Soldier Salute Preview - 165 lbs (Sun Dec 29th & Mon Dec 30th)

 

We have seven ranked wrestlers here at 165 lbs, with a clear favorite to win the title & what should be an excellent semi-final to determine our runner-up.  That doesn't mean upsets aren't applicable, because as they always are, they are.  Let's take a look at 165 lbs Soldier Salute. 

#2
Mikey Caliendo
Iowa

Mikey Caliendo was last year's Soldier Salute champion & the over/under is saying that he's most likely to repeat as Champion again this tournament.  Andrew Sparks has given him some close matches, but Caliendo has managed to defeat the Golden Gopher 2-1, 11-10 & 5-2.  He also owns an 8-3 win over Cam Steed, a 17-5 major decision over R.J. Weston & a 20-4 tech over Drake Rhodes. 

#7
Bubba Wilson 
Nebraska

It looks like Bubba Wilson saved the best for last, because in his final season of eligibility he is looking as good as he's ever looked.  Coming off of a 4th place finish in Vegas, he currently holds the highest ranking of his career.  Owns a 3-2 win over Andrew Sparks, and a 7-4 decision over Drake Rhodes.  He was 4th here a year ago. 

#9
Andrew Sparks
Minnesota

In and out of the Gopher lineup for quite some time, Andrew Sparks has been looking exceptionally good so far in '24-'25.  I'd even say that he is a candidate to win the Soldier Salute, although he'll have to go through both Bubba Wilson & Mikey Caliendo in order to do so.  Owning a 6-1 over Wilson, he also owns a 9-4 decision over Jack Thomsen & an 8-4 decision over Drake Rhodes. 

#12
Drake Rhodes
South Dakota State

It's clear to see with a recent 12-7 win over Jack Thomsen & an even more recent 5th place finish at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, that Drake Rhodes has made some serious improvements this season.  It'll be fun to see how he does here at the Salute. 

#14
M.J. Gaitan
Iowa State

M.J. Gaitan finished one match shy of a medal at CKLV about a month ago.  He owns a 19-5 maj Dec over Jack Thomsen.  He'll be a tough opponent for anyone he steps onto the mat with. 

#19
Cam Steed
Missouri

Hard to say how Cam Steed will do this Soldier Salute.  We haven't seen him against the competition yet, but he's ranked #19 for a reason.  Will be interesting to see how he does this weekend/Weekstart. 

#22
Jack Thomsen
Northern Iowa

Although Jack Thomsen didn't place at Cliff Keen Las Vegas himself, he did pull off a huge 10-5 upset over Terrell Barraclough, proving that he's capable of beating top ranked opponents.  Coming into the Soldier Salute, he owns 9-8, 12-9 & 4-1 s.v. wins over Drake Rhodes. 

B.U.
R.J. Weston
Northern Iowa

Many good "wrestle-off" situations that could concur here at the Soldier Salute.  I don't think we know yet who will start at the BIG 12's, and if both R.J. Weston & Jack Thomsen are competing, it could give us a good indication depending on who outperforms who.  Weston is a tough wrestler.  Owns a 12-4 major decision over Drake Rhodes & he was 5th here a year ago. 

Soldier Salute Preview - 157 lbs (Sunday Dec 29th & Monday Dec 30th)

 

Here at 157 lbs we have 8 ranked wrestlers, with four of those wrestlers being within the top 10.  We have a definitive darkhorse within the field that at least in my opinion, could contend for the title & we also have a particular redshirt, as well as a backup that I would for sure keep an eye on.  Let's look at 157 lbs, Soldier Salute. 

#1
Jacori Teemer
Iowa

Sidelined with an injury against Iowa State as of the time this was written (12-19), Jacori Teemer has not been in action for the Hawkeyes. If he is competing this weekend/weekstart, he will be the clear favorite to win a title.  Against the competition he owns a 14-5 major decision over Tommy Askey & a 7-2 decision over Ryder Downey. 

