four (Minnesota's Logan Storley, Nebraska's Robert Kokesh, Penn State's Matt Brown and Iowa's Mike Evans) and they're aware of Pittsburgh's Tyler Wilps and Bakersfield's Bryce Hammond.    I'd advise though to keep Iowa State's Tanner Weatherman and even more of a darkhorse Cal Poly's Dom Kastl on the radar as well.  

Oregon State's Taylor Meeks at 184 -  I'm very anxious to see how wrestling at 184 will work out for Meeks.    As of today it seems that his weight class is dominated by Gabe Dean of Cornell and Jack Dechow of Old Dominion that are heads and shoulders over the rest of the field.   Perhaps it will remain this way, BUT if Meeks wrestles anything like he did two years ago at 197, I can most certainly  see him being the one guy with a legitimate chance of challenging the two Gods at this weight class.

Who will win 197? -  Missouri fans want to see another NCAA title out of J'Den Cox, but with Minnesota's Scott Schiller, Penn State's Morgan McIntosh and Iowa State's Kyven Gadson all wanting on top of the podium as well, it'll be hard to repeat.    Ohio State's Kyle Snyder has already whipped Ohio's Phil Wellington this season, who handed Cox a loss last season.   He'll be in the hunt as well.   The real question here is how will Rutger's Andrew Campolattano do after being off the mats for a year?

HWT Darkhorses -  Northwestern's Mike McMullan, North Carolina State's Nick Gwiazdowski, Michigan's Adam Coon and Iowa's Bobby Telford are the four being most talked about right now.   I would add Wisconsin's Connor Medberry and  Maryland's Spencer Myers to the list as well.

Johnnythompsonnum1's favorite Collegiate Wrestling Matches

First and foremost I'm a writer.  I'm a writer that happens to be a collegiate wrestling fan.  As a writer, matches that have a great deal of excitement, drama and sometimes even a bit of controversy are the types that attract me the most.   I cannot deny loyalty to certain wrestlers and I cannot hide the bias I have year in and year out for the teams that make their home in Iowa.   However, my loyalty is first and foremost to the  story.   What is the story that the match?  What events transpired?  How exciting was the match?  How dramatic was it?   The more, the better.

10.  Matt Delguyd Northwestern Vs J.D. Bergman Ohio State 2005 BIG 10 Championships finals, Iowa City, Iowa - Bergman was the top seed, and a returning All American from the year before.   Known for his Greco-Roman style, capable of throwing you at any moment, he was the heavy favorite going into the finals.   Delguyd, who had snuck his way into the finals with an upset over Nathan Moore of Purdue, was the underdog.   Delguyd was one of those wrestlers that was more than capable of such high accomplishments, as he proved himself throughout the season with many notable victories.   However, when the post season rolled around, he often found himself not performing as well as he should have.   It was a low scoring match, with neither wrestler able to garner much offense.  Berman tried to tie Delguyd up a few times into some of his throws, but Delguyd wrestled a smart match and in the end came out on top 3-1 sudden victory.    I mark it down as one of my favorite matches, because it marked one of the few times Delguyd wrestled on the mat, as good as he was in theory.

9.  Ryan Lewis Minnesota Vs Cliff Moore Iowa 2003 NCAA Wrestling Championships semi-finals,  St.  Louis, Missouri -Lewis is the ultimate rival of my all time favorite wrestler Johnny Thompson of Oklahoma State and Cliff Moore wrestled for my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.   Why in the world would I list this match as one of my favorites?   Because of it's intensity!   The one thing I love about Iowa wrestling fans is their loyalty and enthusiasm for their wrestling team.   The one thing I dislike, is how blatantly arrogant they can sometimes be.   Moore had defeated Lewis twice during the season, once by a score of 12-8 in the dual meet and again for the BIG 10 title 3-1 sudden victory.    Hawkeye fans put this one in the bag and looked forward to seeing Moore in the finals against Thompson.   The Golden Gopher fans new better than to count their man out.   Talk about walking into a match, showing your opponent absolutely no respect and having your way with him, that's exactly what Lewis did.   He manhandled Moore 13-3.    It was not at all what I had expected.   It was not at all what the Hawkeye fans expected.    I don't think it was even what the Golden Gopher fans expected.  Lewis went on to place second for the second year in a row and Moore ended up taking sixth.   The match was a good motivator for Moore, because he bumped up a weight class the following season and dominated his way to an NCAA title.  

8.  Eric Grajales Michigan Vs Chris Villalonga Cornell  2014 NCAA Wrestling Championships R12, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. No match in collegiate wrestling has more importance on it than the "win or die" match that we wrestling fans refer to as "The Round of 12".   If you win this wrestling match, you're an All American.  You are forever cemented into history as one of the best wrestlers in your weight class. Lose, and you're not.   A few diehard wrestling fans will remember that you were one match away, but in the realms of being remembered, you might as well not even have qualified.    That is how important the match is.   

One of my favorite wrestlers over the past couple of years has been Michigan's Eric Grajales.   The Florida native, had an up and down career in his first three seasons as a Wolverine, and had but one shot left to finally make it happen.   As much as I love wrestling fans,  one thing that bugs me tremendously about many of my fellow comrades is how bitterly pessimistic they can be towards wrestlers, long before their careers are over.   Grajales lost in the R12 match as a freshman and as a sophomore and didn't even make it that far as a junior.   Many fans had given up any hope that he'd do anything in his final year.   He hadn't done anything yet, why would he now?  

Grajales was given a hard time because he often wore out during his matches.   I didn't see a wrestler that was out of shape however.   I saw a wrestler that went after his opponents and went 100% the entire match.   What made Grajales one of my favorites is that he was absolutely relentless.   He was trying to score on you the entire duration of the match.   

When he defeated Villalonga in the R12 and became an All American, I had a gut feeling that he was going to come back and take third.   I just knew that now that he had finally gotten over the hump and shut up all of the naysayers that he was going to let loose and capture the bronze medal.   His next three matches that's exactly what he did.   He defeated 2013 NCAA champion Kendric Maple, and then pinned Mitch Monotti and finished off his career with a victory over David Habat. 

As for Villalona, look for him to be an NCAA All American himself this season.

7.  Evan Sola North Carolina Vs Mark Jayne Illinois 2005 NCAA Wrestling Championships - Consolation Quarterfinals -  St. Louis, Missouri.  Sola was one of my Dad's favorite wrestlers, and notably one of mine as well.   What we liked about him, was his unpredictability and just how brutally tough he was in the top position.   I remember before the match was to take place Dad asking me if I thought that Sola could beat Jayne.    I answered that as far as I knew the two had only met once and that ended with Jayne squeaking by with  a 3-2 victory.    On paper, this one belonged to Jayne, but I had seen Sola upend higher seeded/ranked wrestlers before and was excited to see how this match was going to go.

In wrestling, like in any competition, one of the cardinal mistakes that is often made is to overlook and underestimate your opponent.  I think that's exactly what happened with Jayne.   I don't think he took Sola seriously enough and as a result he ended up paying the piper.

The match started off with the two scrambling, and Sola coming out on top for 2 points.   Sola then got a deep bar arm with his left arm and tried to run it off to the side as Jayne fought it off.    Jayne made it to his base and it seemed as if Sola had lost all of his leverage with his bar arm.    He hadn't.    With Jayne still on his base, Sola ran right over the top of him full force, flipping Jayne up and over onto his back.    You could hear Jayne scream up in the nosebleeds.   The referee slapped the mat and that was the end of the match.   

It wasn't the first time I had ever seen Sola use the move either.  He couldn't always get arm bars on his opponents, but I knew whenever he did, it meant trouble for whoever he was wrestling.    I used the move once myself my senior year of high school to pin an opponent I'll admit was better than me on paper.  

