Wrestling on Friday will pare the field down to 16 wrestlers per weight class, with the quarterfinals as the first championship round to be wrestled on Saturday. The morning session on Saturday starts at 10 a.m. with the quarterfinals to be immediately followed by the semifinals, consolation matches will be wrestled concurrently, through the consolation semifinals and matches for seventh place. The finals matches for first, third, and fifth place will be wrestled on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.
Only four teams have ever won an Ironman championship. The host school, Walsh Jesuit, won the first edition; Blair Academy (N.J.) has won the event 12 times; St. Edward (Ohio) has won it five times, none since the 2006-07 season; with St. Paris Graham (Ohio) taking home three titles, including the one last year.
This year's event features just three wrestlers seeking to win a second Walsh Ironman title actually on the brackets: Tyler Warner (Claymont), Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham), and Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham); two-time champion Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.), Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), and Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) are all not competing in the event due to various injuries.
In fact, for many of the 15 nationally ranked teams, missing key contributors is part of the narrative. The following is a summary of "impact wrestlers" not competing for Fab 50 teams.
No. 1 Blair Academy -- No. 10 Requir van der Merwe (132)
No. 2 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. -- Chris Weiler (170), a top 20 in the nation senior
No. 7 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. -- No. 10 Jason Renteria (120), No. 1 Isaiah White (152), and state qualifier Allen Stallings (220)
No. 17 Elyria, Ohio -- No. 3 Kevin Vough (285) and state placer Mikah Price (160)
No. 22 Washington, Ill. -- two-time state champion Randy Meneweather (170)
No. 24 Delta, Ohio -- three-time state placer Dustin Marteney (138/145)
No. 28 Bakersfield, Calif. -- with only bringing four wrestlers, five other state qualifiers are staying home; that includes two-time participant Antonio Gutierrez (182), who was one match short of the podium at last year's state tournament
No. 48 San Marino, Calif. -- state placer Zander Silva (126)
With all of that being said, the team race remains wide open between Blair Academy, Wyoming Seminary, and No. 4 St. Paris Graham (the defending national champions); while No. 10 St. Edward and No. 11 Marmion Academy (Ill.) seek to make a charge from the outside rail.
The stars will for sure shine with four national No. 1 ranked wrestlers slated to compete: Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas) at 120, Jarod Verkleeren (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.) at 145, Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) at 160, and Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) at 182. In addition, four more wrestlers ranked No. 2 in the country are in the field: Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio) at 106, Drew Mattin (Delta, Ohio) at 113, Mason Manville (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) at 152, and Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 170.
Nationally ranked teams and wrestlers slated to compete
Teams: No. 1 Blair Academy, No. 2 Wyoming Seminary, No. 4 St. Paris Graham, No. 7 Oak Park River Forest, No. 10 St. Edward, No. 11 Marmion Academy, No. 17 Elyria, No. 18 Belle Vernon, No. 22 Washington, No. 24 Delta, No. 26 Malvern Prep, No. 28 Bakersfield, No. 40 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 47 Brecksville (Ohio), and No. 48 San Marino
106 (6 total): No. 2 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa), No. 11 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic), No. 12 Elijah Palacio (Calvary Chapel, Calif.), No. 14 Christian Nunez (St. John Bosco), No. 16 Peter Ogunsanya (Oak Park River Forest), and No. 17 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy)
113 (4): No. 2 Drew Mattin (Delta), No. 4 Real Woods (Montini Catholic), No. 12 Jordan Decatur (CVCA), and No. 17 Tommy Hoskins (Dayton Christian, Ohio)
120 (4): No. 1 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy), No. 8 Tyler Warner (Claymont), No. 11 Noah Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio), and No. 18 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy)
126 (4): No. 8 Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit), No. 14 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham), No. 20 Tariq Wilson (Steubenville, Ohio), and No. 17 (at 120) Mario Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio)
132 (5): No. 6 Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic), No. 11 Gus Solomon (Franklin Regional), No. 12 Navonte Demison (Bakersfield), No. 17 Gabe Townsell (Oak Park River Forest), and No. 18 Trent Olson (Wyoming Seminary)
138 (6): No. 4 Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham), No. 5 Hunter Ladnier (St. Edward), No. 6 Julian Flores (San Marino), No. 11 Ryan Deakin (Legacy, Colo.), No. 18 A.J. Jaffe (Marmion Academy), and No. 20 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.)
