InterMat Staff

2022 157 lb ACC champion Ed Scott (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) NC State will look to add a fifth-straight ACC title to the trophy case, but will be doing it with a lot of new faces in the lineup. The Wolfpack have had a lot of consistency in the lineup over the past few years, but will have a major shift with the graduation of some of the most credentialed wrestlers to come through Raleigh. Three-time All-American Tariq Wilson and four-time All-American Hayden Hidlay both graduated after utilizing their extra year of eligibility. They were both key leaders on the team, but have passed the torch to the new generation, including younger Hidlay brother Trent, who truly embodies the culture that Pat Popolizio and crew have built. Coach Popolizio has put together very strong recruiting classes and that will pay dividends this year, with at least one true freshman in the lineup and others fighting to take a spot. TOP RETURNERS Ed Scott made a major jump last year; he went from a 6-6 record his freshman year to 24-3 last season. He knocked off three-time All-American and 2021 National Champion Austin O'Connor to take the ACC title; he was also named ACC Rookie of the Year. He qualified for the NCAA tournament and went 2-2 in Detroit, falling in the blood round to Peyton Robb, in what may have been the quickest pin ever recorded on a roll through… Scott is in a loaded weight class in the ACC which sees returning All-Americans, Bryce Andonian (moving up from 149) and Austin O'Connor, as well as Dazjon Casto and Jake Keating, both of whom are ranked in the preseason top-15. Trent Hidlay has been one of the emotional leaders of this team since he entered the lineup; I highly encourage everyone to watch him during a dual while his teammates wrestle, it is highly entertaining. He has put together an impressive career in Raleigh already, and I still think the best is yet to come. He is a three-time NCAA qualifier and earned All-American honors in both tournaments where he actually wrestled; he was a finalist in 2021 and took home fifth-place honors last season. Hidlay was 21-2 last season and earned his second ACC title; he is 78-10 in his career and has a nearly 50% BONUS rate. Isaac Trumble made the most of his first year as a full-time starter, He put together a 21-6 record that saw him making the ACC finals and earning a trip to the NCAA championships where he went 1-2. Trumble uses his length incredibly well and has proven to be a dangerous top wrestler. The coaching staff has said that he has been focusing on improving from neutral and is ready to make the jump to the podium this season. KEY DEPARTURES Hayden Hidlay finished his NC State career as one of the most accomplished wrestlers to come through Raleigh. He was a five-time NCAA qualifier, four-time ACC Champion, NCAA finalist and four-time All-American (2nd, 4th, COVID, 5th, 3rd). He finished with an overall record of 132-14 with a 61% BONUS rate. You will see Hayden as he joined the staff as the Student-Athlete Development Coordinator. Tariq Wilson will also go down in the NC State record books after his stellar career. He was a five-time NCAA qualifier, three-time All-American (3rd, R12, COVID, 3rd, 7th), and two-time ACC Champion. Wilson finished with a career record of 122-31 for the Wolfpack. While Thomas Bullard may have never made the All-American podium, he was critical to the success of the Wolfpack program over the past six years. He was a five-time NCAA qualifier and won many crucial matches for the Pack on his way to a career record of 104-46. NEWCOMERS Jackson Arrington will be jumping into the lineup as a true freshman for the Wolfpack, filling the spot left by the graduation of Tariq Wilson. He was a major recruit for Coach Popolizio. A three-time PA State Champion, he was #28 on the Big Board and has an incredibly high ceiling. He knocked off fellow true freshman Finn Solomon to earn the starting spot. Matty Singleton is another true freshman that may see time in the starting lineup for the Wolfpack at 174. He was a four-time Georgia State Champion with an overall record of 213-3 and was #13 on the Big Board. Singelton was beaten by Brock Delsignore in the finals of the wrestle-offs, so Delsignore will get the nod to start, but I expect that we will see Singleton in the lineup at points, as well, to see where he stands in competition. WRESTLERS TO WATCH Kai Orine won the starting spot last year at 133 and had a good freshman year. He made the round of 16 at the NCAA tournament, going 2-2 in Detroit. He finished the year at 18-7 and took third place at the ACC tournament. We got glimpses of his potential last year and I think he can be something special at 133. The 125 weight class will be a big one to watch for the potential impact it could have on the ACC race. Jarrett Trombley will start the season, and enters with a #17 ranking to start the year. He is a two-time NCAA qualifier at 133--where he made the round of 16 in 2021. Jakob Camacho, who has been the starter at 125 the past three seasons, is recovering from offseason knee surgery. Camacho is a three-time NCAA qualifier and two-time ACC Champion. The coaching staff will make the call over the course of the season on whether Camacho will be healthy enough to return in the second half of the season, or whether Trombley will hold the weight for the entire season. The weight class will be in good hands with either wrestler, so this will be an interesting one to watch. TOP OUT-OF-CONFERENCE DUAL Coach Popolizio and crew have put together another strong schedule that will see them dual several top-20 teams, including a second trip to the Journeymen Collegiate Duals in New Orleans. Both pool matches, #28 Cal Poly and #21 Lehigh, in New Orleans, will feature great individual matchups. I am very intrigued by the early season dual they will have against Nebraska at the inaugural WrangleMania in Bethlehem, PA. They will face #14 Nebraska