#3
Antrell Taylor
Nebraska

All American Antrell Taylor has been looking extraordinarily sharp thus far in '24-'25.  Winning the CKLV title about a month ago, he will be among the contenders this weekend/Weekstart in the hunt for a gold here in Coralville.  Owns a 4-3 decision over Ryder Downey & a 4-2 decision over Sonny Santiago. 

#5
Ryder Downey
Northern Iowa

Coming off of a runner-up finish in Vegas, Ryder Downey has continued to prove that he's one of the best wrestlers in the DI nation yet to All American.  His finals match with Taylor at CKLV, could have gone either way, with many feeling that the official missed out on points that could have been called in Downey's favor.  I'm sure he's anxious to get a rematch with Taylor.  Among the competition, Downey owns both a 13-1 major dec as well as a 4-1 dec over  Jared Hill.  He also owns both a 5-3 t.b. & a 12-9 decision over Cody Chittum, as well as an 8-1 decision over Cobe Siebrecht. 

#6
Tommy Askey
Minnesota

As of the time this was written (12-19) Tommy Askey is undefeated, with some impressive wins.  If he can remain undefeated this weekend/Weekstart, that would be most impressive.   Against the field he isn't real familiar, but he does own a 17-6 major decision over Cody Chittum. 

#13
Paniro Johnson
Iowa State

Here's my dark horse.  Paniro Johnson is a funny wrestler, who can be difficult to predict.  Reminds me a lot of James Green of Nebraska, especially during his freshman & sophomore seasons.  Guy can go out and major Ian Miller or James Fleming, but then turn around and get stuck by Jedd Moore.  I think a lot of it comes down to how an opponent wrestles him.  Johnson seems to do very well against opponents who keep the wrestling on the feet and have a lot of space & distance.  He struggles against those who crowd him & are skilled in the top position.  Case in point, an 11-0 loss to Oklahoma State's Caleb Fish, who racked up 7 of those 11 via backpoints.   Johnson has some very effective outside shots, and if he can get to them before getting tied up, he can hit them on just about anyone.  When hot, he can get on an unstoppable roll.  3rd here a year ago, 7th recently at CKLV, he owns an 11-6 victory over Sonny Santiago. 

#19
Jared Hill
Wyoming 

Jared Hill has been looking as good as he has ever looked.  A recent 5th place finish in Vegas, Hill looks to have another good weekend here in Coralville. 

#23
Cobe Siebrecht
South Dakota State

'24-'25 hasn't started off the way that Cobe Siebrecht was probably hoping that it would, but there's still plenty of season left for the former Hawkeye, now Jackrabbit to make his mark.  He already owns a 10-2 major decision over Jared Hill, and garnering such a win again, would move him up in the rankings.  

B.U.
Cody Chittum
Iowa State

Truth is, the Cyclones have two All American candidates at 157 lbs.  I'm anxious to see between Cody Chittum and Paniro Johnson, who ends up getting the nod at the BIG 12's.  Coach Dresser & Co work in different ways, so I wouldn't call Soldier Salute results the end all of the conversation.  I would say however, they weigh heavily into the decision.  Believe it or not, Cody Chittum does own a 9-5 win over Jacori Teemer.  If he were to pull that off again, you'd think that'd all but guarantee him the spot.  For the record he also owns a 6-0 decision over Jared Hill. 

R.S.
Charlie Millard
Minnesota

Here's a guy that I'm anxious to see compete this weekend.   I think within due time, Charlie Millard is going to end up being very good.  So far in his redshirt, he has owned Cobe Siebrecht on the mat with 10-3 & 13-4 victories.  I'm anxious to see how the Golden Gopher measures up against other competition within this bracket. 

B.U.
Moses Espinoza Owens
South Dakota State

Define Irony.  Charlie Millard has his way with Cobe Siebrecht twice, but it is Siebrecht's back up Moses Espinoza Owens who scores an 8-7 victory over Millard.  Wrestling sure can be a funny sport. Probably some "funny" things that will happen at the Soldier Salute.  Will be fun to see the action go down. 