145 (5): No. 1 Jarod Verkleeren (Belle Vernon Area), No. 3 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), No. 6 Zander Wick (San Marino, Calif.), No. 12 Rocky Jordan (St. Paris Graham), and No. 16 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.)
152 (7): No. 2 Mason Manville (Wyoming Seminary), No. 5 Eric Hong (Kiski Prep, Pa.), No. 6 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.), No. 7 Evan Wick (San Marino), No. 12 Trace Carello (Marmion Academy), No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield), and No. 19 Max Wohlabaugh (Winter Springs, Fla.)
160 (5): No. 1 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham), No. 10 Wyatt Sheets (Stilwell, Okla.), No. 13 Justin Thomas (Calvary Chapel), No. 14 Riley DeMoss (Marmion Academy), and No. 19 Ryan Karoly (Blair Academy)
170 (4): No. 2 Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy), No. 7 Jeremy Thomas (Calvary Chapel), No. 9 Austin Bell (Belle Vernon Area), and No. 18 James Handwerk (Lutheran West, Ohio)
182 (5): No. 1 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary), No. 4 Nathan Traxler (Marmion Academy) No. 6 Jacob Warner (Washington), No. 12 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep), and No. 20 Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.)
195 (7): No. 4 Ben Darmstadt (Elyria), No. 5 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy), No. 10 Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio), No. 11 Christian Dietrich (Wyoming Seminary), No. 13 Wyatt Koelling (Davis, Utah), No. 17 Kevin Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.), and No. 19 Tyler Frankrone (Trinity, Ky.)
220 (4): No. 3 Matt Stencel (Oregon Clay, Ohio), No. 10 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep), No. 13 Zane Black (The Phelps School, Pa.), and No. 17 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.)
285 (2): No. 9 (at 220) Will Hilliard (Wyoming Seminary) and No. 15 Hunter Mullins (Orting, Wash.)
In all, the field features 68 nationally ranked wrestlers. The most being the seven at 152 and 195, the least being just a pair at 285 (all other weights have four-plus).
Weight class breakdowns
Please note that every weight class will most likely have some sort of change between now and first whistle on Friday afternoon, whether it be due to a weight change or a scratch of a core wrestler. Given that premise, to sit here and dissect the seeds for potential key matchups and the like is silly. The analysis presented here is based on participants in the field and in weight classes through Wednesday evening.
106:
The opening weight class is always one in which non-seeded wrestlers make a dent on the proceedings, as the structure for seeding is based on a points criteria for accomplishments such as state placement, Ironman placement, and Fargo freestyle placement. Fitting this description are freshman Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep), Beau Bayless (Reynolds, Pa.), Bryce Andonian (St. Edward), Josh Decatur (CVCA), and Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.); as well as NHSCA Sophomore Nationals runner-up Jacob Dunlop (Belle Vernon).
Among the non-ranked wrestlers, a couple to keep an eye on are freshman Jordan Crace (St. Paris Graham), Cadet freestyle All-American Gabriel Tagg (Brecksville), state champion Josh Venia (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio), and Cadet Triple Crown winner Mosha Schwartz (Ponderosa, Colo.)
The overall dynamic of this weight class is such that Dylan D'Emilio is a slight favorite over what is a wide open field between the nationally ranked wrestlers, and those just outside of the rankings.
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): D'Emilio, Ogunsanya, Crace, Palacio, Colaiocco, Nunez, Lucas Byrd (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), and Tagg
Predicted placers: D'Emilio, Nunez, Melendez, Palacio, Ogunsanya, Colaiocco, Crace, Schwartz
113:
Even though this is not the opening weight, there's always talk about younger impact wrestlers. There are some here outside the seeds in freshmen Logan Heil (Brunswick, Ohio), Justin Pacheco (Pomona), and Colton Camacho (Franklin Regional). While these wrestlers may or may not place, they will pose a nuisance along the way. Speaking of high impact freshman, watch for Chris Cannon (Blair Academy), who is ranked No. 16 in the Class of 2019 at present, to make a real presence.
