2023 - Best Not To Qualify NCAA DI Nationals Part II

 Starting where I left off, we're now gonna take a look at 165-HWT. 

Legend Lamer
Cal Poly 
165 lbs 

I think Legend Lamer of Cal Poly deserves a mention. A two time NCAA qualifier, he finished 3rd at the PAC-12's with his only loss being a close one to '21 Champ, '22 NCAA runner-up Shane Griffith of Stanford. Needs to adjust better to the 165 lbs class, but once he does, I think he can even AA. 

Lucas Revano
Penn
165 lbs 

I was rather surprised that Lucas Revano got left at home. 20 wins on the season, he defeated Holden Heller 8-2 & has two victories over Joshua Kim of Harvard (10-5 & 3-1).  He was 7th at the Midlands. 

165 lbs
Enrique Munguia
Kent State 

What killed Enrique Munguia in terms of NCAA qualification this season was a lack of consistency.  When he was on he was ON, but when he was off, he was OFF.  A Navy Classic champ, he had some very nice wins on the season.  A 13-3 thrashing of Appalachian State's Will Formato, he defeated Nebraska's Bubba Wilson 10-6 & Gardner Webb's R.J. Mosley 6-3. He was the runner-up at the MAC. 

Baylor Fernandes of Northern Colorado?  Roller coaster of a season for the guy who has seemed to battle injuries his entire career. Had a very nice 7-3 victory over All American Wyatt Sheets of Oklahoma State.   Take him or leave him, moving on to 174....

Michael Wilson
Rider 
174 lbs 

I think Wilson is one of the stronger cases to be made at 174. Lost the "True place" match at the MAC's not to qualify but I would like to think was a strong argument in the at large selection meeting. 27-11 on the season defeated Tate Picklo of Oklahoma 3-1 & John Worthing of Clarion 7-3. 

Hayden Hastings
Wyoming 
174 lbs 

Here's another one that just rips the heart in half.  We all have off days in our lives & it absolutely sucks that Hayden Hasting's off day happened to be his final BIG 12 tournament. A four time NCAA qualifier, he was one match shy of being an All American last season.  12-6 on the year. 

Scott Joll
West Virginia 
174 lbs 

Another tough BIG 12 wrestler to not make the NCAA championships this year is Scott Joll of West Virginia. Among his notable wins, a 15-2 major decision over All American Jackson Turley of Rutgers. 

Kole Mulhauser
Princeton
174 lbs 

I believe Mulhauser is a true freshman & he had himself a pretty nice season despite it not ending in NCAA qualification.  A 10-3 decision over Tyler Stoltzfus of Lock Haven & an 8-3 decision over Cael Valencia of Arizona State. He was 7th at the Midlands. 

Sammy DePrez of Binghamton?  Again, sick of the word or not, consistency IS the word.  Had some nice wins this year, but also had some ugly losses.  11-3 over Lennox Wolak of Columbia.  Lance Runyon of Northern Iowa?  He did stick Stoltzfus in 47 seconds, but the two time NCAA qualifier was also only 5-7 on the year. 

DeAndre Nassar
Cleveland State
184 lbs 

I feel that in any situation where it comes down to DeAndre Nassar and someone else, someone else always gets the nod. Not sure why but thus far he's been 3rd-3rd-4th-3rd in the MAC & out of those three bonze medal finishes, only one has gotten him to the NCAA tournament.  He was 17-13 on the season & honestly many of those 13 losses were 1-2 or 3 point differentials. Nassar turns those into victories, even if his finish is once again 3rd, I don't see how they'll be able to leave him out next year.  Or least I hope they wouldn't. 


And honestly that's my strongest feeling via 184.  Other names could make the list but felt strongest about Nassar. 

Keegan Moore
Oklahoma 
197 lbs 

I already know what someone of you are thinking.  6-11?!??!? Yes, he did have a 6-11 record this season, but let's take a look at half of his victories.  A 34 second fall over Luke Surber of Oklahoma Sate, an 8-6 decision over SOCON camp Caleb Hopkins of Campbell & a 10-6 decision over Cade King of South Dakota State.  Yes, I do believe he deserves mention here & I'm sticking with it. 