Soldier Salute Preview - 149 lbs (Sunday Dec 29th & Monday Dec 30th)

 

I foresee a three (possibly four...we'll get to that later) man race for the title here at 149 lbs. While I'm not completely ruling the possibility of upsets, I feel pretty confident as to who our top three place-winners will be within this bracket.  With that said, overlooking the competition that will be here, I can't help but reflect on an issue that wrestling has had for a long time, that it doesn't seem to be any better at than what it was when I was a kid.  I started off as a theatre major in college. I had these big elaborate dreams of one day going out to Los Angeles and trying to make it as a screenplay writer. I've been a movie buff my entire life and I was also huge into professional wrestling for a long time as well.   Movies, pro wrestling, MMA, NFL, NBA,  what often makes these entities so popular and intriguing?  Drama.  That's what draws the crowds, puts behinds in the seats.  It's not that collegiate wrestling doesn't have drama.  It often DOES have drama.  The problem is, we do a poor job of advertising and promoting the drama.   There is drama here in this bracket & it's quite interesting if you ask me.  

#4
Kyle Parco
Iowa

He went from Fresno, California, all the way to Tempe, Arizona, then out to the Midwest  to I-Oh-wa Cit-tay.  A Bulldog, then a Sun Devil, now he's kickin' butt as a black and gold Hawk-eh.  It's been one heck of a ride for Kyle Parco.  A four time All American, looking to become a five time All American, he has more than one target on his back this weekend.  The NCAA DI champ candidate has lower ranked wrestlers looking to knock him off, and while it seems far-fetched based on how well Parco has been wrestling this season, he still has teammates looking to take the spot.  If that ain't drama, you tell me what is.   

Thus far Parco owns both a 3-1 & 4-3 victory over Ridge Lovett.  He also owns an 8-2 decision over Logan Gioffre, a 9-4 decision over Alec Martin & a 4-3 decision over Anthony Echemendia. 

#5
Ridge Lovett
Nebraska

Another NCAA DI title contender, as well as a Soldier Salute title contender this weekend, Ridge Lovett.  Having recently made the CKLV finals about a month ago, the Husker is looking very good.  A 1:25 fall over Gabe Willochell, he owns a 4-0 decision over Lachlan McNeil & a 6-0 decision over Caleb Rathjen.  Owns an 11-0 major decision over Drew Roberts, a 9-6 decision over Anthony Echemendia & a 5-1 decision over Alec Martin.

#6
Lachlan McNeil
North Carolina

While many believe we'll see a final between Parco & Lovett, I wouldn't count Lachlan McNeil out of the title hunt quite yet.  The future Canadian international star is still making waves within the collegiate wrestling scene & he's got a lot of business left to attend to.  Owns a 9-6 win over Anthony Echemendia & a 12-3 major over Logan Gioffre. 

#9
Anthony Echemendia
Iowa State

I'm going to imagine that Anthony Echemendia will be not healthy enough to compete this weekend.  Iowa State and health have not been on good terms so far this season, as it seems every week we're reading about yet another Cyclone that is sidelined or out permanently due to injury.  However, if for some reason Echemendia is back sooner than expected, bet your bottom dollar, we have yet another title contender this weekend.  The future Cuban international star, for one carries a chip on his shoulder after an incredibly strange loss with a lot of weird calls to Kyle Parco.  You know he wants another shot at the Hawkeye.  Finishing 4th at CKLV about a month ago, he owns a 4-2 decision over Drew Roberts. 

#17
Colin Realbuto
Northern Iowa

The Panther has been looking good so far in '24-'25.  Coming off of a 7th place CKLV finish, Colin Realbuto is looking to once again have a good weekend/weekstart.   Owns a 13-12 victory over Gabe Willochell and an 8-2 decision over Alek Martin.  Owns both a 13-4, as well as a 46 second fall over Drew Roberts and he has defeated Victor Voinovich by scores of 3-2 & 5-4. 

#21
Drew Roberts
Minnesota

As mentioned in other weight classes previewed thus far, the Golden Gophers have been looking extraordinarily good in dual competition, and this weekend provides them an opportunity to see if they look as good in major tournament competition.  This of course isn't the BIG 10's or the NCAA's, but there is enough talent in each bracket to give a glimpse of where the Maroon & Gold stand.  Drew Roberts has himself one heck of a test here at 149 lbs.  So far the Gopher has both a 16-5 as well as a 7-1 victory over Alec Martin. 