6.  Cael Sanderson Iowa State Vs Cliff Thompson Upper Iowa,  Dan Gable Wrestling Classic,  Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Both Sanderson and Thompson were done with their collegiate careers.  Sanderson ended his career the greatest collegiate wrestler of all time with a 159-0 career record and four NCAA titles.   At the time, and to this day he is the most recognizable name in collegiate wrestling.   You could sit in the middle of a crowd during the NBA finals and the basketball crazed crowd would know the name Cael Sanderson. He is to wrestling what Michael Jordan is to basketball and what Babe Ruth is to baseball. 

Thompson was in his own right a very good wrestler.  Upper Iowa during his time their was a Division III school and he had finishes of sixth, fourth and second.  Yet, compared to the God-like Sanderson,  Cliff Thompson was a nobody.   

The final score was 23-7.  Yes,  Sanderson did whip Thompson like he did most of the opponents that he faced during his illustrious career.   Yet, I tell you,  he had to earn every single one of those 23 points.   Thompson showed absolutely no fear and despite being severely outclassed, I have to say that I respected him for it.   He shot in on Sanderson and went after him.     He was the aggressor during the match and he gave Sanderson nothing.   Sanderson had to fight and fight hard to score.  

I've always thought of the match like a lowly squire up against hired knights,  standing no chance of winning at all, but standing tall and standing firm regardless.   You can take his land and take his freedom but he will not give it to you. 


5.  Nick Fanthrope Iowa State Vs Joe Baker Navy, 2007 NCAA Wrestling championships - 7th place match - Auburn Hills, Michigan. Wrestlers are often compared to warriors and gladiators and for good reasons.   Blood, sweat and tears is often what this sport is all about.   With so many of the finals matches often being one or two point snooze fest back in the day, when two guys decide to hit heads and go at it,  as a wrestling fan you appreciate that.    Black eyes, bloody heads both wrapped in bandages,  Fanthrope and Baker looked more like they were in a street fight than they did a collegiate wrestling match.   

Baker and Fanthrope wrestled a very similar style.   Neither had very flashy or fancy technique.  You weren't going to see a whole lot of finesse out of either one.  Both were just hard nosed, to the grind, take it to you on the mat wrestlers.  Considering that both also heavily relied upon conditioning as their number one weapon,  it made for a long and exciting match.

After doing battle throughout numerous overtimes, Fanthrope prevailed the victor and went on to win the match.

4.  Nick Ackerman Simpson College Vs Nick Slack Augsburg, 2001 DIII NCAA wrestling championships - finals - Dubuque,  Iowa.  I can't imagine what it's like wrestling in an arena where everyone wants to see you lose.  Not because you're a bad guy and nobody likes you, but because everyone in that area outside of your coach, your teammates and the few people in the crowd that root for your school, love the guy you are wrestling and they want to see him win.   That was the exact situation for Augsburg's Nick Slack when he took on Nick Ackerman.

Ackerman was the face of heart and courage, and the exact type of story that makes wrestling such a unique and phenomenal sport.   As a baby, he had contracted a rare disease and ended up having to have both legs amputated at the knee.    Rather than let this setback get the best of him,  he instead turned his energy positive and went out for wrestling.     After taking his bumps and paying his dues, he found himself in the NCAA finals.

You could hear a pin drop when the match started and you couldn't hear a damn thing when Ackerman put the first two points on the board.   The crowd when nuts.    Every time Slack scored, you heard an "ooh" much like you would from a crowd watching a small child wreck his/her bike when first learning how to ride.   Every time Ackerman scored, they'd erupt again.   

At the end of the match Ackerman won 13-11 and became the first amputee in the history of collegiate sports to win an NCAA title.  He did so much more than win the title for himself and for his school that day.  He won the sport of wrestling the dignity that an amputee, an individual with a physical disability can not only participate but also achieve at the highest level.   

Slack,  who added to the glorious moment by showing a great deal of composure for having just lost, went on to again make the finals the next year and end his career as a three time NCAA DIII finalist.

3 - Shane Roller Oklahoma State vs Matt Gentry Stanford - 2003 NCAA Championships - R12 - Kansas City, Missouri.  Both Roller and Gentry are two of my favorite guys that I've ever watched on the mat.  Roller because of how he could score on you from any position and suddenly have you on your back without warning and Gentry because of how merciless he was on the mat.     I knew that this match would be good and have to say that I was rooting for Roller simply because he was a senior and Gentry a sophomore, had two more years to make it happen.  

Gentry took it to Roller in the first period, controlling the match and stopping Roller's every move in route to a 4-1 lead.  In the second period,  Gentry scored again, taking a 6-1 lead.     It seemed for a second that all of the fire and hope that had been within Roller had died.     I had seen this happen before.   Wrestlers who had done so well in previous years (Roller had placed third as a sophomore and fourth as a junior) losing all of their steam as seniors after realizing that they were never going to be NCAA champions.    It looked to be the fate of Roller. 

I turned my head for a second and suddenly heard a roar of cheers from the Oklahoma State section of fans.   I hadn't seen what move he had used, but Roller had Gentry on his back.   The referee slapped the mat and Roller secured himself as a three time All American.

His next three matches would serve to be just as dramatic.   Down against Lehigh's Derek Zinck,  Roller scored and scored and scored to win a 9-8 decision.  He then defeated Ohio State's Keaton Anderson and in the third place match he would face the returning NCAA champion Luke Becker of Minnesota.

The two had met several times during their careers with Becker leading the series four matches to two.    I was expecting a barnburner of a match but as soon as the whistle blew Roller took hold of Becker and had him flat on his back.    Only 34 seconds into the first period,  Roller raised his arms in victory and took third place.   

Roller was a very fun wrestler to watch.

2 - Johnny Thompson Oklahoma State Vs Mark Jayne Illinois - 2004 NCAA Wrestling Championships - Consolation Quarter Finals - St. Louis, Missouri.   Finishing thus far in his career second as a freshman and then winning the NCAA title as a sophomore and a junior,   Thompson was not having the type of season that he had hoped to have had as a senior.  He had seven losses going into the NCAA's and enough flack for it from fans that if flack were measured in inches, you could have stretched it from Saskatoon to Bogota.    People like to see you lose and people like to be jerks about it when they can. 

It severely bothered people that I, a kid from Iowa,  was a huge fan of a wrestler from Oklahoma State and sometimes people would get downright obnoxious about giving me a hard time.    When Thompson lost in the quarterfinals,  there was a jerk that sat in the seat up above me that hooted and hollered like a jackal.   

To say the least,  he booed heavily when Thompson won his match to medal against Boise State's Scott Jorgenson.

When Thompson was wrestling Jayne,  Jayne took the lead and looked to have the match all but won with a little less than a minute to go in the third period.   The jerk behind me was making sure that I could hear him loud and clear in my ear as he yelled for Jayne to take Thompson down again.   

Thompson snapped Jayne down into a front headlock and nailed the snake,  putting him flat on his back and securing the fall with about thirty seconds left to go.   I'm a man of class and composure but there are times when you just can't let an opportunity to shove it in someone's face go.   I jumped up and pumped my fist, turned around and WHOOOED right in that jerk's face.

Needless to say I did it again when Thompson came from behind to beat Cornell's Travis Lee.

For the record real quick,  I have nothing against Mark Jayne and I actually was hoping to see him win a NCAA title as a senior in 2005.   He just happened to be wrestling my favorite wrestler that day.


1.  John Clark Ohio State Vs Levi Prevost Wyoming - 2004 NCAA Wrestling Championships -


This match had absolutely everything that you would want as a fan or as a writer.   I wish that all matches could be as exciting as this one was, because if they were, you'd never hear the words, "boring" to describe a wrestling match ever again.   Wrestling can be an awfully funny sport because just because you can beat wrestlers than can beat another wrestler, doesn't necessarily mean that you'll beat that wrestler.   That's the way it was for Ohio State's John Clark whenever he faced Wyoming's Levi Prevost.   Clark could beat a numerous amount of wrestlers that had beaten Prevost, but he always had trouble with Prevost.   The two had met twice before, once during their sophomore season and once during their junior season.   The score ended 6-4, in favor of Prevost each time.