And, again, same as 184, that's the only one that really stuck out to me at 197. 


As to HWT, I feel for the most part who should have made the NCAA's, DID make the NCAA's.  I could argue Zachary Knight-Ward of Hofstra, but he didn't really have any wins that really stuck out this season. A three time NCAA qualifier, he was 17-13 on the season.  

Ben Furman of Cornell would be another one that rides the fence. 


Again these are all my opinion.  Hope you enjoyed the read! 

Feel free to give me more names that you feel should make the list. 

2023: Best To Not Qualify For NCAA Division I Nationals - Part 1

 I have been writing up "Best to Not Qualify for NCAA DI" articles since the 2003-2004 season. Funny, I can still remember being passionate about J.P. Reese of Missouri & Ronnie Delk of Oklahoma State being left out.  That was 19 years ago.  In the nearly two decades I have been writing about this particular topic, it has never challenged me as much as it is this particular season. 

In terms of qualification, I have never seen a more competitive season than I have this year.  2022-2023 has seen more quality wrestlers finish outside of the top 33 per weight class than any other. When I first did a count I came up with over 70 names. Then I narrowed it down by asking myself a few questions. What criteria counts? What criteria doesn't? 

For one I think it's ridiculous to list names of those who weren't a part of the process.  For example, Richard Figueroa of Arizona State.  Yes, he's a great wrestler. Was a CKLV champ earlier this year...BUT...it makes no sense to put him on a list like this, because at the PAC-12 championships, Arizona State's starter was Brandon Courtney. So on this list you will not find backups or redshirts.  When I say, "best not to qualify" I am specifically speaking to those who DID try and qualify & failed to do so.  

This goes for those who were injured as well. Breaks my heart that Malik Heinselman of Ohio State didn't get to compete in his final BIG 10 tournament & make a shot at being an All American. Nonetheless, he was injured and didn't participate.  

Lastly, I also gotta find reasons from THIS SEASON to put someone on my list.  Dazjon Casto of Pittsburgh had a phenomenal run last year, finishing out one match shy of placing at the NCAA's with a win over Austin O'Connor of North Carolina. This year? A 6-9 record.  Same can be said about Jake Keating of Virginia.  A two time NCAA qualifier, but this year, 7-10 record & his best win was over Casto.  So I don't feel right or fair putting him on this list. 

Can't say you'll agree with all of my picks.  Can't say that there are some on my list that you wouldn't leave off or some not on my list that you would include.  Nonetheless, I feel verified and justified in my picks & here they are.....

Blake West
Northern Illinois 
125 lbs 

3rd in the MAC championships, in a conference that took the top two.  Blake West of Northern Illinois went 249-9 on the season with some impressive wins on the season.  The most impressive? A 7-2 decision over Northwestern All American Michael DeAugustino. 

Markel Baker 
George Mason 
125 lbs 

Finishing right behind West in 4th place at the MAC is Markel Baker of George Mason. A tough wrestler who went 27-12 on the season. Owns an 8-5 win over NCAA qualifier Nick Babin of Columbia. 

Kase Mauger
Utah Valley
125 lbs 

Any other season other than this one I feel a guy like Kase Mauger would have made the cut.  Two guys who finished below him at the BIG 12's got to go, while his 7th place finish wasn't enough.  Still has plenty of time left within his career to make his mark. On the season stuck BIG 12 champ Stevo Poulin of Northern Colorado at 4:39 & stuck qualifier Tanner Jordan of SDSU at 3:50. 

Tristan Lujan 
Michigan State
125 lbs 

Lujan was plain and simple as victim of being in an incredibly stacked BIG 10 bracket.  It truly is that simple.  On the season he won a Navy Classic title & he had wins over NCAA qualifiers Tucker Owens of Air Force & Jore Volk of Wyoming. 