to open the event. The matchup between #7 Ed Scott and #4 Peyton Robb alone will be worth the price of admission, but there are several other fun matchups as well. Keep an eye on Isaac Trumble facing his home-state school--this is probably more interesting to me as a Nebraska-native than it is to most people… #14 Nebraska 149 #4 Ridge Lovett (possible redshirt) v Jackson Arrington 157 #4 Peyton Robb v #7 Ed Scott 174 #3 Michael Labriola v Brock Delsignore/Matty Singleton 197 #27 Silas Allred v #18 Isaac Trumble POTENTIAL LINEUP 125: #17 Jarrett Trombley (10-4) 2x NCAA Qualifier *Jakob Camacho (18-5) 3x NCAA Qualifier 2x ACC Champ *Out with injury--may return 2nd semester 133: #11 Kai Orine (18-7) NCAA Qualifier 141: #21 Ryan Jack (18-9) NCAA Qualifier 149: Jackson Arrington True Freshman/Finn Solomon True Freshman/Hunter Lewis (14-8) 157: #7 Ed Scott (26-4) NCAA Qualifier (R12) ACC Champ 165: Donald Cates (15-6)/Derek Fields (24-9) 174: Brock Delsignore (20-8)/Matty Singleton True Freshman 184: #3 Trent Hidlay (21-2) 3x NCAA Qualifier 2x All-American (2nd 2021, 5th 2022) 2x ACC Champion 3x ACC Finalist 197: #18 Isaac Trumble (21-6) NCAA Qualifier ACC Finalist 285: #13 Tyrie Houghton (22-11) NCAA Qualifier/Owen Trephan (18-6)

Zach Sherman in a 2021-22 dual with Ohio State's Sammy Sasso (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) As the ACC continues to rise in national prominence, the programs continue to challenge themselves with scheduling high-level out-of-conference duals. This year is no exception with the ACC programs matching up with multiple top-10 programs both at home and on the road. We are going to take a quick trip through the out-of-conference schedules for each team and highlight their biggest duals, and the matches I am most looking forward to in each dual. All the rankings are based on the Intermat's Preseason Dual Team Rankings and individual weight class rankings. Duke @ Maryland November 5 285 #27 Jaron Smith v Jonah Neisenbaum @ Appalachian State January 24 141 Heath Gonyer v Jared Papscy 165 #14 Will Formato v Gabe Dinette #17 Pittsburgh Home vs #21 Lehigh November 19 157 #10 Josh Humphreys vs #12 Dazjon Casto 197 #8 Michael Beard vs #10 Nino Bonaccorsi @ #24 Illinois December 3 133 #5 Lucas Byrd vs #8 Micky Phillippi 174 #16 Edmond Ruth vs Luca Augustine 197 #14 Zac Braunagel vs #10 Nino Bonaccorsi Home vs #13 Iowa State February 4 141 Casey Swideirski v #1 Cole Matthews 197 #6 Yonger Bastida vs #10 Nino Bonaccorsi #18 UNC Home vs #8 Michigan November 13 133 #6 Dylan Ragusin v #14 Jaime Hernandez 157 #3 Will Lewan v #8 Austin O'Connor 184 #15 Zach Finesilver v #10 Gavin Kane Home vs #4 Ohio State November 20 141 #7 Dylan D'Emilio v #20 Lachlan McNeil 149 #3 Sammy Sasso v #16 Zach Sherman 157 #23 Paddy Gallagher v #8 Austin O'Connor 174 #6 Ethan Smith v #5 Clay Lautt 184 #4 Kaleb Romero v #10 Gavin Kane Collegiate Duals in New Orleans December 20 #1 Penn State 133 #1 Roman Bravo-Young v #14 Jaime Hernandez 141 #15 Beau Bartlett v #20 Lachlan McNeil 174 #1 Carter Starocci v #5 Clay Lautt 184 #1 Aaron Brooks v #10 Gavin Kane #12 NC State Journeymen WrangleMania Bethlehem PA #14 Nebraska November 12 157 #4 Peyton Robb v #7 Ed Scott 174 #3 Michael Labriola v Brock Delsignore/Matty Singleton 197 #27 Silas Allred v #18 Isaac Trumble Journeymen Arm Bar at the Armory Albany NY #24 Illinois November 18 133 #5 Lucas Byrd v #11 Kai Orine 174 #16 Edmond Ruth v Brock Delsignore/Matty Singleton 197 #14 Zac Braunagel v #18 Isaac Trumble Journeymen Collegiate Duals December 20 #28 Cal Poly 149 #13 Dom Demas v Jackson Arrington 157 #29 Luka Wick v #7 Ed Scott 184 #19 Adam Kemp v #3 Trent Hidlay 197 #5 Bernie Truax v #18 Isaac Trumble Journeymen Collegiate Duals December 20 #21 Lehigh 141 #22 Malyke Hines v #21 Ryan Jack 157 #10 Josh Humphries v #7 Ed Scott 184 #14 Tate Samuelson v #3 Trent Hidlay 197 #8 Michael Beard v #18 Isaac Trumble Virginia Home vs #9 Northwestern November 20 141 #8 Frankie Tal-Shahar v Dylan Cedeno 149 #9 Yahya Thomas v #21 Jarod Verkleeren 197 #31 Andrew Davison v #32 Michael Battista @ #29 Campbell 141 #18 Shannon Hanna v Dylan Cedeno 184 #20 Caleb Hopkins v #24 Neil Antrassian #15 Virginia Tech @ #4 Ohio State November 11 125 #11 Malik Heinselman v Cooper Flynn/#28 Eddie Ventresca 149 #3 Sammy Sasso v Caleb Henson 157 #23 Paddy Gallagher v #6 Bryce Andonian 174 #6 Ethan Smith v #2 Mekhi Lewis 184 #4 Kaleb Romero v #11 Hunter Bolen Home vs #6 Cornell January 6 133 #3 Vito Arujau v #13 Sam Latona 149 #1 Yianni Diakomihalis v Caleb Henson 174 #11 Chris Foca v #2 Mekhi Lewis 285 #9 Lewis Fernandes v #19 Hunter Catka Home vs #3 Mizzou December 11 149 #5 Brock Mauller v Caleb Henson 157 #17 Jarrett Jacques v #6 Bryce Andonian 174 #10 Peyton Mocco v #2 Mekhi Lewis @ Stanford December 18 149 #10 Jaden Abas v Caleb Henson

4x NCAA All-American Hayden Hidlay (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Hey there, college wrestling season. How are you? It's been awhile. Did you have a good summer? That's cool, I did, too. No, I haven't quit yet. I'm working on it. No, I haven't been fired from the mailbag yet. I know, I know. I'm a hack, but I've actually done more wrestling talk lately. We actually have the forum here now and it's just like the old one. The ghost of Bob Dole put it together and he did quite a fine job. Yeah, Cinnabon popped up but who cares. So are you going to give us a good season this year? You gonna keep Spencer Lee healthy for us? Is Micic still around? Is Gable coming back? He left you on read? That's cold. Alright, I'll stop asking for spoilers but you better have something good for us in store. If you could hand one wrestler a Money In The Bank briefcase that they could cash in on the number one ranked wrestler at any event for the number one ranking, who are you booking to carry that briefcase? Rhino184 It's the last match of the Cliff Keen finals. Mason Parris just disposed of Cohlton Schultz to finally claim the number one