History often repeats itself and it looked as if it were going to do the same thing as Prevost took a 6-4 lead going into the third period.   As the period started,  Prevost played it smart and wrestled extremely conservatively.   Unfortunately for him,  the referee gave him a stalling warning and it was his second warning.  If he got hit again, it would be a point thus cutting his lead to 6-5.   If he gotten ridden out, that would be a riding time point as well.    He could continue to take his chances and wrestle conservatively, risking giving up a stalling point and a riding time point, ending the match at 6-6 and causing overtime.

Clark on the other hand knew that if he was going to win this match, he was going to have to somehow put Prevost on his back.   Relying on a stalling point that the referee may or may not award him and then riding him out for a riding time point to put the match into overtime, seemed to big of a risk to take. 

Yet,  what was he going to do?  The time on the clock was wearing thin and if he was going to be an All American, he had to think of something fast.

Prevost tried a stand up and Clark took him out of bounds as the clock stopped.    There was less than twenty seconds left in the match.    Clark's coaches Russ Hellickson and older brother Mitch Clark yelled from the sidelines.   I saw John and Mitch make eye contact and I knew that he was going to try something.  Exactly what he was going to try and whether it would work or not, I had no idea.  All I knew was that he had a move in his head and he was going to try it.

As the whistle blew, Prevost went for a stand up again and Clark jumped sides, throwing all of his strength into a side cradle and then rearing back with every ounce of energy he had left in his body taking Prevost back to the mat.   With mere seconds left on the clock the referee began to count off the back points as the buzzer sounded and the match ended.  

Did Clark hold Prevost down long enough to get points?   Or was there not enough time left on the clock and he did not score?

I watched as Clark, Prevost,  Prevost's coaches and Clark's coaches all watched in anticipation.   The referee then signaled for two back points.  With the riding time point Clark won the match 7-6.     He jumped up into the air and ran into his brother Mitch's arms as he, Mitch and Coach Hellickson celebrated in victory.

Prevost walked off the mat in disappointment, a feeling that nearly all of us have had to endure during our time as wrestlers.   It's the funny thing about life.   Victory rarely happens without defeat.   Someone wins and someone else has to lose.  Triumph and satisfaction of ultimate proportions Vs heartache as equally significant.  

Those my friends, are my favorite collegiate matches. 

College Wrestling Championships Sportsmanship Award

College wrestling tournament "Sportsmanship Award"

I have always wanted all college Wrestling championships to have an Sportsmanship award, handed out to the wrestler at the end of the championships that a committee of voters feel has shown the most class and sportsmanship overall at the tournament/season.   I hope one day to be in a position of power to be able to implement this idea into the championships. 

Since 2002 I have been keeping a tally of who I would have awarded the "Sportsmanship" award to had their been one.   I did not attend the 2011 or 2012 NCAA tournament, so I wasn't able to observe who I would give the award to. Also wasn't at 16 or 17. 

Here are the "winners"

02: Otto Olson of Michigan
03: Aaron Holker of Iowa State
04: Travis Shufelt of Nebraska
05: Sam Hazewinkle of Oklahoma
06: Ron Tarquinio of Pittsburgh
07: Brandon Precin of Northwestern
08: Jake Herbert of Northwestern
09: Quentin Wright of Penn State
10: Hudson Taylor of Maryland
13: Jesse Dong of Virginia Tech
14: Adam Chalfant of Indiana
15: A.J. Schopp of Edinboro
18: Nathan Tomasello of Ohio State
19: Matt Voss of George Mason 

22: Stevan Micic of Michigan 
23: Christian Small Lake Erie 
24: Ryan DeVivo Johnson & Wales
25: N/A
26: Tyler Knox Stanford

2015 Pre-Season NCAA All American Predictions

Pre-Season All American Predictions

*NOTE* - These are not rankings, they are predictions.   Based on last year’s results, intuition and gut feelings, J

 

125
1.  Nico Megaludis senior Penn State
2.  Jesse Delgado senior Illinois
3. Nahshon Garrett junior Cornell
4.  Alan Waters senior Missouri
5.  Joey Dance sophomore Virginia Tech
6.  Josh Martinez junior Air Force
7. Tyler Cox senior Wyoming
8. David Terao sophomore American
R12 Dylan Peters sophomore Northern Iowa
R12 Thomas Gilman sophomore Iowa
R12 Darion Cruz sophomore Lehigh
R12 Earl Hall sophomore Iowa State

133
1.  Johnni DiJulius junior Ohio State
2. A.J Schopp senior Edinboro
3. Cody Brewer junior Oklahoma
4. Mason Beckman junior Lehigh
5. Cory Clark sophomore Iowa
6. Nick Soto senior Chattanooga
7. Mark Grey sophomore Cornell
8. Levi Wolfensperger senior Northern Iowa
R12 Zane Richards junior Illinois
R12 Geoff Alexander sophomore Maryland
R12 Rossi Bruno junior Michigan
R12 Jordan Conaway senior Penn State

 

 

 

 

141
1. Logan Stieber senior Ohio State
2. Mitchell Port senior Edinboro
3. Zain Retherford sophomore Penn State
4. Devin Carter senior Virginia Tech
5.  Stephen Dutton senior Michigan
6.  Josh Dziewa senior Iowa
7.  Chris Dardanes senior Minnesota
8. Richard Durso senior Franklin and Marshall
R12 Zach Horan junior Central Michigan
R12 Chris Mecate junior Old Dominion
R12 Todd Preston senior Harvard
R12 Anthony Collica sophomore Oklahoma State

149
1. Jake Sueflohn senior Nebraska
2. Chris Villalonga senior Cornell
3. David Habat senior Edinboro
4. Nick Dardanes senior Minnesota
5.  Jason Tsirtsis sophomore Northwestern
6. Drake Houdashelt senior Missouri
7. Hunter Steiber junior Ohio State
8.  Josh Kindig senior Oklahoma State
R12 Gus Sako senior Virginia
R12 Brody Grothus sophomore Iowa
R12 Mark DePalma junior Kent State
R12 Caleb Ervin junior Illinois

157
1.  Dylan Ness senior Minnesota
2.  James Green senior Nebraska
3. Ian Miller junior Kent State
4. Brian Realbuto sophomore Cornell
5. Max Schneider sophomore Cal Poly
6. Isaac Jordan sophomore Wisconsin
7.  Nick Brascetta junior Virginia Tech
8.  Josh Demas junior Ohio State
R12 Mitch Minotti sophomore Lehigh
R12 Anthony Perrotti junior Rutgers
R12 Spartak Chino junior Ohio
R12 Brian Murphy sophomore Michigan

165
1. Alex Deiringer junior Oklahoma State
2.  Michael Moreno senior Iowa State
3. Nick Sulzer senior Virginia
4. Cory Mock senior Chattanooga
5. Taylor Walsh senior Indiana
6.  Bo Jordan freshman Ohio State
7.  Nick Moore senior Iowa
8.  Pierce Harger senior Northwestern
R12 Dylan Palacio sophomore Cornell
R12 Chris Moon junior Virginia Tech
R12 Cooper Moore sophomore Northern Iowa
R12 Jim Wilson sophomore Stanford

174
1. Mike Evans senior Iowa
2. Robert Kokesh senior Nebraska
3. Logan Storley senior Minnesota
4. Matt Brown senior Penn State
5. Tanner Weatherman senior Iowa State
6. Matt Wilps senior Pittsburgh
7. Cody Walters junior Ohio
8. Bryce Hammond senior Cal State Bakersfield
R12 Mike Ottinger senior Central Michigan
R12 Matt Miller junior Navy
R12 Elliott Riddick sophomore Lehigh
R12 Mark Martin junior Ohio State

184
1. Gabe Dean sophomore Cornell
2. Jack Dechow sophomore Old Dominion
3. Dominic Abounader sophomore Michigan
4.  Max Thomusseitt senior Pittsburgh
5.  Lorenzo Thomas junior Penn
6.  Opher Bernstein junior Brown
7.  Jon Rizqallah senior Michigan State
8.  Vic Avery junior Edinboro
R12 Kenny Courts junior Ohio State
R12 Ben Pfarr sophomore Minnesota
R12 Sammy Brooks junior Iowa
R12 Blake Stauffer junior Arizona State