Carter Bailey
Lehigh
125 lbs 

Split time with a tough Jaret Lane in the lineup & in partial that might have hampered him in his chances at getting an at large/wildcard bid. Don't know for sure if it did but what I will say is this.  He finished 7th at the EIWA's with the conference taking the top 6. A 10-11 record on the season. Give him the 10 matches Lane wrestled, I think realistically he finishes at 18-13.  As fiercely competitive as it was, still don't know if that would have gotten him in, but it does make me wonder.  For the record he did defeat NCAA qualifier Joey Prata of Oklahoma earlier this season. 


As to the other 125'ers that could possibly have made the list....

Joey Fischer of Clarion? 5th in the MAC this year, he was an MAC runner-up last season. He does own a 3-1 victory over this year's MAC runner-up Jake Ferri of Kent State. 

Ethan Oakley
Appalachian State
133 lbs 

20-11 on the season, Oakley simply didn't have a good SOCON & that like Clarissa, explains it all. A tight 4-3 loss to eventual champ Brayden Palmer of UT-Chattanooga who he beat earlier 5-2.  Then a 6-3 loss to Domenic Zaccone of Campbell who defeated earlier 3-1 s.v.  Only a freshman, plenty of time left for Oakley to do big things. 

Rayvon Foley
Michigan State
133 lbs 

This one just makes you hurt all over. A four time NCAA qualifier, who finished 7th in the nation in 2019 & this year he doesn't even make the dance. Some things about this sport just plain and simple aren't right & this is one of them.  No, he didn't have the best of seasons, but he still had some highlights. He majored Dylan Ragusin of Michigan & he also beat two more NCAA qualifiers.  Jake Maida of American 8-3 & Kurt Phipps of Bucknell 5-4. 

Pat Phillips
Franklin & Marshall
133 lbs 

This guy learns consistency & he could very well be one of the best wrestlers that the Diplomats have ever seen. He has the tools. A 23-14 record, he proved the capabilities & abilities that he has within by defeated Virginia Tech All American Sam Latona of Virginia Tech 5-3.  He also stuck NCAA qualifier Ben Ferretti of Navy in 6:10. 

Hunter Adrian 
Brown
133 lbs 

Let's be honest with ourselves. Brown Bear wrestling needs a breath of fresh air breathed within it & in many ways Hunter Adrian has done that for the program. I was really hoping that it'd result in NCAA qualification, but it didn't.  Nonetheless, still a lot on the season to be proud of.  A 7th place medal earned at the Midlands he had wins over NCAA qualifiers Ben Ferretti of Navy, Taylor LaMont of Wisconsin & Angelo Rini of Columbia. 

Debated on adding Richie Koehler of Rider to the list of 133'ers. Do you or do you not? 11-10 on the season, no wins really stick out but he is a two time NCAA qualifier.  Richard Treanor of Army? Losing record but he did stick PAC-12 runner-up Jason Shaner Jr in 7:00. 

Darren Miller
Bucknell
141 lbs 

This is twice now that they've left Darren Miller of Bucknell home when I thought that they would take him. 6th in the EIWA in a bracket that took 5.  He was also 6th at the Southern Scuffle. 2-0 over Matt Kazimir of Columbia, 4-2 of Malyke Hines of Lehigh & 5-3 over Josh Koderhandt of Navy. I think he made his case but somehow or another the jury just didn't rule in his favor. 

Caleb Rea
Cleveland State
141 lbs 

This is more so looking at a career than it is looking at just this season, so perhaps I'm breaking my own rules.  Can't help it.  Caleb Rea reminds me a lot of a wrestler from years past that I always enjoyed watching.  Dustin Walraven of South Dakota State, ironically enough another 141 lbs'er.  He took never did make the big dance, being put on the list of best to never qualify for the NCAA's.  Rea always had his moments every year.  This year in a 14-7 record, it was defeating eventual MAC champ Seth Koleno of Clarion 10-6.  Rea was 5th at the MAC. 