spot. He's exhausted from hauling big Cohl all over the mat. Music hits. That's Gable Steveson! He's back and he's gonna cash in the briefcase! How will Mason handle this! The referee tells Gable he's not eligible until the next semester. The next thing you know is Gable is at the Royal Rumble and you never see him on a wrestling mat again. Who booked this crap? How many dual meets watched per season qualifies you as having a problem? Like fifty? I felt a little worried the other night after watching Queens and The Citadel that I might be addicted to dual meets. Hayden Hidlay All-Americans! They're just like us! And don't worry my friend, you can do way better than fifty per season. That's like one month for the hardcore fans. I first realized I had a problem when I was tweeting about the woman at Utah Valley who waves pom-poms on the edge of the mat when I was watching it at like 11:30 at night. I love dual meets and I love to watch multiple meets at a time. Luckily for us, my man Earl lists what's on and where to watch them every week and you can find that here. Don't forget, the ESPN app has the multi-screen option for both Apple TV and Xbox so don't worry about having to pick one or the other. You can watch them all. The sicko in me is a little upset that Vanguard-California Baptist (don't you dare call them Cal Baptist) isn't streaming anywhere this week. Editor's Note: Hayden will be on the call for ACC matches this year starting with tonight's dual between Appalachian State and NC State Would you pay eight dollars for a blue check? Would I? Willie Saylor I told you awhile back to get us all blue check marks and you told me to go have intercourse with myself. Now you're going to buy them for us as Christmas gifts. So I guess the answer is yes, you would buy one. Maybe there's a deal where you buy in bulk so Seth Petarra can get one. It's all he talks about. Would you rather pay for a blue check mark or watch the Greco World Cup? Richard A Mann You watch and score slap fights, but don't watch Greco? Alright, that's a lie. Richard here watches every single sport that consists of one human trying to physically harm another human. Be it real or fake. I, on the other hand, have yet to really sink my teeth into Greco-Roman, but I respect it. You can all check it out this weekend on the UWW app and get back to me with a full report. Is Lantern Fly season over? Drop Tweetin Sadly, no. It hasn't been as bad lately, but they do tend to come out more when it's hot and it's been unseasonably warm lately. Apparently, we have Game of Thrones summers now. I will be training a salt gun militia this winter if they come back next year. Will you accept the results of this year's NCAA championships? Pelikan Head That would depend on how many Jersey guys end up on the podium. If it's not to my liking then my salt gun militia is storming a Casey's Pizza or something. Top three D1 wrestlers with the most swag for this upcoming season? Old School Wrestling Clips You're asking the wrong guy there. My swag days went away with denim jackets and rope chains. I will back any team that wears a robe, so I'm all about Iowa State. Would Steve Bartman have made it out of the stadium if he robbed a Phillies player in Philadelphia? Baby Grajales Why would Bartman go to Philly to rob someone? The man has been off the grid for twenty years and he's just gonna show up at a baseball game and do a rip and run on an actual player? Sounds crazy to me. Enjoy week one all you Jagoffs and Jaggettes! On a personal note, I lost my dog on the last day of the season last year and we are adopting a new dog on the first day of the season this year. What does that mean? Nothing really, but I think we will name her Amit Elor because she's a champion.

clockwise from top left, Cohlton Schultz, Keegan O'Toole, Jonathan Millner, Mekhi Lewis, Izzak Olejnik, Yianni Diakomihalis and Spencer Lee (Schultz/O'Toole photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; others from Sam Janicki) All-ACC Team 125: Eddie Ventresca (Virginia Tech) 133: Micky Phillippi (Pittsburgh) 141: Cole Matthews (Pittsburgh) 149: Zach Sherman (North Carolina) 157: Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) 165: Justin McCoy (Virginia) 174: Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech) 184: Trent Hidlay (NC State) 197: Nino Bonaccorsi (Pittsburgh) 285: Hunter Catka (Virginia Tech) Freshman of the Year: Lachlan McNeil (North Carolina) Wrestler of the Year: Mekhi Lewis (Virginia Tech) Preseason Team Pick: Virginia Tech All-Big Ten Team 125: Spencer Lee (Iowa) 133: Roman Bravo-Young (Penn State) 141: Real Woods (Iowa) 149: Austin Gomez (Wisconsin) 157: Brayton Lee (Minnesota) 165: Cam Amine (Michigan) 174: Carter Starocci (Penn State) 184: Aaron Brooks (Penn State) 197: Max Dean (Penn State) 285: Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State) Freshman of the Year: Jesse Mendez (Ohio State) Wrestler of the Year: Spencer Lee (Iowa) Preseason Team Pick: Penn State All-Big 12 Team 125: Killian Cardinale (West Virginia) 133: Daton Fix (Oklahoma State) 141: Andrew Alirez (Northern Colorado) 149: Brock Mauller (Missouri) 157: Jared Franek (North Dakota State) 165: Keegan O'Toole (Missouri) 174: Dustin Plott (Oklahoma State) 184: Parker Keckeisen (Northern Iowa) 197: Stephen Buchanan (Wyoming) 285: Wyatt Hendrickson (Air Force) Freshman of the Year: Mitchell Mesenbrink (California Baptist) Wrestler of the Year: Keegan O'Toole (Missouri) Preseason Team Pick: Missouri All-EIWA Team 125: Patrick Glory (Princeton) 133: Vito Arujau (Cornell) 141: Matt Kazimir (Columbia) 149: Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) 157: Quincy Monday (Princeton) 165: Julian Ramirez (Cornell) 174: Mickey O'Malley (Drexel) 184: Jonathan Loew (Cornell) 197: Louie DePrez (Binghamton) 285: Yaraslau Slavikouski (Harvard) Freshman of the Year: Vince Cornella (Cornell) Wrestler of the Year: Yianni Diakomihalis (Cornell) Preseason Team Pick: Cornell All-MAC