197
1. Taylor Meeks senior Oregon State
2. Kyven Gadson senior Iowa State
3.  Scott Schiller senior Minnesota
4.  J’Den Cox sophomore Missouri
5. Connor Hartmann junior Duke
6.  Braden Atwood senior Purdue
7.  Phil Wellington junior Ohio
8.  Nathan Burak junior Iowa
R12 Morgan McIntosh junior Penn State
R12 Anthony Polizzi senior Northwestern
R12 James Fox senior Harvard
R12 Bryce Barnes junior Army

HWT
1.  Mike McMullan senior Northwestern
2.  Adam Coon sophomore Michigan
3.  Nick Gwiazdowski junior North Carolina State
4. Spencer Myers senior Maryland
5.  Bobby Telford senior Iowa
6.  Connor Medberry junior Wisconsin
7.  Joe Stolfi senior Bucknell
8.  Ty Walz junior Virginia Tech
R12 Austen Marsden junior Oklahoma State
R12 Will Smith junior Rutgers
R12 Amaveer Dhesi sophomore Oregon State
R12 Nathan Tavanello sophomore Ohio State

Every Current Collegiate Wrestling Program

Current College Wrestling Programs (As of 2014)

College Wrestling Programs in Each State
Alaska -0
Delaware – 0
Louisiana -0
Mississippi -0 
Nevada - 0 
Hawaii - 0
Florida - 1
Alabama – 1
Maine – 1
New Mexico – 1
Vermont – 1
Utah – 1
Washington – 1
British Columbia -1
District of Columbia – 1
Texas – 1
Idaho – 2
Montana -2
New Hampshire -2
Arizona – 3
Tennessee – 3
Wyoming – 3
Kentucky - 4
Rhode Island - 4
South Dakota – 4
Maryland – 4
Connecticut - 4
South Carolina -5
Georgia -5
North Dakota – 5
Arkansas - 6
Oklahoma - 6
Oregon -6
West Virginia -7 
Colorado – 7
Nebraska – 7
Michigan- 8
Indiana - 8
Massachusetts - 8 
Virginia – 8 
New Jersey - 9
Missouri – 9
North Carolina - 10 
Kansas - 11
Wisconsin – 12
Minnesota – 14
Illinois - 15
Ohio - 17
New York – 23
Iowa – 24
California – 26
Pennsylvania - 35

Alabama - 1
Huntingdon (DIII)


Alaska – 0 

Arizona - 3
Embry Riddle (NAIA)
Grand Canyon (DI)
Arizona State (DI)



Arkansas -6
Arkansas Baptist (NJCAA)
Central Baptist (NAIA)
Lyon College (NAIA)
William Baptist (NAIA)
Ouachita Baptist (NAIA)
Ozarks (NAIA) 


California -26
Shasta (CCC)
Sacramento (CCC)
Santa Ana (CCC)
Skyline (CCC)
San Joaquin Delta (CCC)
Rio Honda (CCC)
West Hills Lemoore (CCC)
Mount San Antonio (CC)
Cuesta (CCC)
Santa Rosa (CCC)
Palomar (CCC)
East Los Angeles (CCC)
Chabot (CCC)
Cerritos (CCC)
Fresno City (CCC)
Sierra (CCC)
Bakersfield College (CCC)
Victor Valley (CCC)
Modesto (CCC)
Lassen (CCC)
Menlo (NAIA)
Cal Baptist (DII)
San Francisco State (DII)
Cal State Bakersfield (DI)
Cal Poly (DI)
Stanford (DI)

Colorado-7
Colorado Mesa (DII)
Colorado School of Mines (DII)
Colorado State Pueblo (DII)
Western State Colorado (DII)
Adams State (DII)
Northern Colorado (DI)
Air Force (DI)


Connecticut-4
Wesleyan Connecticut (DIII)
Trinity (DIII)
U.S. Coast Guard (DIII)
Sacred Heart (DI)


Delaware -0

Florida-1Southeastern (NAIA)

Georgia-5
Darton (NJCAA)
Truett-McConnel (NAIA)
Life (NAIA)
Brewerton Parker (NAIA)
Shorter (DII)

Idaho-2
North Idaho (NJCAA)
Boise State (DI)

Illinois-15
Triton (NJCAA)
Lincoln (NJCAA)
Harper (NJCAA)
Wabubonsee (NJCAA)
Wheaton (DIII)
Augustana (DIII)
Elmhurst (DIII)
North Central (DIII)
Knox (DIII)
Chicago (DIII)
McKendree (DII)
Northern Illinois (DI)
Illinois (DI)
SI-Edwardsville (DI)
Northwestern (DI)


Indiana-8
Indiana Institute of Tech (NAIA)
Calumet City of St. Joseph (NAIA)
Trine (DIII)
Wabash (DIII)
Manchester (DIII)
Indianapolis (DII)
Purdue (DI)
Indiana (DI)

Iowa-24
Iowa Central (NJCAA)
Iowa Lakes (NJCAA)
North Iowa Community (NJCAA)
Iowa Western (NJCAA)
Ellsworth (NJCAA)
William Penn (NAIA)
Grand View (NAIA)
Waldorf (NAIA)
Northwestern (NAIA)
Briar Cliff (NAIA)
Morningside (NAIA)
Luther (DIII)
Wartburg (DIII)
Loras (DIII)
Dubuque (DIII)
Simpson (DIII)
Central (DIII)
Coe (DIII)
Cornell (DIII)
Buena Vista (DIII)
Upper Iowa (DII)
Northern Iowa (DI)
Iowa State (DI)
Iowa (DI)


Kansas-11
Labette (NJCAA)
Pratt (NJCAA)
Colby (NJCAA)
Neosho County (NJCAA)
Northwest Kansas Tech (NJCAA)
Bethany (NAIA)
Baker (NAIA)
Ottawa (NAIA)
Benedictine (NAIA)
Newman (DII)
Fort Hayes State (DII)



Kentucky-4
Lindsey Wilson (NAIA)
Cumberlands (NAIA)
St. Catherine (NAIA)
Cambellsville (NAIA)

Louisiana-0

Maine-1
Southern Maine (DIII)

Maryland-4
John Hopkins (DIII)
McDaniel (DIII)
Maryland (DI)
Navy (DI)

Massachusetts-8
Springfield Tech (NJCAA)
Springfield (DIII)
Bridgewater State (DIII)
Worcester Poly (DIII)
Western New England (DIII)
Williams (DIII)
American International (DII)
Harvard (DI)

Michigan-8
Muskegon (NJCAA)
Alma (DIII)
Oliviet (DIII)
Adrian (DIII)
Eastern Michigan (DI)
Michigan (DI)
Michigan State (DI)
Central Michigan (DI)


Minnesota-14
Rochester Tech (NJCAA)
Itasca (NJCAA)
Ridge Water (NJCAA)
Minnesota West tech (NJCAA)
Northland Tech (NJCAA)
Concordia (NAIA)
Augsburg (DIII)
St. Olaf (DIII)
St. Johns (DIII)
St. Cloud State (DII)
Minnesota State Mankato (DII)
Minnesota State Moorhead (DII)
Southwest Minnesota (DII)
Minnesota (DI)

Mississippi-0

Missouri-10
Wentworth Military (NJCAA)
Missouri Valley (NAIA)
Hannibal-LaGrange (NAIA)
Missouri Baptist (NAIA)
Lindenwood (DII)
Maryville St Louis (DII)
Central Missouri (DII)
Truman State (DII)
Missouri (DI)


Montana-2
Great Falls (NAIA)
Montana State Northern (NAIA)

Nebraska-7
Hastings (NAIA)
Midland (NAIA)
Concordia (NAIA)
York (NAIA)
Nebraska –Kearney (DII)
Chatron State (DII)
Nebraska (DI)


New Hampshire-2
Plymouth (DIII)
Daniel Webster (DIII)