This is one of the softer weights overall in the tournament. Outside of the four weight class ranked wrestlers, keep an eye on Cannon as well as Roberto Campos (Oak Park River Forest), who has been stuck behind Renteria the last two seasons.
General perception in this weight class would be that it is Mattin's to lose, as the highest ranked wrestler, a UWW Cadet and Junior National freestyle runner-up, and Ironman runner-up. However, the three other ranked wrestlers in this weight class could all knock off Mattin; on an Ohio note, Hoskins and Mattin are in the same division, so this match could provide a "hint" for one or the other to move up a weight class.
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Mattin, Hoskins, Woods, Tyler Lawley (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Jarrod Bronstrup (Brecksville), Decatur, Caleb Yates (Anthony Wayne, Ohio), and Alex Cruz (Orting)
Predicted placers: Mattin, Woods, Decatur, Hoskins, Cannon, Campos, Camacho, and Lawley.
120:
With just the four ranked wrestlers, and a few others on the fringe of a ranking, this is not one of the mega-weights of the Ironman this year. Most will view this weight as Mueller, and then the field; Muller being a three-time National Prep champion and two-time Fargo champion (2014 Junior, 2013 Cadet). Warner and Baughman, both of whom are past Super 32 Challenge runners-up, would seem to be next in line to contend; Warner is a 2013 Walsh Ironman champion and a three-time state champion, while Baughman is a 2014 state champion and a Junior freestyle All-American this summer.
Sherman would seem to align more with the wrestlers outside of the rankings. Those include two-time National Prep champion Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.), NHSCA Junior runner-up Justin Stickley (St. Paris Graham), three-time state placer Seth Beard (Napoleon, Ohio), and No. 13 overall freshman Theorius Robinson (Pomona). Outside of the seeded group, the wrestler to watch is Malcom Robinson (St. John's College, D.C.), a National Prep placer and NHSCA Freshman Nationals champion.
Top eight seeds at present (15 total): Mueller, Warner, Prata, Sherman, Baughman, Stickley, Beard, and Tony Decesare (Padua, Ohio)
Predicted placers: Mueller, Warner, Baughman, Sherman, Prata, Beard, M. Robinson, and Stickley
126:
The sophomore Moore burst onto the scene last year with his assault through Saturday at the Walsh Ironman, dominating Devin Brown and Jason Renteria in the semifinal and final, having upended Prata in the round of 16 on Friday. He is one of four nationally ranked wresters in this weight, all from Ohio, the highest of which is Mackall from the host school. Mackall is a three-time placer in the tournament, finishing fourth as a freshman before taking sixth and seventh the last two years; not only is he obviously seeking a first title at the Ironman, but Mackall has lost at the quarterfinal stage each of the last three years.
These two wrestlers would be characterized as joint favorites. However, there is a solid challenge pack featuring the other two weight class ranked wrestlers in this field, along with multiple others. Those would include NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Devan Turner (Dixon, Calif.), state champion Allan Hart (St. Edward), Cadet National freestyle runner-up Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest), and Preseason Nationals champion Jimmy Pawleski (Montini Catholic).
Outside the top eight seeds -- at present -- a name to watch is state champion Cole Matthews (Reynolds); while outside the overall seeds, two names to watch are state placer Jake Donahue (Massillon, Ohio) and 2014 state placer Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Mackall, Moore, Turner, Hart, Guillen, Madrigal, Wilson, and Pawleski
Predicted placers: Mackall, Moore, Wilson, Turner, Guillen, Hart, Madrigal, and Pawleski
132:
Overall this is a rather deep weight class with five nationally ranked wrestlers, and other very solid wrestlers just outside the rankings. Junior National freestyle All-Americans in Duncan and Demison, along with returning Walsh Ironman placer Solomon, stand a slight bit above the rest of the field. Nationally ranked wrestlers Townsell and Olson are part of a next tier of wrestlers that all outside the rankings: multi-time Fargo All-American Corey Shie (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), nationally ranked sophomore Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham), and returning Ironman placer and state runner-up Jaden Mattox (Central Crossing, Ohio) being most notable.