Team 125: Anthony Noto (Lock Haven) 133: Richie Koehler (Rider) 141: Saul Ervin (SIU Edwardsville) 149: Johnny Lovett (Central Michigan) 157: Ashton Eyler (Lock Haven) 165: Izzak Olejnik (Northern Illinois) 174: Jay Nivison (Buffalo) 184: Will Feldkamp (Clarion) 197: Ethan Laird (Rider) 285: Isaac Reid (Lock Haven) Freshman of the Year: Blake West (Northern Illinois) Wrestler of the Year: Izzak Olejnik (Northern Illinois) Preseason Team Pick: Lock Haven All-Pac-12 Team 125: Brandon Courtney (Arizona State) 133: Michael McGee (Arizona State) 141: Jesse Vasquez (Arizona State) 149: Kyle Parco (Arizona State) 157: Luka Wick (Cal Poly) 165: Shane Griffith (Stanford) 174: Tyler Eischens (Stanford) 184: Trey Munoz (Oregon State) 197: Bernie Truax (Cal Poly) 285: Cohlton Schultz (Arizona STate) Freshman of the Year: Cael Valencia (Arizona State) Wrestler of the Year: Cohlton Schultz (Arizona State) Preseason Team Pick: Arizona State All-SoCon Team 125: Caleb Smith (Appalachian State) 133: Brayden Palmer (Chattanooga) 141: Shannon Hanna (Campbell) 149: Jonathan Millner (Appalachian State) 157: Cody Bond (Appalachian State) 165: Will Formato (Appalachian State) 174: Rocky Jordan (Chattanooga) 184: Caleb Hopkins (Campbell) 197: Levi Hopkins (Campbell) 285: Taye Ghadiali (Campbell) Freshman of the Year: Kamdyn Munro (Chattanooga) Wrestler of the Year: Jonathan Millner (Appalachian State) Preseason Team Pick: Campbell

2x NCAA qualifier Patrick McCormick (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The Hoos return the bulk of their lineup as they look to build off the successes of last season. They will be led by five returning NCAA qualifiers including preseason #9 Justin McCoy and #13 Jake Keating. They will have a great balance led by experienced starters with young talent working to break into the lineup. Coach Garland and company have put together some solid recruiting classes and have several redshirt and true freshmen pushing the starters. A few of those freshmen put on a show during the wrestle-offs and made the case that they are ready to go. Garrett Grice, Kyle Montaperto, and Nick Sanko all looked phenomenal last week; I am very excited to see how their five dates are used to get them experience. The future is bright for the Hoos. The coaching staff took a different approach to off-season conditioning this year and they are entering the season healthier than they have been the past few years; Coach Garland has also spoken very highly of the team nutritionist and the improvements the team has made in regard to weight management. Both of these things could prove to be very beneficial in March. TOP RETURNER Justin McCoy returns for his fourth year in the starting lineup coming off his best year in Charlottesville. Last season he put together a 20-4 record and nearly made the podium in Detroit, falling to Peyton Hall in the bloodround. He is a three-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time ACC finalist; falling to Hayden Hidlay and Jake Wentzel. McCoy returns healthy and ready to make a run at an ACC title and the podium in Tulsa. He is an integral part of the culture in the room and is a leader on the team and is poised to have another great season. KEY DEPARTURES Jay Aiello made his mark on the UVA program in his time in Charlottesville. He was an ACC champ, a three-time ACC finalist and a four-time NCAA qualifier. He dropped in the bloodround in Detroit after some…uh, questionable officiating…in his match against Max Dean, who would go on to win an NCAA title. Jay also won a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships in his final season. He made the USA Wrestling National Team and is still living in Charlottesville, training with the Cavalier Wrestling RTC. Quinn Miller graduated last year after a successful career with the Hoos. He was a three-time NCAA qualifier and an anchor for the team in many duals. He was also the winner of the inaugural InterMat ACC Award for Best Facial Hair. He was at the wrestle-offs this weekend, and I'm happy to report that he still has a fantastic mustache. Brian Courtney quietly put together an impressive resume during his time in Charlottesville. He bounced between 133 and 141 depending on the needs of the team and qualified for the NCAA tournament at both weights. He had a great run in Detroit to make the bloodround where he fell in a tough match to Devan Turner. NEWCOMERS Neil Antrassian transferred from Penn to UVA for grad school and will finish out his eligibility with the Hoos. He was a two-year starter for the Quakers--the Ivy League did not compete in 2021--and comes to Charlottesville with an above .500 record for his career. Gabe Christensen transferred mid-year last season from Iowa as a 197 and has bulked up to fill the spot left by the graduation of Quinn Miller. He has looked strong and will be competitive at the weight. WRESTLERS TO WATCH McCoy enters the year with a preseason top-10 ranking and will definitely be one to watch, but there are two others that I'm keeping an eye on. Jake Keating is coming off his second trip to the NCAA tournament where he went 2-2. He had an injury-shortened season but made the most of his time on the mat. He went 17-7 in a compressed season and placed 3rd at the ACC tournament. He finds himself in the toughest weight in the ACC but will be challenging for the top spot. Michael Battista has improved every year he has been in the UVA room and I expect that trend to continue. He is coming off his first NCAA appearance and a 15-8 record. He will make the move up a weight class to fill the spot vacated with the graduation of Jay Aiello; I think this will be a great move for Battista. He was big at 184 and I think the weight management took away from some of the horsepower he has that makes him dangerous. He will be able to compete on full feed at 197 and the schedule lines up well for him at that weight. TOP OUT-OF-CONFERENCE DUAL The Hoos will have an early-season test at home when they face #9 Northwestern in Memorial Gym. This serves as the back half of a home and home dual that was made after the late cancellation of the Midlands last year. There will be several good head-to-head matches and several that will be a good measuring stick for the younger guys in the lineup. 