New Jersey-9
Middlesex County (NJCAA)
Bergen (NJCAA)
Glousester (NJCAA)
Stevens Institute of Tech (DIII)
College of New Jersey (DIII)
Centenary (DIII)
Rider (DI)
Princeton (DI)
Rutgers (DI)


New Mexico-1
New Mexico Highlands (DII)

New York-23
Army (DI)
Columbia (DI)
Hofstra (DI)
Cornell (DI)
Buffalo (DI)
Binghamton (DI)
Long Island (DII)
Mount St. Vincent (DIII)
Rochester Institute of Tech (DIII)
SUNY Alfred (DIII)
New York U (DIII)
SUNY Oneonta (DIII)
Yeshiva (DIII)
Hunter (DIII)
USMMA (DIII)
Ithaca (DIII)
SUNY Cortland (DIII)
SUNY Brockport (DIII)
Sullivan Community (NJCAA)
Nassau (NJCAA)
Niagara County (NJCAA)
Jamestown Community (NJCAA)
SUNY Oswego (DIII)

North Carolina-10
St Andrews (NAIA)
Belmony Abbey (DII)
Pembroke (DII)
Appalachian State (DI)
Campbell (DI)
Gardner Webb (DI)
Davidson (DI)
North Carolina (DI)
North Carolina State (DI)
Duke (DI)


North Dakota-5
Dickinson State (NAIA)
Jamestown (NAIA)
Mary (DII)
Minot State (DII)
North Dakota State (DI)

Ohio -17
Heidlberg (DIII)
John Carroll (DIII)
Mount St Joseph (DIII)
Baldwin (DIII)
Case Western Reserve (DIII)
Mount Union (DIII)
Muskingum (DIII)
Ohio Northern (DIII)
Notre Dame (DII)
Findlay (DII)
Lake Erie (DII)
Tiffin (DII)
Ashland (DII)
Cleveland State (DI)
Ohio (DI)
Ohio State (DI)
Kent State (DI)

Oklahoma-6
Northeast Oklahoma A&M (NJCAA)
Bacone (NAIA)
Oklahoma City (NAIA)
Central Oklahoma (DII)
Oklahoma State (DI)
Oklahoma (DI)

Oregon-6
Clackamas (NJCAA)
Southwest Oregon (NJCAA)
Southern Oregon (NAIA)
Warner Pacific (NAIA)
Pacific (DIII)
Oregon State (DI)

Pennsylvania-35
Thaddeus Stevens (NJCAA)
Mercyhurst (NJCAA)
Messiah (DIII)
Elizabethtown (DIII)
Scranton (DIII)
Waynesburg (DIII)
Wilkes (DIII)
Lycoming (DIII)
Thiel (DIII)
Delaware Valley (DIII)
Ursinus (DIII)
Gettysburg (DIII)
Kings (DIII)
Muhlenberg (DIII)
Delaware Valley (DIII)
Washington and Jefferson (DIII)
Pittsburgh-Johnstown (DII)
Mercyhurst (DII)
Seton Hill (DII)
Gannon (DII)
East Stroudsburg (DII)
Millersville (DII)
Shippensburg (DII)
Kutztown (DII)
Franklin and Marshall (DI)
Edinboro (DI)
Bloomsburg (DI)
Lock Haven (DI)
Clarion (DI)
Drexel (DI)
Lehigh (DI)
Bucknell (DI)
Pennsylvania (DI)
Penn State (DI)
Pittsburgh (DI)


Rhode Island-4
Rhode Island College (DIII)
Johnson and Wales (DIII)
Rogers Williams (DIII)
Brown (DI)


South Carolina-5
Spartansburg (NJCAA)
Limestone (DII)
Anderson (DII)
Newberry (DII)
Citadel (DI)



South Dakota-4
Dakota Wesleyan (NAIA)
Augustana (DII)
Northern State (DII)
South Dakota State (DI)

Tennessee-3
Cumberland (NAIA)
King (DII)
Chattanooga (DI)


Texas-1
Wayland Baptist (NAIA)

Utah-1
Utah Valley (DI)

Vermont-1
Norwich (DIII)

Virginia-8
Southern Virginia (DIII)
Washington and Lee (DIII)
Ferrum (DIII)
George Mason (DI)
Old Dominion (DI)
VMI (DI)
Virginia Tech (DI)
Virginia (DI)

Washington-1
Highline (NJCAA)

West Virginia-7West Virginia Tech (NAIA)
Wheeling Jesuit (DIII)
Ohio Valley (DII)
Alderson-Broaddus (DII)
West Liberty (DII)
Ohio Valley (DII) 
West Virginia (DI)

Wisconsin -12
Milwaukee School of Engineering (DIII)
Whitewater (DIII)
Stevens Point (DIII)
Concordia (DIII)
Eau-Claire (DIII)
Lakeland (DIII)
Oshkosh (DIII)
LaCrosse (DIII)
Maranatha Baptist Bible (DIII)
Platteville (DIII)
Parkside (DII)
Wisconsin (DI)

Wyoming-3
Northwest (NJCAA)
Western Wyoming (NJCAA)
Wyoming (DI)

D.C.-1
American (DI)

British Columbia (Canada) - 1
Simon Fraser (DII)

States Without Collegiate Wrestling

Getting College Wrestling in States without College wrestling

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Alabama will field a varsity wrestling team this upcoming season. I think this is a huge step for the sport of wrestling and it feels good to erase a state from the list states that do not have varsity college wrestling opportunities. That's the good news. 

The bad news is, we still have 7 states that currently have no collegiate wrestling opportunities. These states include, Alaska, Mississippi, Hawaii, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana and Nevada. 

Alaska and Hawaii are going to be damn near impossible, simply because of Geography. How colleges in Hawaii manage to have any varsity sports at all is incredible. Travel, pretty much writes off these two states. 

I hate to be pessimistic but I just don't see Mississippi coming on board anytime soon. It is still the only state that has yet to sanction high school wrestling. I know Tyron Woodley has done some work generating interest in the state, as have others. Hopefully things change.

That leaves us with four States, Florida, Louisiana, Delaware and Nevada. 

Florida - I think Florida is best approached from the NJCAA level. If we could get wrestling started at a good number of the many junior colleges in Florida, I think that could grow into the NAIA and DII schools of Florida adding wrestling as well. Think about it. Let's say that ASA Miami, Eastern Florida State College, Gulf Coast State, Indian River State, Lake Sumter, Palm Beach State, Pensacola state, Polk State, Seminole State, St Johns River State, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee Community College all add wrestling that is 13 NJCAA schools that can all compete against one another within doable travel distance. This could lead to the Division II schools of Barry, Eckerd, Flagler, Lynn, Rollins, Tampa and West Florida as well as the NAIA schools of Florida Memorial and Southeastern University all adding wrestling as well. A major concern of adding wrestling in Florida is the travel distance. With 7 DII schools all having wrestling programs, there is a large chunk of the schedule right there. The NAIA programs could wrestle against the nearby NAIA schools in Georgia. No reason Florida shouldn't have wrestling opportunities. 

Louisiana - Much like Arkansas, Kentucky and Georgia have been, Louisiana needs to be hit hard from the NAIA level. Dillard, LSU-Shreveport, Loyola, Southeastern University of New Orleans and Xavier are all NAIA schools within relatively close distance to one another. Plus add in LSU-Alexandria as well. This could lead to NJCAA schools of Baton Rouge, Delgado Community College and Southeastern University to add as well. Maybe even a slight chance at getting DIII's Centaury of Louisiana and Louisiana College to add too. 

Delaware - Based on the state itself, it seems a bit more challenging, but it's not all that far from New Jersey, Virginia or Pennsylvania. If the Tech colleges in Owens, Stanton and Terry were to add programs, that would mean 3 NJCAA opportunities. DIII wrestling is rich in the surrounding states, so if Wesley were to add wrestling, I think they could do their schedule with relative ease. Wilmington would be a good addition to DII. 