Five other multi-time state medalists are worth keeping an eye on as well: Jake Spiess (Delta), Lane Peters (Claymont), Hunter Bray (Franklin, Ohio), Keegan Duncan (Trinity), and Dylan Thurston (Washington). Also to note is returning state runner-up Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Demison, D. Dunan, Mattox, Townsell, Spiess, Olson, Bray, and Shie
Predicted placers: D. Duncan, Solomon, Demison, Mattox, Thomas, Shie, Olson, and Townsell
138:
Four of the nation's top eleven wrestlers in this weight class are at present the top four seeds, and encompass the upper tier of this weight class. Moore, Flores, and Ladnier all placed in last year's edition of the Walsh Ironman, while it is a tournament debut for Deakin, who placed at the Super32 Challenge last month and is a multi-time Fargo All-American.
The other two ranked wrestlers in this weight class, Jaffe and Aronoff, headline a solid second tier of wrestlers that will fight for placement positions. That group includes returning Ironman placer Ryan Ford (Covington, Ohio), as well as returning state placers J.J. Figueroa (Bakersfield) and Jamie Hernandez (Oak Park River Forest) among the top eight seeds. Lower seeds in this challenge group include two-time state placers Seth Hogue (Reynolds) and Moises Lewan (Perrysburg), Cadet freestyle All-American Will Lewan (Montini Catholic), and state champion Job Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.). Notable non-seeds include three-time National Prep placer Matt Lattanze (Malvern Prep), two-time National Prep placer Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.), and state placer James Wimer (Central Crossing), who was one match short of placement at the Super 32 Challenge.
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Moore, Flores, Ladnier, Deakin, Ford, Figueroa, Jaffe, and Hernandez
Predicted placers: Moore, Ladnier, Flores, Deakin, Jaffe, Aronoff, Greenwood, and Hernandez
145:
One of the deeper weight classes overall nationally is also a rather deep weight class in this tournament, which is anchored by five nationally ranked wrestlers; this includes the top ranked wrestler in Verkleeren, along with the third and sixth ranked wrestlers in Carr and Zander Wick. Also among the nationally ranked wrestlers is returning Ironman runner-up Jordan.
Outside the nationally ranked wrestlers, it is a large second tier that will battle for lower-half placement positions. Among the seeded wrestlers in this group is three-time National Prep runner-up Kevin Budock (Good Counsel), three-time state champion Ben Anderson (Pleasant Grove, Utah), state champion Adam Lewis (Tampa Jesuit, Fla.), two-time state placers Justin Demicco (Brecksville) and Greg Brusco (Delaware Hayes, Ohio), three-time state placer Josh Heil (Brunswick), and two-time National Prep placer Tyler Megonigal (James Madison, Va.). A couple of non-seeded wrestlers in this tier would be two-time National Prep placer Sam Martino (McDonogh) and Cadet double All-American Andrew Merola (Blair Academy).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Verkleeren, Wick, Carr, Jordan, Budock, Anderson, Lewis, and Heil
Predicted placers: Verkleeren, Carr, Wick, Jordan, Rider, Budock, Demicco, and Heil
152:
With five nationally ranked wrestlers, including four of the top seven, this weight could shape up to be the tournament's strongest overall. Leading the way here is three-time Walsh Ironman runner-up Manville, who somewhat ironically is the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the country. Evan Wick, Troy, and Hong join Manville in what is the first tier of this weight class.