#22
Gabe Willochell
Wyoming

Vegas didn't go quite the way that Gabe Willochell was hoping that it'd go. 7th last year, he finished one match shy of earning another medal, losing a wild 1 point match to Colin Realbuto.  I'm sure that he'll be looking to avenge that loss here in Coralville.  It should also be noted that Willochell could be a darkhorse. He does after all own a 6:59 fall over Lachlan McNeil. 

#23
Logan Gioffre
Missouri

Fighting for a good finish, Logan Gioffre will also be fighting to keep his spot here at the Salute.  Officially he owns a 1-0 decision over teammate Zeke Seltzer who will be hot on his trail.  The Tiger also owns both a 2-1 t.b. as well as a 4-2 decision over Alec Martin. 

U.R. 
Alec Martin
South Dakota State

We have yet to see Alec Martin since he was injured at the NCAA DI championships last season.  With that said, IF for some reason or another the Jackrabbit IS in competition this weekend, keep an eye on him.  This guy can be dangerous.  Owns a 13-2 major decision Gabe Willochell, a 12-2 major decision over Drew Roberts & a 7-4 s.v. over Victor Voinovich. 

B.U.
Caleb Rathjen
Iowa 

Four time All American/NCAA DI Champion potential Kyle Parco was brought in from Arizona State to be Iowa's 149 lbs starter.  To even suggest the smidgen of a possibility that those plans could be altered this weekend, in the mind of some is pure blasphemy.  Excommunicate Stephen Stonebraker for his proposition of profaneness!  Or if you're not into that, you could hear me out. 

Caleb Rathjen is a two-time Soldier Salute finalist & he won the tournament last season.  Granted, it's more loaded than it was last year, but here's what really sticks out to me.  The Hawkeye owns a 4-3 win over Anthony Echemendia.  To think that Rathjen could come in here and outdo & out-wrestle Parco is a stretch.  I'll give you that. But to anyone thinking that it's a 0% probability, it's you, not me, that isn't paying attention.  Rathjen is a tough wrestler & I doubt he's giving up the 149 lbs spot willingly.  He also owns a 6-3 decision over Victor Voinovich & both an 11-5 as well as a 7-3 win over Drew Roberts. 

Drama? 

B.U.
Zeke Seltzer
Missouri

Missouri has some drama of their own here at 149 lbs.  As of right now the starter is Logan Gioffre.  That could change after this weekend, as Zeke Seltzer is looking for an opportunity in his own right.  As mentioned before, their one official meeting ended 1-0 in favor of Gioffre.  Seltzer for the record was 5th here a year ago. 

B.U.
Victor Voinovich
Iowa

I hate to ever sound pessimistic but between Kyle Parco and Caleb Rathjen, the chances of Victor Voinovich earning the varsity position at 149 lbs for the Iowa Hawkeyes is between slim and none, and none is looking favorable in all the polls.  With that said, Voinovich is still a heck of a talent in his own right.  A former NCAA DI qualifier, he owns a 3-1 decision over Alec Martin & he was 4th here a year ago.  

Soldier Salute Preview - 141 lbs (Sunday Dec 29th & Monday Dec 30th)

141 lbs without a doubt is going to be one of the toughest brackets at the Soldier Salute.  We have the potential to see 7 ranked wrestlers, and out of those 7, four of them are within the top 8.  Going to see some good wrestling here. 

#5
Brock Hardy
Nebraska

Brock Hardy has been looking exceptionally tough this season.  Recently picked up his third CKLV medal with a 3rd place showing here about a month ago.  Against the competition he'll see here he has been rather dominant.  Owns four wins over Josh Koderhandt, including a 41 second fall + 7-3, 10-3 & 4-0 decisions.  Owns both a 10-2 major & 8-3 decision over Vance VomBaur.  Also owns an 11-1 major Dec over Jayden Scott. 