141 #9 Frankie Tal-Shahar v Dylan Cedeno 149 #9 Yahya Thomas v #20 Jarod Verkleeren 184 Jack Jessen v #24 Neil Antrassian 197 #32 Andrew Davison v #33 Michael Battista POTENTIAL LINEUP 125: Patrick McCormick (14-13) 2x NCAA Qualifier 133: Eric Roggie (12-6) Southeast Open Champ Freshman/Sophomore Div Garrett Grice True Freshman 141: Dylan Cedeno (5-8) NCAA Qualifier 149: #21 Jarod Verkleeren (16-10) NCAA Qualifier 157: #13 Jake Keating (17-7) 2x NCAA Qualifier 165: #9 Justin McCoy (20-4) 3x NCAA Qualifier (Blood Round 2022) 174: Vic Marcelli (5-4) NCAA Qualifier Justin Phillips (15-11) 184: #24 Neil Antrassian (16-10 at Penn) 197: #32 Michael Battista (15-8) NCAA Qualifier 285: Gabe Christensen (10-6)

Dean Hamiti (left) and David Carr (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) Saturday's “Battle in the River City” in Jacksonville, Florida will be headlined by a dual between #10 Wisconsin and #13 Iowa State. These are two programs with sky-high aspirations heading into the 2022-23 campaign, and why not? The squads combined to post a 27-3 dual record last year and could send out eight wrestlers that have earned NCAA All-American honors at least once. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of this week's “Dual of the Week” between a pair of top-15 teams, Wisconsin and Iowa State. 125 lbs #24 Kysen Terukina (Iowa State) vs. #6 Eric Barnett (Wisconsin) We've got a solid match to start with at 125 lbs between a pair of multiple-time national qualifiers. Though Kysen Terukina is ranked 24th, he's been a giant killer and has some excellent wins on his resume. Last year, within a few days of each other, Terukina defeated a pair of top-ten opponents in Killian Cardinale (West Virginia) and Trevor Mastrogiovanni (Oklahoma State). Terukina has the ability to pull off a win over Eric Barnett, he just needs to find a way to be more consistent. Barnett had some of those same problems in 2021, losing 8 of 19 bouts; however, he put it together and made the NCAA podium for the first time. Last year, Barnett got into a groove and beat the guys you would expect him to and mixed in some great wins along the way. He downed Michael DeAugustino (Northwestern) to make the Big Ten finals and earned the sixth seed at nationals. Barnett went on to earn All-American honors for a second time with a seventh-place showing in Detroit. For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

2022 Pac-12 champion Trey Munoz (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) By the time you read this, three D1 teams will have competed to kick off the 2023 Wrestling season. That means setting a lineup to win the week. A reminder of some important rules: Wrestlers entered at a weight must compete at that weight or else their results will not be counted. Wrestlers in the "Floater" spots can compete at ANY weight and accumulate Fantasy points. A wrestler will LOCK on your roster at 12pm ET on the day of their first competition for the week. Only results against D1 competition (starters, backups, and redshirts) will count towards Fantasy Points. Check your league settings to know how many add/drops are permitted per week. On to Week 1: 65 of the 80 D1 schools will be competing in Weeks 1, and 13 of last season's Top-20 NCAA Teams are in action. The "Meat & Potatoes" of competition starts on Friday with three D1 v D1 duals at 7pm ET. The usual staples in Week 1 Opens return with the Michigan State Open & Southeast Open on Saturday and the Clarion Open & Princeton Open on Sunday. Some other Opens to keep an eye on are the Maryville Open, East Stroudsburg Open, and Menlo Open (as well as the Patriot Open, East Stroudsburg Open, and Colorado Mines Open), but there will be limited D1 competition, so Fantasy Points may be hard to come by so set your expectations accordingly. And more importantly, set your lineups accordingly. How to Use This Article: Going through each matchup of each dual and breaking down entries to weekly tournaments, we list our picks for best matchups and plays for your #FCW lineup to win the week. Be sure to listen to the #FCWpodcast for a more detailed breakdown (listen to 2023 Week 1 HERE). Tournament entries continue to update the closer to registration cut-off/day of the event, and we don't want to make an "ass out of u and me" with teams and entries, so be sure to check back and turn those notifications "ON" for our updates and news. Have a question, concern, suggestion, or just want to chat about Fantasy Wrestling? Hit us up on Twitter or head over to the InterMat Forums where we have a Fantasy Wrestling dedicated Forum page! Wrestlers I Like This Week Wrestler (School)- competition for the week [Proj Score] *Organized by tournament name first, then by school name* 125 Matt Ramos (PUR)- Clarion Open Nico Provo (STAN)- Menlo Open Blake West (NIU)- Michigan State Open Malik Heinselman (OHST)- Michigan State Open Joey Prata (OU)- Michigan State Open Pat Glory (PRIN)- Princeton Open Eddie Ventresca (VT)- Southeast Open Cooper Flynn (VT)- Southeast Open Brandon Kaylor (ORST)- @ Lehigh , Black Knight Scramble [+15] Braxton Brown (MD)- Terrapin Duals [+12] Eric Barnett (WISC)- Battle in River City [+10] Noah Surtin (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+6] Antonio Lorenzo (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+4] Jacob Moran (IND)- @ SIU-Edwardsville, Maryville Open [+3] Liam Cronin (NEB)- Vs North Dakota State [+3] 133 Jackson DiSario (STAN)- Menlo Open Lucas Byrd (ILL)- Michigan State Open Nic Bouzakis (OHST)- Michigan State Open [Fresh/Soph Division] Jesse Mendez (OHST)- Michigan State Open Wyatt Henson (OU)- Michigan State Open Hayden Dury (UVU)- Michigan