Zach Price
Gardner Webb
14l lbs 

22-7 on the season, Zach Price of Gardner Webb missed out on NCAA qualification by losing a heartbreaking tiebreaker in the SOCON conference finals.  He was NCAA R12 in 2021. 

Job Greenwood
Wyoming 
141 lbs 

I'll say for Greenwood what I said about Phillips up above. Consistency is his #1 adversary & it is a matter of overcoming it.  Guy has the tools.  I mean he proved that with a 4-3 win over NCAA qualifier Carter Young of Oklahoma State & an 8-6 victory over PAC-12 champ Cleveland Belton of Oregon State. It's stringing wins together at the right place at the right time that is the issue. 

Dylan Drogemueller 
North Dakota State
141 lbs 

After hearing photoman say the word "Flu" about 100 times at the World Team Trials in Wisconsin a few years back, I'm not too keen on pointing a finger towards being under the weather. Yet I can't help but wonder if that was the case for Dylan Drogemueller at the BIG 12's this past weekend. He just did not look like himself at all. In fact he hasn't for a while.  When this guy wants to be, he can be down right tough.  Down right tough as in getting on top of Nebraska's Brock Hardy & damn near majoring the BIG 10 runner-up 10-4.  He also finished 5th at the Southern Scuffle. 

Emilio Ysaguirre
Arizona State
141 lbs 

Too little, too late.  Most of us up until only a couple of weeks ago had no idea who Emilio Ysaguirre was. He pretty much came out of nowhere to defeat Brock Hardy of Nebraska 10-4.  Makes one wonder just how good this guy really is.  Hopefully next season, we find out. 

141 lbs
Joey Olivieri 
Rutgers 

Here's another guy I feel made a strong case at 141 lbs.  14-7 on the season, had quite a few notable wins. 3-1 over Carmen Ferrante of Penn, 2-1 t.b. over Dylan D'Emilio of Ohio State, 3-1 over Cole Mattin of Michigan & 2-1 over Kal Miller of Maryland.  I guess in the end, it really comes down to the fact that there are only 33 spots available & a heck of a lot more than 33 wrestlers within contention. 


Julian Sanchez of Army?  Do you add him in at 141? A 13-11 record that includes a 6-4 win over Matt Kazimir of Columbia. 

149 lbs
Dom Demas 
Cal Poly 

Another true heartbreaker.  Three time NCAA qualifier, Dom Demas was 4th as a freshman all the way back in 2019 & was one match shy of a second AA honor in 2021.  After a disappointing end to his career at Oklahoma, found a new home & hope at Cal Poly.  A 5-2 win on the season over BIG 10 runner-up Michael Blockhus of Minnesota. Unfortunately not enough to make to to his fourth NCAA. 

Kody Komara 
Kent State
149 lbs 

20-13 on the season, a 4-3 win over Alec Hagan of Ohio.  I think we gotta include last year's MAC champ, who was 3rd in a tough Navy Classic this year. 

Feelings on 149 I think end here for me. Maybe add in Max Brignola of Lehigh? He was 6th at the Midlands. 

Michael Petite
Buffalo
157 lbs 

Here's a guy that just gets down right tough a lot of times when he needs to & rarely gets the credit or recognition for it. Lost in s.v. to the eventual MAC champ & then lost another hard fought, close match in the match to qualify.  Was 12-5 on the season. 

Marcus Robinson
Cleveland State
157 lbs 

Marcus Robinson of Cleveland State was able to make some magic happen at both the 2021 & 2022 MAC tournaments, but he wasn't able to make it happen this season. Did own a 3-1 victory MAC champ Peter Papas of George Mason on the season though. Has another year left too. 

Others at 157? Some might add Andrew Cerniglia of Navy.  I debated whether to or not. A two time NCAA qualifier, he seemed to miss a lot of this season.  8-7 on the year.  Trevor Tarsi of Harvard? He's one that I'm surprised never did make the NCAA tournament during his career. A 3-2 win over Corbyn Munson of Central Michigan on the year. 