Nevada - Nevada seems like the toughest challenge, but still one that should be approached. what makes Nevada hard to tackle is that it has no DIII schools, no DII Schools and no NAIA schools. This posses a problem. On top of that it only has two NJCAA schools in Western Nevada College and College of Southern Nevada. Not sure if the locations of these schools would be fit to compete against schools in the California Community College system or not. Sure would like to see wrestling in Nevada though. 

A BIG 10 Preseason Preview

125 - The 125 lbs weight class in the BIG 10 is going to be lead by seniors Jesse Delgado of Illinois and Nico Megaludis of Penn State, as Delgado goes for this third BIG 10 title and Megaludis for his first, in their highly decorated careers.  Iowa sophomore Cory Clark who already has a victory of Delgado, could possibly knock off either one or both for a BIG 10 title.   Look for Wisconsin sophomore Ryan Taylor, who has a victory over Clark, to make some noise this upcoming year as well.   Rounding out the weight class is NCAA qualifiers, Tim Lambert of Nebraska, Connor Youtsey of Michigan and Joey Duca of Indiana.  While he did not qualify for last year's NCAA championships,  sophomore Sam Brancale of Minnesota proved just how dangerous he can be when he stuck Clark during a duel meet in Iowa City. 

133 - Graduation has certainly made this weight class more up for grabs and as of right now it looks to be as if Iowa sophomore Thomas Gilman, who sat behind Clark and Ramos last season, could be the forerunner.  I believe that Ohio State's talented, but often inconsistent Johnni DiJulius could have something to say about that too though.  DiJulius had two rather decisive wins over Northern Iowa's Joe Colon who finished third last year and he could very well be a darkhorse national champion.  Maryland returns Geoff Alexander off of a redshirt, as Penn State has either senior Jordan Conaway or sophomore Jimmy Gulibon either of which can come in and do some damage.   The weight class rounds off with Michigan's Rossi Bruno, Northwestern's Dom Malone,  Illinois's Zane Richards and Rutgers Vinne Dellafave.  Although he didn't see any varsity action last year, Nebraska's Eric Montoya a transfer from Campbell, could possibly open up some eyes this year as well. 

141 - Head and heels above the rest, a God among men, will be three time BIG 10 and NCAA champion Logan Stieber.   Wrestling is as much known for it's heartbreak as it is it's triumph however and looking to ruin the moment for Stieber is Penn State sophomore Zain Retherford.  Retherford not only had a phenomenal season last year as a true freshman, finishing fourth at the NCAA's, but he also did the unthinkable when he defeated Stieber in a duel meet.   Look for Chris Dardanes of Minnesota, to perhaps shock the wrestling world by not even giving Retherford a chance to face Stieber in the finals.    Rounding out this weight class will be All American Stephen Dutton of Michigan, and NCAA qualifier Josh Dziewa of Iowa.   With Rutgers coming into the BIG 10 it'll be interesting to see exactly where Anthony Ashnault finishes among his contemporaries.  Although he didn't qualify last season,  Wisconsin's Jesse Theilke is one of the most dangerous throwers in NCAA wrestling today.  One wrong move and before you know it, Theilke has you on your back.  

149 - Definitely an extremely tough and interesting weight class, 149 seems to be in the clutches of returning NCAA champion Jason Tsirtsis of Northwestern.  However, the weight class has proven to have an ample amount of parity and their are a number of individuals who could take the crown here.   Many wrestling fans conclude Nebraska senior Jake Sueflohn to perhaps be the best wrestler going into the 2014-2015 season who has yet to make All American.  He can beat anyone at his weight class.   Also look for Nick Dardanes of Minnesota to throw a wrench into things and as always Hunter Stieber will be gunning for the title as well.   Lastly I'll say that what makes this weight class so interesting is that we also have three individuals who could also make a run for the title, who didn't even qualify for the NCAA last season.   Iowa fans have put a ton of faith into Brody Grothus, who has multiple wins over All Americans and qualifiers, despite not qualifying himself.   Penn State fans are hopeful to finally get out of Andrew Alton what they've been hoping for since his freshman season and if you want to talk about a plausible sleeper, look no further than Illinois's Caleb Ervin.    Wisconsin's T.J. Ruschell could possibly throw in an upset or two as well. 

157 - Without a doubt this is the toughest weight class in the BIG 10.   Matter of fact, I'll go as far as to say that anyone finishing in the top eight in this weight class, has as much ability and predictability to finish as an All American at the NCAA tournament, as does anyone.   That is how tough this weight class is.    First the weight class returns NCAA finalist, Dylan Ness of Minnesota and last year's BIG 10 champion and NCAA third place finisher James Green of Nebraska.   All American Anthony Perrotti of Rutgers makes his way into the BIG 10 as well, after wrestling in the EIWA the last two seasons.   Indiana's Taylor Walsh, who led the nation in falls last year, could headlock his way to a title as well.   What I'm really interested to see here is the return of Ohio State's Josh Demas, who always gave Iowa's Derek St. John a lot of trouble and how a healthy Brian Murphy of Michigan will do.   The biggest question here, is without a doubt Penn State's Dylan Alton.   After an extremely successful freshman campaign which saw third place finishes at both the BIG 10 tournament and NCAA tournament, as well as victories over James Green, he has had less than stellar, very disappointing seasons as a sophomore and junior.   If he is on, and wrestling to his full potential, he'll be a serious threat for a BIG 10 title.   Not sure if Iowa will place Mike Kelly or Aaron Sorenson here and look for possible qualification out of Michigan State's Ryan Watts and Illinois's Zac Bunson. 

165 - Polar opposite of 149 and 157, is 165, which looks to be the weakest out of the BIG 10 weights.   I'd like to go ahead and pencil in Iowa senior Nick Moore as the 2015 champion, but while he has proven his ability to beat anyone during the regular season, he has thus far disappointed in the post.   Ohio State fans, already are picking Bo Jordan to perhaps be freshman of the year, and I'm sure that Michigan fans aren't to happy that too many critics are over looking the ability of Taylor Massa.  Illinois's Jackson Morse looks to be the sleeper in this weight class, and the Minnesota faithful have confidence in Chris Pfarr. 

174 - Four individuals in this weight class, each of which are about dead tied with the other in terms of head to head competition amongst one another.   Nebraska's Robert Kokesh looks to defend his title but Penn State's Matt Brown who won the title two years ago as a sophomore, would like to add another one to his resume as well.   Perhaps it won't be either one of them though, as Iowa's Mike Evans and Minnesota's Logan Storley both look to be crowned king of the BIG 10 as well.    The weight class really drops off after the top four here though,  and fifth through eighth place are really up for grabs.   Among those in contention will be Wisconsin's Scott Liegel, Purdue's Pat Kissel, Ohio State's Mark Martin and Michigan's Collin Zeerip. 

184 - Michigan sophomore Dominic Abounader who finished a very impressive third at last year's BIG 10 tournament, looks poised to win his first of what could be three BIG 10 titles this season.  While it may not seem so as of today based on prior results,  challenging him for the title could very well be Michigan State's John Rizqallah who in spite of his inconsistency has proven his ability to beat top tier competition before.   The BIG 10 gives out medals for the top three wrestlers per weight class, and the fight for the third place bronze medal will be interesting as well.   It could be Ohio State's Kenny Courts, Iowa's Sammy Brooks, Indiana's Luke Sheridan or Nebraska's T.J. Dudley.  

197 - Minnesota senior Scott Schiller has earned his right as the clear favorite and I don't see anyone knocking him off for a BIG 10 title.   I can already hear Ohio State fan's in my ear going on and on about how good Kyle Snyder is going to be this year, but I'll have to actually see him actually defeat Schiller on the mat before I just go ahead and believe it.   Rumors like to circulate in the wrestling world like they do anywhere else, and from what I've heard there is a possibility we could see former Ohio State Buckeye Andrew Campolattano in a Rutger's singlet this season.    Iowa fan's sure would like to see Nathan Burak step it up a notch, and while I see him as a possible finalist, I do not see him taking Schiller for the title.   I tell you who I will grant a slight dark horse's chance to though and that is Purdue's Braden Atwood.  Rounding out this weight class is the continuously improving Alex Polizzi and Timmy McCall of Wisconsin. 