State Open Richie Koehler (RID)- Princeton Open Joey Melendez (UNC)- Southeast Open Sam Latona (VT)- Southeast Open Taylor LaMont (WISC)- Battle in River City [+10] Ramazan Attasauov (ISU)- Battle in River City [+4] Jack Maida (AMER)-Terrapin Duals [+4] Boo Dryden (NEB)- Vs North Dakota State [+4] Domenic Zaccone (CAMP)- Battle in River City [+3] 141 Joshua Koderhandt (NAVY)- Clarion Open Parker Filius (PUR)- Clarion Open Mosha Schwartz (OU)- Michigan State Open Dylan D'Emilio (OHST)- Michigan State Open Jordan Decatur (OHST)- Michigan State Open McKenzie Bell (RID)- Princeton Open Lachlan McNeil (UNC)- Southeast Open Matt Kazimir (COL)- Southeast Open Josh Mason (BLOO)- Terrapin Duals [+16] Thomas Deck (ARMY)- Black Knight Scramble [+11] Malyke Hines (LEH)- Vs Oregon State, Vs Sacred Heart [+7] Casey Swiderski (ISU)- Battle in River City [+4] Shannon Hanna (CAMP)- Battle in River City [+4] Lawrence Saenz (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+3] Allan Hart (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+3] 149 Brock McMillen (PITT)- Clarion Open Jaden Abas (STAN)- Menlo Open Hunter Garvin (STAN)- Menlo Open Sammy Sasso (OHST)- Michigan State Open Mitch Moore (OU)- Michigan State Open Quinn Kinner (RID)- Princeton Open Caleb Henson (VT)- Southeast Open Jarod Verkleeren (UVA)- Southeast Open Danny Nini (UNC)- Southeast Open Austin Gomez (WISC)- Battle in River City [+10] Ethen Miller (MD)- Terrapin Duals [+9] Brock Mauller (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+6] Dom Demas (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+4] John Millner (APP)- @ NC State [+3] Graham Rooks (IND)- @ SIU-Edwardsville, Maryville Open [+3] Ridge Lovett (NEB)- Vs North Dakota State [+3] **Risky as possible Redshirt 157 Kendall Coleman (PUR)- Clarion Open Daniel Cardenas (Stan)- Menlo Open Paddy Gallagher (OHST)- Michigan State Open Jacob Butler (OU)- Michigan State Open Nathan Lukez (ARMY)- Black Knight Scramble [+11] Luka Wick (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+6] Wade Unger (DUKE)- Terrapin Duals [+4] Josh Humphreys (LEH)- Vs Oregon State, Vs Sacred Heart [+7] Ed Scott (NCST)- Vs Appalachian State [+4] Derek Gilcher (IND)- @ SIU-Edwardsville, Maryville Open [+3] Jarett Jacques (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+3] 165 Shane Griffith (STAN)- Menlo Open Carson Kharchla (OHST)- Michigan State Open Bryce Hepner (OHST)- Michigan State Open Danny Braunagel (ILL)- Michigan State Open Izzak Olejnik (NIU)- Michigan State Open Gerrit Nijenhuis (OU)- Michigan State Open Hunter Mays (RID)- Princeton Open Joshua Ogunsanya (COL)- Southeast Open Peyton Hall (WVU)- Southeast Open David Carr (ISU)- Battle in River City [+11] Dean Hamiti (WISC)- Battle in River City [+7] Dalton Harkins (ARMY)- Black Knight Scramble [+6] Keegan O'Toole (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+6] Legend Lamer (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+4] Matthew Olguin (ORST)- @ Lehigh , Black Knight Scramble [+4] 174 Sammy Starr (NAVY)- Clarion Open Tyler Eichens (STAN)- Menlo Open Edmund Ruth (ILL)- Michigan State Open Ethan Smith (OHST)- Michigan State Open Darrien Roberts (OU)- Michigan State Open Clay Lautt (UNC)- Southeast Open Mekhi Lewis (VT)- Southeast Open Ben Pasuik (ARMY)- Black Knight Scramble [+11] Rocky Jordan (CHAT)- Battle in River City [+11] Austin Murphy (CAMP)- Battle in River City [+9] Aaron Olmos (ORST)- @ Lehigh , Black Knight Scramble [+8] Julien Broderson (ISU)- Battle in River City [+5] Peyton Mocco (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+4] Michael Labriola (NEB)- Vs North Dakota State [+4] 184 David Key (NAVY)- Clarion Open Reece Heller (PITT)- Clarion Open Kaleb Romero (OHST)- Michigan State Open Grayden Penner (OU)- Michigan State Open Gavin Kane (UNC)- Southeast Open Trey Munoz (ORST)- @ Lehigh , Black Knight Scramble [+16] Matthew Waddell (CHAT)- Battle in River City [+10] Marcus Coleman (ISU)- Battle in River City [+10] Caleb Hopkins (CAMP)- Battle in River City [+8] Sean Harman (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+6] Trent Hidlay (NCST)- Vs Appalachian State [+5] Donnell Washington (IND)- @ SIU-Edwardsville, Maryville Open [+3] 197 Jacob Koser (NAVY)- Clarion Open Mac Stout (PITT)- Clarion Open Nick Stemmet (STAN)- Menlo Open Gavin Hoffman (OHST)- Michigan State Open Luke Geog (OHST)- Michigan State Open [Fresh/Soph Division] Seth Shumate (OHST)- Michigan State Open [Fresh/Soph Division] Zach Braunagel (ILL)- Michigan State Open Keegan Moore (OU)- Michigan State Open Luke Stout (PRIN)- Princeton Open Ethan Laird (RID)- Princeton Open Max Shaw (UNC)- Southeast Open Jaxon Smith (MD)- Terrapin Duals [+13] Younger Bastida (ISU)- Battle in River City [+11] Michael Beard (LEH)- Vs Oregon State, Vs Sacred Heart [+9] Tanner Harvey (ORST)- @ Lehigh , Black Knight Scramble [+8] Bernie Truax (CP)- @ Cal Baptist [+5] Rocky Elam (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+5] Issac Trumble (NCST)- Vs Appalachian State [+4] Braxton Amos (WISC)- Battle in River City [+4] 285 Grady Griess (NAVY)- Clarion Open Jacob Slinger (PITT)- Clarion Open Hayden Copass (PUR)- Clarion Open Tate Orndorff (OHST)- Michigan State Open Mike Mista (OHST)- Michigan State Open [Fresh/Soph Division] Nic Feldman (OHST)- Michigan State Open [Fresh/Soph Division] **rumor Josh Heindselman (OU)- Michigan State Open Travis Stefanik (PRIN)- Princeton Open Matthew Cover (PRIN)- Princeton Open Hunter Catka (VT)- Southeast Open Taye Ghadiali (CAMP)- Battle in River City [+11] Trent Hillger (WISC)- Battle in River City [+11] Jaron Smith (MD)- Terrapin Duals [+9] Nathan Taylor (LEH)- Vs Oregon State, Vs Sacred Heart [+10] Zach Elam (MIZZ)- Vs Lindenwood [+4] Colton McKiernan (SIUE)- Vs Indiana, Maryville Open [+3]