The other three nationally ranked wrestlers anchor a deep second tier. Outside the nationally ranked wrestlers, those to watch include three-time state placers Nick Vestal (Dayton Christian), Nick Monico (Saegertown, Pa.), and Jacoby Ward (Cincinnati Moeller); two-time state placer Jason Romero (Pomona); state champions John Manning (Blair Academy) and Julian Ramirez (Tampa Jesuit); along with state third place finisher Jack Conway (St. Edward). One non-seed to watch would be Flo Nationals placer Dakotah Goff (Steubenville).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Manville, Wick, Troy, Hong, Carello, Vestal, Monico, and Conway
Predicted placers: Manville, Troy, Hong, Wick, Carello, Poullas, Wohlabaugh, and Ward
160:
Like Manville, Marinelli is seeking a fourth straight finals appearance at the Ironman; however, Marinelli beat Manville last year in the final to win that elusive championship, and is the No. 1 ranked wrestler nationally in this weight class. The Iowa bound wrestler is a strong favorite to repeat as champion.
The second tier in this weight class is the other four ranked wrestlers, which are led by top 100 seniors in Sheets and Justin Thomas. Kind of blending into this second group, and vying for mid-to-low placement are the following seeded wrestlers: two-time state placers Nick Kiussis (Brunswick), Austin Hiles (Brecksville), and Jesse Beverly (Delta); three-time state placer Hudson Heidorf (Trinity); and three-time National Prep placer Will Verallis (Wyoming Seminary). One wrestler to watch outside the seeded group is Mitch Hartman (Belle Vernon), who missed the state tournament by one match last year.
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Marinelli, Sheets, Thomas, Beverly, Kiussis, Hiles, DeMoss, and Verallis.
Predicted placers: Marinelli, Sheets, Thomas, DeMoss, Karoly, Kiussis, Hiles, and Verallis
170:
The loss of Chris Weiler from the field in this weight class is going to be felt in terms of the overall quality here, as well as on Wyoming Seminary in the team standings. He was the clear favorite in this weight class that now features just four ranked wrestlers, tied for the least of any weight class other than 285 pounds. The tier of wrestlers behind those ranked is also not as robust as in some other weight classes in the Walsh Ironman.
Two-time Ironman placer and this summer a Junior freestyle All-American, Dallavia is the favorite in this weight class. The other weight class ranked wrestlers are pretty even, top 100 seniors Thomas and Bell, as well as top 50 junior Handwerk. Seeded wrestlers to watch outside the weight class rankings include state runners-up Tyler Wiederholt (Bellbrook, Ohio), Robbie Bowers (Defiance, Ohio), and Brian Buser (Tampa Jesuit); state champion Koy Wilkinson (Pleasant Grove); along with state placers Garrett Jordan (St. Paris Graham) and Sam Loera (Bakersfield). A couple of unseeded sophomores to watch are Nate Jimenez (Marmion Academy) and Cody Mulligan (Saegertown); also to note is returning National Prep placer Cole Williams (Trinity Christian Academy).
Top eight seeds at present (15 total): Dallavia, Handwerk, Thomas, Bell, Jordan, Wiederholt, Bowers, and Wilkinson
Predicted placers: Dallavia, Thomas, Bell, Handwerk, Wiederholt, Jimenez, Jordan, and Wilkinson
182:
Even with four of the nation's top 12 wrestlers in this weight class present, along with a fifth in the national rankings, this is an overall shallow weight in terms of depth and quantity (just 27 wrestlers registered). Leading the way here is the nation's top ranked wrestler Reenan, a Junior National double champion this summer. The pair of Illinois wrestlers, Traxler and Warner, have robust folkstyle and freestyle resumes; while the sophomore Beard wrestled Reenan to a 3-2 loss this past weekend.