#6
Vance VomBaur
Minnesota

The Golden Gopher was 3rd here a year ago  & has the credentials to suggest that he'll be looking to improve upon that performance.  A 4-2 decision over Josh Koderhandt, he owns an 8-5 s.v. over Cael Happel.  Two victories of Josh Edmond (4-3 & 8-5 s.v.) he also owns an 8-3 decision over Julian Tagg. 

#7
Josh Koderhandt
Navy

Josh Koderhandt is another wrestler who recently picked up his third CKLV medal about a month ago, as he finished in 4th place.  He also also 4th here a year ago.  Among the Midshipmen's wins he owns an 8-7 decision over Jacob Frost & a 3-2 decision over Zach Redding. 

#8
Cael Happel
Northern Iowa

Finishing 8th in Vegas about a month ago wasn't exactly where Cael Happel wanted to finish in his final Cliff Keen.  Nevertheless he did pick up his third medal at the prestigious tournament, plus he did so by coming all the way back from a first round upset. When you're wrestling in a tournament many consider only second to the NCAA DI nationals itself, that shows a tremendous amount of heart and tenacity.  The Panther owns two victories over Josh Edmond (4-2 & 10-3) & he also owns a 4-1 win over Julian Tagg. 

#16
Josh Edmond
Missouri

I'm sure Josh Edmond would like to propel himself up in the rankings and he'll more than have an opportunity to do that here at the Salute. He's already proven that he has the talent and the skills with two victories over Cael Happel (4-3 & 7-5). 

#19
Jacob Frost
Iowa State

I was very impressed with Jacob Frost's showing at Cliff Keen about a month ago.  The Cyclone wrestled exceptionally well capturing a 5th place finish at what many consider to be DI's toughest in-season tournament.  I'm anxious to see how he does here.  Owns a 7-3 decision over Josh Edmond. 

#29
Ryder Block
Iowa

"The thing is, you have to earn it"  Tom Brands in his own words and that is exactly the case with Ryder Block this upcoming weekend/Weekstart.  He's the one with the ranking right now, but that doesn't mean that the 141 lbs position is his signed, sealed and delivered.  He's going to have to prove himself this weekend and show that he is the man. 

B.U.
Cullan Schriever
Iowa

And here's the man that Ryder Block has to prove himself against, Cullan Schriever.  It was never written in stone, but it was at least 85% of the time; Whenever the Hawkeyes had two wrestlers fighting to see who was going to be the man by year's end, that was usually decided at the Midlands.  Whoever had the better performance was almost always going to be our starter at the BIG 10's.  Iowa doesn't go to the Midlands anymore, so now the Soldier Salute has taken precedence.  So far in '24-'25,  the 141 lbs weight class hasn't been all that kind to Cullan Schriever.  However, competing at 133 lbs, Schreiver has won the Soldier Salute before & he was 3rd here last year.  I wouldn't count this Hawkeye out yet. 

B.U.
Zach Redding
Iowa State

The Cyclones are in a similar situation to the Hawkeyes.  They too have two very good wrestlers here at 141 lbs.  As good as Jacob Frost looked at CKLV, let's keep in mind that Zach Redding is a three time NCAA DI qualifier.  He also defeated Ryder Block, inside of Carver Hawkeye, 5-4. 

U.R.
Julian Tagg
South Dakota State

Upsets like they are in any other major tournament, are bound to happen here at the Soldier Salute.  Julian Tagg pulled off a huge upset at Cliff Keen, handing Cael Happel a 9-6 loss.  Perhaps the Jackrabbit will pull off such a win here in Coralville. 

U.R.
Jayden Scott
North Carolina

Jayden Scott strikes me as the type that could plausibly pull off an upset or two this weekend. 

Soldier Salute Preview - 133 lbs (Sunday Dec 29th & Monday Dec 30th)

 

Here at the Salute we have 7 ranked wrestlers in the 133 lbs weight class.  Look for the quarters and semis to be exceptionally good, as well as our final.   Here are the top wrestlers who will be participating this upcoming Weekend & Weekstart. 