125 (#17) Jarrett Trombley NCSU vs (#18) Caleb Smith App. State Kicking the dual at 125 we have two Top-25 Ranked wrestlers, at #17 Jarrett Trombley from NC State and at #18 Caleb Smith of Appalachian State. With Jakob Camacho out due to injury, Trombley leads the Wolfpack at 125 to begin the season. Returning NCAA Qualifier Caleb Smith is back at the weight for the 2022-2023 season for the Mountaineers. Smith is coming back after a hot hand at NCAA's after scoring one of the largest upsets of the tournament by knocking off then #5 Patrick McKee of Minnesota. Smith kept the momentum going by Placing fifth and earning All-American Status at the U23 World Team Trials at 57kg. Trombley entered at the same weight also earning the All-American status taking 7th. Sadly, these two did not meet at the World Team Trials, but we get to kick off the season with an explosive matchup between the two. 133 (#12) Kai Orine NCSU vs (#26) Sean Carter App. State Following 125, we head to 133 with another ranked match-up. For NC State #12 Kai Orine and for Appalachian State #26 Sean Carter. Orine is a returning NCAA Qualifier from the 2021-2022 season where he entered the tournament as the #15 seed and finished the weekend 2-2. Coming off of a season with a third-place finish at the ACC Championships and four Top-25 wins, Orine will look to make a statement. Expect a lot of offense from the Wolfpack's 133 as he ranked 18thin D1 with 5 Tech Falls. You can't count the Mountaineer out here though. Carter is a returning NCAA Qualifier from the 2020-2021 season and the 133 Socon Champ from that year. Carter finds himself back in the Mountaineers lineup and is looking to make up for the lost time. Carter is known to show out for the NC State dual, looking back to last year when he knocked off NC State's Trombley in an overtime win. 141 (#22) Ryan Jack NCSU vs Heath Gonyer App. State At 141, the Wolfpack send out a familiar face in #22 Ryan Jack. Jack is a returning NCAA Qualifier, ACC Runner-Up, and also had a very solid off-season taking second at the U20 World Team Trials and then fifth at the US Open both wrestling at 65kg. Jack had a solid 2021-2022 season punching his ticket to the NCAA Tournament after placing second in the ACC with a win in the Semis over eventual NCAA Runner-Up Kizhan Clarke from UNC. Jack entered NCAA's as the #18 seed and went 2-2 with his only losses coming from higher-seeded wrestlers, including Clarke. For the Mountaineers is Heath Gonyer. Gonyer was inserted into the lineup due to injury and ran with the opportunity, finishing the season as the 141 SoCon Runner-Up. This will be a solid match for Gonyer to see where he is stacking up with the Top 25, but look for Jack to control it. 149 Jackson Arrington NCSU vs (#6) Jon Jon Millner App. State 149 is the first match of the dual where Appalachian State is favored, thanks to #6 Jon Jon Millner. Millner is a 3X SOCON Champ, 3X NCAA Qualifier, and 2X NCAA All-American placing 6th in 2022 for the Mountaineers. Millner also found success in Freestyle over the off-season making it to the Finals of the U23 World Team Trials at 70kg earning yet another All-American status. NC State has a pretty solid lineup with few holes, one of those holes is here at 149. After being ranked the #28 overall recruit by MatScouts, the three-time PA State champion and Super-32 Runner-Up, Jackson Arrington, won his wrestle-off and earned the spot at 149 to kick the season off. He faces a tall task in his dual opener for the pack with All-American, Milner. I expect Milner to look for bonus points in this match no matter who NC State gives the nod to. 157 (#6) Ed Scott NCSU vs (#23) Cody Bond App. State Our second match of two Top 25 ranked wrestlers takes place here at 157. For the Mountaineers #23 Cody Bond. Bond was a 2021 NCAA Qualifier and SOCON champ, then a 2022 SOCON Runner-Up for the Mountaineers and traveled to Detroit as an alternate for the NCAA Tournament. For the Wolfpack is #6 Ed Scott. Scott is coming off of an eighth-place finish at U23 WTT at 70 kg. Scott is the returning ACC Champion, where he defeated former National Champion Austin O'Connor of UNC, earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament and earning the fourth seed. Scott went 2-2 falling to eventual national finalist Quincy Monday of Princeton. The last time Scott and Bond met head-to-head was last season when Scott won the match convincingly winning by Major Decision 18-7. 165 Donald Cates NCSU vs (#15) Will Formato App. State At 165 for Appalachian State, we have #15 Will Fomato. Formato is a 2X NCAA Qualifier and 3X SOCON Finalist. Formato is coming off of a solid season for the Mountaineers with his two most notable wins coming against NC State's Thomas Bullard, one during the dual and the second at the Southern Scuffle. I am not sure who the Wolfpack will be sending out at 165, but my best guess is that it will be between Donald Cates and Derek Fields. Cates has seen time in the starting lineup for the Wolfpack in recent years. Fields is coming off of a successful offseason though placing fourth at 74kg at the U20 World Team Trials and eighth at U20 US Open at 74kg. I am interested to see who the Pack gives the nod to here at 165. I believe they will go with Cates with the veteran experience in the lineup for this dual. Cates did win the job in the wrestle-off beating Fields 5-2. 174 Brock Delsignore NCSU vs Will Miller App. State After an impressive wrestle-off performance, Brock Delsignore came out on top in a very stacked weight for the Wolfpack. Delsignore, the 2022 U20 86kg U.S. Open Runner-Up will lead off the very impressive upper half of the lineup for NC State. Will Miller should get the nod for the Mountaineers. 184 (#3) Trent Hidlay NCSU vs Chopper Mordecai App. State The superstar is here! #3 U23 World Silver Medalist Trent Hidlay kicks off the season as the leader of the Pack! Hidlay is a 2X ACC Champ, and is coming off of a fifth-place finish at NCAA's where he fell to eventual National Champion Aaron Brooks of Penn State. Hidlay is one of the most exciting and electrifying wrestlers in the country and is always looking to put on a show. I also have a feeling he is going to be juiced up and motivated after a loss in the U23 World Finals. It seems like Chopper Mordecai will be stepping into the 184 slot for the Mountaineers against the returning All-American. 