HWT - Northwestern's Mike McMullan will go into the season ranked #1 in the BIG 10 and most likely #2 in the NCAA, but don't kid yourself, he hasn't walked away with the 2015 HWT BIG 10 championship yet.  Michigan sophomore Adam Coon, who looked extremely promising as a potential BIG 10 and NCAA champion last year during the regular season, completely fell apart at the BIG 10 tournament and finished one match shy of All American honors at the NCAA tournament.   Look for the MichCoon Redemption as I don't think he'll ever let that happen to him again and he'll be making runs for titles at every tournament he enters from here on out.   Also looking for his first BIG 10 title will be Iowa's Bobby Telford and coming to the BIG 10 for the first time from the ACC Maryland's Spencer Myers.   Penn State senior Jon Gingrich has shown his worth to the Nittany Lion wrestling program on more than one occasion with his ability to upset higher ranked opponents.  He's done it before, he'll do it again.   Lastly look for possible upsets out of Wisconsin's Connor Medberry, Rutger's Will Smith and Ohio State's Nathan Tavanello. 

I see Iowa being the team to beat in the BIG 10 and while it may tick off a lot of Penn State fans,  I see Minnesota and Ohio State giving the Hawkeyes more of a challenge for that team title than I do the Nittany Lions.   Those in the know, already have Nebraska penciled in as a dark horse team that could take the BIG 10 title.   I personally look for Michigan to surprise everyone and finish as high as third.    I don't see either Rutgers or Maryland making much noise in their first year in the BIG 10, but perhaps they could finally give Michigan State an opportunity to finish something other than dead last for once. 