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This ended up being so long, I decided that it best to break it up into two parts. 

165 though HWT coming soon! 

JT#1's Final NAIA Thoughts

 

As always with a tournament like this, my emotions are all over the place. Things happen to excite me, while other things happen  that depress me. When you follow the sport as closely as I do, you can't help but get emotional about it. You follow these guys' careers from start to finish.  You want to see them go out on a high note & when that happens you're happy to see it. When it doesn't, it's rather depressing. I don't know any other sport that tugs at the heartstrings more than wrestling.  The good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly....here at JT#1's final thoughts on the NAIA wrestling season. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 125 lbs 

That Brandon Orum of Life is something else. When it comes time to get to work, Orum just plain and simple gets down to business. His focus is unmatchable as he was always prepared. I believe he is a senior this season, so won't be seeing him again. I'll miss watching him. 

Was surprised to see Esco Walker of Grand View slip to 6th place. It happens sometimes. I think when you go into a tournament with a fixated focus on being a national champion, it can be hard to bounce back when that goal isn't attained. I thought he had eligibility left, but was just informed by a former teammate of his that this was his last year.  Good career. 

Isaac Crowell of Southeastern has been one of my favorites the past few years. Was hoping to see him finish out a little higher, but in a year like 2023, becoming a three time All American was one hell of an accomplishment.  7th-5th-7th at NAIA nationals. One heck of a career. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 133 lbs 

Gulomonjon Abdullaev (did I spell that right???) of Menlo could very well be our next four time NAIA champion. At this point he looks to be unstoppable & he has three more years of eligibility left! The future Uzbekistan World/Olympic medalist may very well be one of the best NAIA wrestlers of all time in the making. I'm talking the level of a guy like Daniel Igali.  Perhaps I'm off my hinges, but this guy impresses me. 

Carson Taylor of Grand View will go into the 2023-2024 now having placed 3rd & 2nd in the NAIA. Anxious to see if he stays at 133.  He was also 4th in 2021. 

Will miss seeing Matt Gimson of Indiana Tech in action.  Was expecting a bit more out of him this season & I don't mean that disparagingly. I really thought he'd challenge for a spot in the NAIA finals is all. Nevertheless great career with many accomplishments.  8th-3rd-8th in the national tournament. 

Ca'Ron Watson of Briar Cliff broke my heart twice this season. 3rd-3rd-3rd his first three seasons at the GPAC, I was really hoping to see him win the conference this year.  Came close as he took 2nd. Was also hoping to see him make All American. Again, came close as he finished out R12. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 141 lbs 

Boy this one was a bag of mixed emotions.  Shea Ruffridge of Grand View pulled off what has to be the biggest upset in NAIA history. Kept three time NAIA champion Baterdene Boldmaa from winning his fourth title.  He'll forever go down in the history books for this monumental achievement.  It's cool on a personal level to me because of my girlfiend's connection to the Ruffridge family.  Shea's father taught her P.E. classes & her brother went to school with Shea in elementary.  What an awesome way to end a marvelous career as a Viking. 

Let's talk about Boldmaa's courage and tenacity.  What a role model he was for young wrestlers in the way that he came back to take 3rd. He could have quietly disappeared into a 6th place showing, too heartbroken and distraught to make a comeback. Instead he showed the true heart of a champion by nabbing that bronze medal. Saw a picture of him later on where he was holding his bronze plaque with a huge smile on his face. He should have a huge smile on his face.  He deserves to.  Yeah my heart breaks for him that he didn't get to join the rare elite group of four timers, but to see him come back with such strength is truly inspiring. His collegiate career may be over, but I have a feeling his international career is just about to begin. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 149 lbs 

Silver.  2nd-2nd-2nd, Ryan Moore of Thomas More finishes out his illustrious career at a three time NAIA finalist. That has to make him one of the best of all time not to win an NAIA title doesn't it? 