#5
Drake Ayala
Iowa

An NCAA DI finalist last season, competing at 125 lbs, Drake Ayala has thus far had Soldier Salute finishes of 2nd & 1st.   Now up at 133 lbs, he will once again look to win the Hawkeye's home tournament.  Owns both an 11-7 decision over Evan Frost & a 7-2 decision over Cory Land. 

#6
Evan Frost
Iowa State

Not sure if there will be frost on the ground outside of Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa or not but I can guarantee you there will be Frost within it. Evan Frost that is.  The Cyclone has proven on more than one occasion that he more than embraces the grind of a tough tournament.  He recently made his second CKLV finals appearance in a row & he owns a 2-1 decision over Tyler Wells. 

#10
Tyler Wells 
Minnesota

The way Minnesota has looked thus far in dual action, I'm excited to see if they can replicate in tough tournament action. Tyler Wells has looked very sharp thus far & has some very impressive victories coming into this tournament.  An 11-2 major decision over Jacob Van Dee, he's beat up on Derek Cardinal in 19-4 technical fall & 10-2 major decisions.  He also owns both a 3-2 & 7-3 decision over Kade Moore. 

#13
Ethan Oakley
North Carolina

The former Mountaineer packed his bags and headed 2 1/2 hours east to become a Tar Heel.  So far has been competing pretty well for the Carolina blue and white.  Owns a 10-9 decision over Jacob Van Dee. 

#20
Jacob Van Dee
Nebraska

You know as well as I do that we're going to see some major upsets here at the Salute this weekend. Jacob Van Dee is no stranger to upsets, as he pulled off a huge one in Vegas about a month ago, knocking off Dylan Ragusin by a 10-4 score.  The Husker was 2nd here a year ago & owns a 5-1 decision over Julian Farber. 

#21
Cory Land
Northern Iowa

Cory Land has been looking exceptionally good this season.  Picked up a 9-7 decision over Derek Cardinal & he also for the record owns both a 6-2, as well as a 13-1 win over Evan Frost.  What concerns me here, is that Land had to medical forfeit out of the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.  Some injuries heal up pretty quickly and hopefully that is the case here in Coralville.  We'll see. 

#22
Derrick Cardinal
South Dakota State

Here's a guy you never know quite what to expect out of.  There are times when he wrestles exceptionally tough and to be frank, times when he does.  When he's on, especially in the top position, he can be downright brutal.   7th at Cliff Keen, he owns both a 4-1 s.v. as well as an 8-3 decision over Julian Farber. 

B.U.
Julian Farber
Northern Iowa

We haven't seen Julian Farber compete this year.  Not sure if he's hurt, if Land is simply beating him out for the starting spot, or what the deal is.  What I do know is that if Julian Farber is competing this weekend/Weekstart, he is a guy to keep an eye on.  A 10-9 decision over Ethan Oakley, he's defeated Jacob Van Dee twice by scores of 8-1 & 9-5. 

U.R.
Kade Moore
Missouri

'24-'25 hasn't started off the way that Kade Moore was hoping that it would, but keep in mind that the Tiger was an NCAA DI qualifier last season, despite being unranked at the moment.  He's pulled off some notable wins in the past, and as to the future, the Salute provides an opportunity to once again do so. 

U.R. 
Brendan Ferratti
Navy

Another wrestler who isn't having the season he was probably hoping to have.  Nevertheless collegiate wrestling last nearly 6 months.  No one ever said that if things didn't start off good, that they can't end that way.  As mentioned previously, upsets are bound to happen as they do in any major tournament.  Ferratti owns a 4-3 decision over Derrick Cardinal. 

R.S. 
Osmany Diversent
Iowa State

Osmany Diversent hasn't faced much NCAA DI competition yet, but gawd has he looked good against smaller division competition.  Aden Reeves of Grand View was 3rd in the NAIA nation last season & is without question an NAIA title contender.  Osmany defeated him by a 5-2 decision.   Not too long ago, Jakason Burks of Central Missouri looked like a million bucks winning NCAA DII's toughest in-season tournament, the Midwest Classic.  Earlier this year Osmany nearly majored Burks 10-4.   Take it like a Buffalo Springfield, for what it's worth.