A quick look at the Individual Forerunners for 2015

125 lbs The Forerunners -Jesse Delgado Illinois, Nico Megaludis Penn State and Nahshon Garrett Cornell  Illini senior Delgado looks to end his illustrious career with a third NCAA title, but going head to head with him will be fellow senior Megaludis, who has thus finished 2nd-2nd-3rd  during his campaign as a Nittany Lion. The two have split back and forth, each having wins over the other. Not far behind either of them will be Garrett who after finishing 3rd-2nd thus far in his career, hopes to add what will be one of two NCAA titles to his resume.  Darkhorses Joey Dance Virginia Tech, Alan Waters Missouri and Thomas Gilman Iowa  It's hard to believe that as well as he wrestled last season, that Dance was only a year removed from high school. As a true freshman, he finished 4th in the nation. If he was that good as a true freshman, it's plausible to imagine he'll be even better this year as a sophomore. Perhaps he'll be good enough to contend with Delgado, Megaludis and Garrett.  More of a question mark than Dance, will be Missouri's Alan Waters who will be finishing up his career this year for the Tigers after redshirting this past season. Waters could prove within due time to be NCAA champion material.  Lastly, Hawkeye sophomore Gilman could pose a threat to the NCAA crown as well as he has proved his ability to defeat top competition in the past.  MY PICK: Nico Megaludis Penn State - He's been in the kingdom, and he's worn everything but the crown. They say it's very difficult to do something three times in a row, and I think Delgado will have to settle for the silver or bronze medal this year, as Megaludis takes the gold. I think he's too technical and reactive for Garrett and I don't see Dance, Gilman or Waters giving him any trouble come do or die time either.  133lbs The Forerunners - A.J. Schopp Edinboro  At the time being Schopp looks to add an individual NCAA crown as a part of the FightingScotts hopes for a top four NCAA team finish. He looks unstoppable and unbeatable onpaper at the time being, putting him a notch above the rest.  Darkhorses - Cody Brewer Oklahoma, Mason Beckman Lehigh, Johnni DiJulius and Cory Clark Iowa  Brewer has steadily improved each year during his time thus far as a sooner. The two time All American proved his ability more than once during his career to defeat opponents that he has previously lost to. He's a quick and dangerous wrestler who could give Schopp some fits this season.  Beckman at the current time is ranked 2nd under Amateur Wrestling Newsmagazine's (AWN) current rankings, after finishing 6th in the nation last year. I don't see him holding that ranking throughout the season, as I believe he'll be vulnerable to lose a couple of matches here and there. However, I dare not count him out in his abilities to be an NCAA champion.  DiJulius is perhaps the most unpredictable, thus dangerous wrestler at this weight class. When on, as he proved last season with wins over Northern Iowa's Joe Colon, he has the skills to beat anyone. Yet, when off, he also has the opportunity to be beaten by anyone.  Clark most certainly showed promise of an NCAA title at 125 lbs and it'll only be a matter of time before the Hawkeye sophomore proves the same at 133.  MY PICK: Johnni DiJulius Ohio State - As a rather big fan of Brewer's I'd love to see him atop the award stand this year, but I have a gut feeling that it'll be DiJulius who takes the Division I wrestling world by storm this season. After a disappointing BIG 10 andNCAA tournament last season, I see the Buckeye junior perhaps even going undefeated this season. At the current time he is ranked 7th by AWN.  141 The Forerunners - Logan Stieber Ohio State Stieber, need I say more? The Buckeye senior looks to become only the fourth four time NCAA champion in the history of NCAA Division I wrestling this season. The chances of anyone keeping him from this feat are slim to none. He's one of the all time greatest wrestlers that has ever graced the mat and most likely will walk off the mat crowned champion at the end of the year.  Darkhorses Mitchel Port Edinboro and Zain Retherford Penn State  If there is anyone that can do the impossible and knock Stieber off his throne it is Fighting Scott senior Port. Port will show Stieber no respect and go after him with a license to kill. As one of the most exciting and exhilarating wrestlers in Division I wrestling today, look for Port to be Stieber's biggest concern.  Retherford has already proved his ability to defeat Stieber as he caught the Buckeye off guard during a duel meet and upset him. While I don't see Stieber allowing this to happen again, I won't count it out as a possibility.  MY PICK: Logan Stieber Ohio State - I just don't see anyone keeping Stieber from winning four NCAA titles this season. If anyone is going to do it though, I hope that it is Port. I don't see that happening though.  149 lbs  The Forerunners - Jason Tsirtsis Northwestern, Josh Kindig Oklahoma State, Hunter Stieber Ohio State, David Habat Edinboro and Drake Houdashelt Missouri  The 149 lbs weight class is one of the most competitive weight classes in NCAA Division I wrestling this upcoming season. Even though sophomore Tsirtsis returns as the champion, I don't count his chances of repeating any greater than the other four men listed alongside him. The parity at this weight class is unreal and those listed as the forerunners aren't the only ones capable of winning this year's championships at 149 lbs.  Darkhorses - Chris Villalonga Cornell and Jake Sueflohn Nebraska  It's rather ironic that two of the very best wrestlers in the nation, going into their senior year, who have yet to be crowned All Americans would be in the same weight class, but they are. Both Villalonga and Sueflohn has proven their ability to beat anyone and be NCAA champions. While even getting on the podium has eluded them thus far throughout their careers, I have no doubt that both will be on the podium this year and that the very top of it is a very realistic possibility for either.  MY PICK: Jake Sueflohn Nebraska - Thinking back over the years, I am reminded of Ben Cherrington of Boise State every time I see Sueflohn. A wrestler who after finishing shy of All American status a couple of times during his career, ended it with an undefeated season and an NCAA title. I don't see Sueflohn going undefeated as 149 lbs is just too competitive of a weight class for that, but I do see him wrestling as he is capable and winning both a BIG 10 and NCAA crown at the end of the year.  157 lbs Forerunners - Dylan Ness Minnesota - James Green Nebraska - Ian Miller Kent State - Brian Realbuto Cornell  Golden Gopher fans would like me to erase the other three names above, pointing out Ness's fall over Green at last year's NCAA championships and Husker fans would like me to erase the other three names, pointing out that Ness's fall over Green was a "fluke" and that Green defeated him 7-3 with three takedowns at the BIG 10's. Nevertheless I keep all four names above as forerunners for the simple fact that neither Ness nor Green has had much luck in the field of consistency. Both Miller and Realbuto stand legitimate chances of knocking off either or both.  Darkhorses Nick Brascetta Virginia Tech, Dylan Alton Penn State and Max Schneider Cal Poly  If you wanted true darkhorse predidtions you just got three of them. I'm interested to see how Brascetta does up a weight class as he returns off of a redshirt this season. Two years ago he finished in 8th place at 149 lbs and according to some of the Hokie faithful looks to be a serious contender this year at 157.  Alton if 100% healthy, both physically and mentally, is one of the best wrestlers in the nation, I don't care what anyone says. If he is on, and wrestling to his potential, he'll beat Ness, he'll beat Green and he'll beat anyone else in his path as well. The key word here is healthy. I'd love to see the senior go out having ended his career on a high note. After finishing third as a freshman, including two wins over Green that season, I'd hate to see him have yet another disappointing season like the last two.  You wont' get a bolder prediction out of me as far as potential NCAA champions go than Schneider. A rather non discussed and unknown wrestler thus far, I believe he will turns heads with a huge upset more than once this season. The Mustang sophomore wrestles a very in your face, aggressive style similar to that of Virginia's Jedd Moore who always gave Green trouble on the mat. Green needs space to execute his lightning fast takedowns and Schneider won't allow any of that space to accumulate if the two of them wrestle. I'm excited to see if Schneider ends up being as good as I think he will.  MY PICK: I don't want to say right now. It's just too competitive of a weight class, with way too much parity for me to make my prediction at the time being. I will say though that I do not think it will be Green. No offense to the guy, I'd be more than happy to see him end his career as champion, but I don't think he'll win it. I think he suffers from the "must lose a match at the NCAA tournament" curse that Oklahoma's Sam Hazewinkle suffered from years ago. I'm not sure who will knock him off, but if I be a betting man, I'd bet someone will.  165 The Forerunners- Alex Dieringer Oklahoma State  After graduation, 165 lbs looks to be the weakest weight class out of the ten for 2015. Even though Dieringer is moving up for 157, I believe he'll prove to be far too strong, quick, technical and athletic for his opposition to pose him much, if any of a threat.  Darkhorses Nick Sulzer Virginia - Mike Moreno Iowa State - Nick Moore Iowa - Cory Mock Chattanooga  The battle amongst these gladiators will be for the silver medal more so than it will be for the gold, but nevertheless I will acknowledge their chances. Sulzer at the time being seems the most likely to knock off Dieringer after an impressive 4th place finish last season. Moreno has steadily and impressively improved on a tremendous level over the years and could prove to have improved to the level of national champion status. Moore has proven his ability to defeat top competition in the past, but also has a history of severely underperforming in big tournaments. Perhaps this will be the Hawkeye senior's year to finally put it all together. Mock, after having a solid season, which included a conference title, had a disappointing NCAA tournament. Much like Moore, the Moc senior has but one last chance to put it all together.  MY PICK: Alex Dieringer Okahoma State - Unless the 8 lbs difference between 157 and 165 proves to be a world of difference in strength, I just don't see anyone giving him any trouble whatsoever. I hate it when weight classes are an open and shut case, but I strongly feel that be the case here.  174 lbs The Forerunners - Logan Storley Minnesota - Robert Kokesh Nebraska - Matt Brown Penn State - Mike Evans Iowa  There is enough drama between the four of these guys that I could almost pitch a television series about it to NBC. All four of these guys are seniors and all four of these guys have seen one another multiple times throughout their careers. They're all equal in ability, not a single one of them has an advantage above the other. They'll finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the NCAA's respectively, but in what exact order, no one knows.  Darkhorses - There aren't any. I'll eat my hat if anyone other than these four wrestlers is crowned the NCAA champion at 174 lbs this season.  MY PICK: Mike Evans Iowa - Yeah, I'm going to be a homer. Go ahead and call me biased, I'm fine with that. Evans is one of my favorite guys, and I want to see him win an NCAA title. He'll have to wrestle better than he did in the consolation bracket at the NCAA's last year. Nevertheless, I see him doing just that.  184 lbs The Forerunners - Gabe Dean Cornell and Jack Dechow Old Dominion After not only finishing 3rd in the nation but also doing the impossible and defeating the undefeatable Ed Ruth, you'd think that the Big Red sophomore would have easy pickings for the 2015 185 lbs crown, but right behind him is fellow sophomore Dechow of Old Dominion. I look forward to the fierce battles between these two this season.  darkhorses - None. I believe that Dean is really a Gorilla in a human suit, he is so flipping strong. His offense is unstoppable and his defense is impermeable. Dechow is virtually the same. The only one defeating either of these guys, is each other.  MY PICK: Gabe Dean Cornell - While I'd like to see Dean be given some competition, I think that he'll not only win the title this year, but win it the next three years in a row. Unless someone with immense talent and ability comes along, I don't see Dean ever tasting defeat during his collegiate career again.  197 lbs The Forerunners J'Den Cox Missouri - Scott Schiller Minnesota - Kyven Gadson Iowa State  Cox seems to be the most favorable pick, as he returns looking to add another title to his already impressive resume this year as a sophomore. Looking to knock him off will be Golden Gopher Schiller and Cyclone Gadson, who both want to be atop the podium in their final seasons. All three stand good chance of doing just that.  Darkhorses Taylor Meeks Oregon State  After a very disappointing NCAA tournament last season, you wouldn't think Meeks capable of winning an NCAA title, but hear me now and hear me clear, if he wrestles anything like he did two years ago, he'll be the man to beat at 197 lbs. He's a precocious and precarious wrestler with the ability to pin.  MY PICK: Taylor Meeks Oregon State - I have a lot of faith in the Beaver senior. I see him totally redeeming himself after a head scratching disappointing season last year and I think he'll not only defeat the competition, I think he'll annihilate it. I'm very excited to see him on the mat this year.  HWT The Forerunners - Nick Gwiazdowski North Carolina State, Mike McMullan Northwestern and Adam Coon Michigan  Gwiazdowski is the returning NCAA champion, but I don't think his chances are any greater than that of McMullan's or Coons. Many may wonder why I put Coon's name on the list yet leave off Oklahoma State's Austin Marsden and Iowa's Bobby Telford. It's simple. Coon simply fell apart at the end of the year after having a phenomenal rookie season. It won't happen again. He was simply a new kid, in a new place and he let the atmosphere get to him. That's all it was. He'll contend for the NCAA title his last three years as a Wolverine, I guarantee it. Marsden was very lucky to even be an All American last year, as the referee literally stripped it from the hands of Boise State's J.T. Felix and handed to him on a silver platter. Marsden will most likely repeat at an All American this season, but it won't be anywhere near first. As for Telford, I like the guy and hope to see him do well, but he's proven an inability to put together a good string of matches. He can defeat anyone, but he won't defeat them all in three day stretch. I see him finishing somewhere between 4th and 6th.  Darkhorses - Kyle Colling Arizona State Who? Is that what you're saying? If you are, that's fine at the moment, but you won't be saying "Who?" about a month into the season. Colling is under the radar, but won't be for long. With such wins as that over Indiana's Adam Chalfant, look for the Sun Devil senior to prove his worth this year with many notable wins.  MY PICK: Mike McMullan Northwestern - It's hard for me to believe that McMullan is coming into his final season as a Wildcat. After finishing 3rd-2nd-3rd, I think he'll make like I believe Megaludis will as well, and finish out his illustrious career as an NCAA champion. Quick Recap 125 - Nico Megaludis 133 - Johnni DiJulius 141 - Logan Stieber 149 - Jake Sueflohn 157 - Currently Undecided 165 - Alex Dieringer  174 - Mike Evans 184 - Gabe Dean 197 - Taylor Meeks HWT - Mike McMullan NOTE:  Since writing this I have heard that both Penn State’s Dylan Alton and Arizona State’s Kyle Colling will be out with injuries.