Outside of the nationally ranked five, the field here is not overly robust. Those to watch from the seeded group include two-time state placer Tre Campbell (Wauseon, Ohio), state placers Isaiah Page (Broken Arrow) and J.T. Brown (Elyria), National Prep placer Brian Hennessey (St. John's College), and state qualifier Milton Kobaly (Belle Vernon). Outside the seeds, some names to eye are juniors Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius, Ohio) and Tyler Stepic (St. Edward), as well as sophomores Sam Wyche (Cincinnati Moeller) and Dominic Cooper (Canfield).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Reenan, Traxler, Warner, Beard, Campbell, Blair, Brown, and Page
Predicted placers: Reenan, Traxler, Warner, Beard, Blair, Page, Brown, and Hennessey
195:
Seven nationally ranked wrestlers are present in this weight class, and it also happens to be a weight class that is very strong nationally in terms of quality through the ranked group, so the battle for the title and through the mid-placement level should be fierce. The joint favorites here would be Darmstadt and Singletary, both of whom rank in the top five nationally, placing last year in the Ironman at 182 pounds. Joining Darmstadt as a Junior freestyle All-American are Koelling and Harris; joining Darmstadt as a placer at the Super 32 Challenge are Harris, Dietrich, and Snyder. The other nationally ranked wrestler is NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Frankrone.
Outside the nationally ranked wrestlers, and among the seeds, the following wrestlers should be worth a follow for this tournament: Danny Salas (St. John Bosco), state placer and Cadet double All-American; National Prep placer Rashon Lusane (Malvern Prep); state placer Gary Traub (Sycamore, Ohio), who was undefeated prior to the state tournament last season; as well as state qualifiers Kanan Sarver (Graham), one match away from placement at the Super 32 Challenge, and Aaron Naples (Brunswick). A notable name among the non-seeds, especially in years to come, is freshman Jameel Coles (The Phelps School).
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Darmstadt, Harris, Koelling, Dietrich, Singletary, Frankrone, Snyder, and Salas
Predicted placers: Darmstadt, Harris, Singletary, Dietrich, Koelling, Snyder, Frankrone, and Sarver
220:
Four nationally ranked wrestlers are the clear anchors in this weight class, with the senior Stencel as the favorite; last year he was runner-up in the Ironman at 195, and since then has won a state title, been a Junior National double All-American, and earned runner-up honors at the Super 32 Challenge. The other three ranked wrestlers are underclassmen: state runner-up Janney, National Prep placer Janney, and freshman phenom Schultz.
Outside the ranked wrestlers, other underclass seeded wrestlers to watch include: state champions Nick Mosco (Blair Academy) and Brady Daniel (Good Counsel), state runners-up Brandon Closson (Pleasant Grove) and Jared Campbell (St. Edward), along with state placers Jack Meyer (Moeller) and Cole Rickert (Reynolds). Along with the above underclassmen, these senior seeded wrestlers are in the hunt for an Ironman placement: state placers Jacob Esarco (Canfield) and Jerek Cropper (Manchester, Ohio) as well as two-time state placers Kordell Cheney (Sandusky Perkins, Ohio) and Devon Richard (Delta). An unseeded wrestler to watch, especially in future years, is freshman Johnny Shafer (St. Paris Graham)
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Stencel, Meyer, Black, Mosco, Daniel, Janney, Schultz, Cheney
Predicted placers: Stencel, Janney, Black, Schultz, Daniel, Campbell, Mosco, and Esarco
285:
The absence of defending champion Kevin Vough (Elyria), ranked No. 3 nationally, is going to be felt for Elyria in the team race as well as making this weight class rather open in terms of projected champion. Only two nationally ranked wrestlers reside in this weight class, including Hilliard, who is a bumped up 220-pound wrestler; Wyoming Seminary seeking to maximize team points.
Notable contenders among those outside the national rankings include Ironman placers in Chance Veller (Delta), Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow), and Gene Ringer (Reynolds); Veller a state champion last season, the other two state medalists. In addition, it is two-time National Prep placer Neil Putnam (Blair Academy), Super 32 Challenge placer Mansur Abdul-Malik (St. Vincent Pallotti, Md.), state placer Jonathan Floyd (Springboro, Ohio), and state qualifier Kameron Teacher (Central Crossing); of note is that Teacher was undefeated headed into his DNP at the state tournament.
Top eight seeds at present (14 total): Veller, Mullins, Putnam, Lieurance, Ringer, Hilliard, Abdul-Malik, and Floyd
Predicted placers: Hilliard, Lieurance, Mullins, Abdul-Malik, Teacher, Veller, Putnam, and Floyd
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