I got sick to my stomach when I learned that Andreus Bond of Southeastern went 0-2 at the NAIA championships. A national champ in '21 he was 4th in '22. It just goes to show you how brutally tough & unforgiving the national tournament can be at times. Some records show Bond as being a senior, while others show that he has one year of eligibility left.  I hope it is the latter so that he can make a comeback next season. If not, can't look at only the end, gotta look at the whole career & his was a good one. 

Have always been a fan of the Gaxiola brothers. They're unorthodox, make it up as they go style can be quite entertaining to watch. Was hoping that Chris would get on the NAIA award stand. Came close with a R12 finish. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 157 lbs 

If you would have came up to me wanting to make a bet that Israel Casarez would have finished higher than Giovanny Bonilla, I'd have taken that bet & I would have lost! I never would have thought in a million years that I'd see Casarez finish higher on the podium than Bonilla. Just goes to show you that this tournament is absolutely Wild!  By the way, want a good laugh?  Wilder Wichman of Thomas More, who became a two time All American by placing 5th.  His name is pronounced Will-der or at least that's how I heard it pronounced by people who seemed like they knew what they were talking about. I've been calling him Wild-er, as in the NAIA's seem to get wilder every year.

Final NAIA Thoughts 165 lbs 

Now don't quote me on this, because I don't know for sure, but I think Rysan Leong of Menlo may very well have became the state of Hawaii's first NAIA national champion!  If he's not the first, he's gotta be one of the only.  Not only NAIA, but he has to be one of the only collegiate national champs from Hawaii, period.  I know for a fact that Travis Lee of Cornell, who won titles in both '03 & '05 is the only NCAA DI champion.  What makes Leong's accomplishment even more spectacular? He was 3rd in Cascade! 

UPDATE:  Someone just informed me that Blaysen Terukina of Menlo won an NAIA title & he's an Hawaiian!  So maybe Leong makes two?? Or are their more!?!?!? 

3rd-2nd-4th, the career of Marty Margolis of GVU comes to an end. Another Viking with an outstanding NAIA presence. 

Was depressed to see Keller Rock of Embry Riddle bow out of the tournament with injury.  Gawd, as you know it, I HATE injuries. The positive side is that he's still got two years of eligibility left.  Very confident that at least one, if not both seasons will result in All American showings. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 174 lbs 

Opinions vary, but as far as JT#1 is concerned, in the NAIA, 174 lbs was the toughest. What a stacked weight class.  I honestly think any of the four I have pictured, Gerardo Hernandez Vanguard, Isaiah Luellen Grand View, Riley Smucker Life or Nakoda Siegel of Montana State Northern could have been champion. Just so happens, this is the order they finished in. Tough, tough group of wrestlers. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 184 lbs 

3rd-2nd-3rd in his NAIA career, Ben Lee of Grand View makes yet another great wrestler who makes the list of, "best to never win an NAIA title."   

Was very cool to see Asher Eichert of Life have his redemption. 2nd at the 2021 NAIA championships, he finished a disappointing one match shy of All American status last year.  What a way to come back this year and put a stamp on it with a national championship. 

Final NAIA Thoughts 197 lbs 

5th & 3rd in previous NAIA tournament showings, Owen Braungardt of Grand View did what I thought no one was going to be able to do this season and that is keep Zane Lanham of Life from winning the NAIA title. Both I believe are seniors, who end their careers as two of the best at 197. Or so I thought...turns out both might still have one more year of eligibility? I tell you what, this COVID-19 stuff has me turned every which way but forward. It makes keeping up with eligibility near impossible. 

Have to, have to, have to throw in a word for Doane's Brad Antesberger.  What a show of tenacity! Loses in round two & comes all the way back to place 3rd!  That took guts & that took courage! 

Final NAIA Thoughts HWT 

Losing a heartbreaking 1 point decision in last year's NAIA finals, this season Greg Hagan of Grand View would NOT be denied. I was surprised how well he handled Austin Harris of Life in the finals. 

So many shocking things that happened this tournament, I still can't believe that Gage Bruan of Southeastern, last year's champion ended up going R12.  I mean as dominant as he was last year & pretty much all of this season, it just doesn't seem right.  Anything can happen in the sport of wrestling, and this is proof of it. 

With all of the great things that happened in this tournament, another heartbreaker for me was seeing Josh Isaac of Missouri Valley come up short of what would have been his third All American honor.  I have enjoyed watching this guy compete since he was a freshman. A guy that big shouldn't be able to move as gracefully as what he does. Was fun seeing someone defy the laws of physics with the quickness & agility he had.  Was hoping for a happier ending for him, but still a great career. 


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That's that!  As always, as wordy and opinionated as I am, I could go on and on with thoughts.  Yet I realize not everyone has time to read an epic, so I try and condense them down as much as I can! 

Still have D3's, D2's & D1's to go!  Hope you're enjoying the season as much as I am! 

Best To Not Qualify NCAA Division II - 2023

 As there is every season, a fair number of talent doesn't make it to the NCAA Division II tournament. With only 18 qualifiers per weight, it is inevitable that everyone who "should go" won't get to go.  I went through each weight class and did my best to determine who are the best wrestlers not to qualify for the NCAA Division II tournament.  

As always this is subjective & the opinion of one person. I realize not everyone is going to agree with my picks. There are some that I don't have listed that you would have listed. Some that I list, that you would not list. Feel free to add names to the list & your reasoning as to why.

Here are my picks....

133 lbs 
Collin Wickramaratna 
Kutztown 

A three time NCAA DII qualifier, who was a match away from All American honors last year, Collin Wickramaratna came within one match shy of earning a fourth trip to the DII national tournament.  Among his victories on the season a 12-7 decision over Ryan James an NCAA DII qualifier for Gannon. 

133 lbs
Jack Huffman
Augustana (SD) 

Some are going to have a problem with me putting Jack Huffman of Augustana (S.D.) on this list & that's fine. I can understand the argument of leaving him off such a list.  He pretty much only wrestled the month of February this season, ending with a 6-4 record.  Nevertheless he was 8th in the D2 nation last season & he did finish 4th at the Super Region V.  I do feel had he wrestled an entire season, he would have fared better at the Region.  My opinion, take it or leave it. 

133 lbs
Troy Dolphin
UW-Parkside 

I really like this kid a lot.  A go-getter, aggressive & fearless on the mat.  He's not afraid to go after you.  5th in the Super Region V with a 12-5 record, I hope that as he hones in on his skills & fixes his weaknesses that it doesn't result in becoming too defensive.  On the season he stuck Super Region V runner-up Reece Barnhardt of Mary in just 1:39 & he defeated Minot State qualifier James Davis 9-8.  Most impressive is that he turned a 15-6 major loss to Kaden Anderlik of Upper Iowa into a 17-4 major decision victory! 

141 lbs
Ethan Leake 
Chadron State 

An NCAA DII qualifier last season, Ethan Leake was 5th at the Super Region VI.  Among his victories on the season a 6-4 s.v. over Super Region VI runner-up Grayston DiBlasi of Colorado School of Mines & a 4-3 decision over Super Region VI champ Dean Noble of Western Colorado. 

141 lbs
Alyeus Craig
St Cloud State 

Here's another "young-un" I see with a bright future. I was actually pretty surprised that he didn't end up qualifying for the DII tournament. 5th at the Super Region V, on the season he has some very impressive wins.  He tech'd Dean Noble of Western Colorado the Super Region VI champ 17-0. He also shut out Super Region I champ Jake Niffenegger of Mercyhurst 6-0.  Add in a 7-1 decision over Upper Iowa DII qualifier Tate Murty. Alyeus Craig of St Cloud State definitely one of the better wrestlers staying home this season. 

141 lbs
Khyvon Grace
West Liberty 

Khyvon Grace had a good season this year. 31-9 record & just barely missed out on NCAA DII qualification with a 4th place showing at Super Region III.  Had a 3-1 victory over Glenville State qualifier Ethan Hardy. 

149 lbs
Jake Piccirilli
UNC-Pembroke 

I was really hoping to see Jake Piccirilli make a run at NCAA DII All American honors this season. Especially since I'll be in attendance this year with the tournament being held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Unfortunately came up a little short of qualification #2 with a 4th place finish at Super Region II.  26-6 on the year had wins over both Super Region II champ Devan Moore of Newberry (7-3) & Super Region II runner-up Jack Tanger of Lander (3-1 s.v.) 

157 lbs
Jake Nicolosi 
Mount Olive 

16-7 on the season this year, Jake Nicolosi lost a lot of close matches that probably could have been wins.  A match away from All American honors last year, he was 4th in Super Region II this season. 

165 lbs
Cole Ritter 
Maryville 

Cole Ritter of Maryville is one who surprised me by not making it to the NCAA DII tournament this year. Then again, when you absolutely HAVE TO place within the top 3 within your region, it doesn't leave much room for error does it?  5th at Super Region IV, he was 22-9 on the season.  Wins include a 5-2 decision over Super Region III champ Guy DeLeonardis of Glenville State, a 6:23 fall over Super Region IV champ Jack Eiteljorge of Indianapolis & an 8-7 decision over DII qualifier Will Kuster of Drury.  Ritter was also 4th at the Midwest Classic. 

174
Hunter Delong 
Glenville State

A match away from NCAA DII All American honors last season, Hunter Delong was 5th at this year's Super Region III.  29-7 on the season notable wins include defeating DII qualifiers Datyon Fields of Newberry (10-6) & Owen Butler of Indianapolis (Fall 2:21). 

184 lbs
Wyatt Lidberg
Mary 

26-9 & 4th at the Super Region V, I would consider Wyatt Lidberg one of the best 184 lbs'ers to not make the NCAA DII tournament this season.  He has a 4-0 victory over Cade Mueller of Augustana (S.D.) who did qualify. 

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Dalton Hahn 
Upper Iowa 

Of all the DII wrestlers to not make the national tournament, who surprised me most comes down to one of two wrestlers. One of them is Jeff Fahey doppelganger Dalton Hahn of Upper Iowa.  He came into the Midwest Classic this year out of nowhere and just kicked a double s until eventually defaulting to 6th place. 5th at Super Region V,  I believe he's only a freshman, so we'll fortunately get to see plenty more of him.  A pinner, he stuck qualifiers Matt Kaylor of Mary (3:50) & Logan Kvien of McKendree (4:01). He also defeated qualifier Dominic Murphy of St Cloud 15-7. 

HWT
Zach Ryg 
Upper Iowa 

 

Here's the other one & ironically, he competes for Upper Iowa too.  I honestly thought at year's beginning that Ryg might place himself among the NCAA DII title contenders.  I was in absolute shock when I saw that he finished 5th at Super Region V & didn't even qualify.  This season he had wins over Cale Gray of Indianapolis, La'Ron Parks of Notre Dame (The real one in Ohio, not that wasteland in Indiana) & Luke Tweeton of Mary, all DII qualifiers.  It just goes to show you how unforgiving trying to qualify for NCAA DII's can be. Placing within the top 3 of your Region is a very, very difficult task. You're allowed one loss among a talent pool of many who are all gunning for gold, silver or bronze showings.  Ryg was 3rd at the 2021 NCAA DII's. 

HWT
Clayton Ours 
Tiffin 

For my last pick of the evening, I gotta go with Clayton Ours of Tiffin. Some may not agree with me putting him on here, but I think he deserves to be called one of the best to not qualify for DII's in 2023.  4th in the Super Region III, he was also 8th at the Midwest Classic.  That's pretty impressive considering his over all record last season was 5-8.  He had three very close matches with La'Ron Parks of Notre Dame (again the real one in Ohio, not the bloodstained cesspool in Indiana) & finished out the season with 23 wins. 

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There are JT#1's picks for "Best to Not Qualify NCAA DII" 

Who are your's?