197 (#18) Isaac Trumble NCSU vs Wyatt Miller App. State At 197 we have yet another Wolfpack wrestler coming off of an offseason with freestyle success, #18 Isaac Trumble. Trumble was the 2022 US Open Runner-up and the 2022 World Team Trials Runner-up at the 92kg weight class, Trumble was also the ACC Runner-up last season and is a returning NCAA Qualifier. App. State returns a starter from their lineup last year in Wyatt Miller. Miller seems to be on the edge of becoming a breakout guy for the Mountaineers and will face a tall task in Trumble who is coming off of a lot of momentum from the offseason. HWT (#13) Tyrie Houghton/ Owen Trephan vs Mason Fiscella Wrapping up this electric in-state dual is the big guys! For the Wolfpack, #13 Tyrie Houghton. Houghton took 3rd at the U23 125kg World Team Trials, was the 2022 ACC Runner-up and is a returning NCAA Qualifier for the Pack. Houghton caught fire last year picking up three Top 25 wins. NC State is in a tight situation though after their wrestle-offs after Owen Trephan knocked off Houghton 5-4. We will see who State sends out to kick the season off. Returning to the lineup for the Mountaineers after a season-ending injury is Mason Fiscella. Fiscella is new to the weight, having spent most of his career in the 184 and 197 weight classes, he will face Houghton that is on a tear and looking to continue to climb the rankings and start the season out with bonus points This dual will take place on November 5th at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC at 7 PM. Headlined by three ranked matchups, 12 Ranked wrestlers and three in the top ten. This is sure to be an exciting season-opening dual.

Pittsburgh All-American Cole Matthews (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The Panthers will be a force to be reckoned with this year. They return several key starters, and their lineup is bolstered by solid recruiting and another year of excellent management of the transfer portal by Keith Gavin. They will be led by experienced captains Micky Phillippi and Nino Bonaccorsi. Nino is looking to return to the podium after an NCAA finals appearance in 2021 and Phillippi is looking to break through after 3 heartbreaking losses in the blood round. Coach Gavin has again utilized the transfer portal to add talent and experience to the lineup, this year with three potential starters in Dazjon Casto, Holden Heller and Reece Heller, and a fourth who may see time in the lineup as well in Vinnie Santaniello. Add to that multiple strong recruiting classes and we have another very dangerous team in the ACC. The Panthers have a dual-heavy schedule with several challenging duals in their home gym along with a mid-season trip to Midlands before starting ACC competition. I really like the balance of experience and youth in this lineup and I think it will make for a scrappy and dangerous team. TOP RETURNER Cole Matthews is returning after an All-American finish last year and will enter the season as the #1 ranked wrestler at 141. Powered by Primanti Bros, Matthews will enter his fourth year in the starting lineup for the Panthers. Last season he put up a 21-4 record on his way to an ACC Championship and a fifth-place finish in Detroit. KEY DEPARTURES Jake Wentzel was a key cog in the Panther lineup and was one that really embraced the approach Coach Gavin takes to wrestling--right down to his excellent work off an arm drag. Wentzel was an NCAA finalist in 2021 and a three-time ACC Champion who excelled with a punishing top game. While Wentzel will not be in the lineup this year, he hasn't strayed far from the program; he came on staff as the Volunteer Assistant Coach after the departure of Jordan Leen and subsequent positional shifting on staff. Gage Curry and Elijah Cleary both spent a year in the Panther lineup after transferring for their final year of eligibility. Both had strong seasons and played a big role in the team success for the Panthers. Cleary was an NCAA qualifier while Curry just missed making the trip to Detroit. NEWCOMERS Dazjon Casto was one of the stories of the tournament last year as he made a run in Detroit. He transferred to Pitt from The Citadel where he was a SOCON Champion last season. He made a run through three ACC wrestlers; Austin O'Connor, Conor Brady and Jake Keating, before falling in the bloodround. Casto is very talented and I'm excited to see what he can do this year in Pittsburgh. Gavin and company have utilized the transfer portal as good, or better, than any team in the country. They also added brothers Holden and Reece Heller from Hofstra this season. Holden will go at 165 this year; he had a good run at Hofstra including an EIWA Championship in 2021. Reece will be at 184 after starting his career at 149 at Hofstra; he also wrestled at 165 and was at 174 last year for a redshirt year where he went 12-4. WRESTLER TO WATCH Micky Phillippi, Cole Matthews and Nino Bonaccorsi have cemented their spots as must-watch for the Panthers. But there is also a lot of young talent in the room that you should keep your eye on this season. Brock McMillen and Luca Augustine will both be entering their first year in the starting lineup for the Panthers and the staff has high expectations of what they can accomplish. McMillen came to Pittsburgh as a three-time PA state champ and a four-time finalist. He was 6-1 in his redshirt year including a win over an experienced Kanen Storr. Luca Augustine is also an in-state product who came in with one state title; he had a strong redshirt year and finished with a 12-5 record. The coaching staff speaks very highly of his development on the mat and his focus off the mat and they feel he has a very high ceiling. Top Out-of-Conference Dual The Panthers have a few very challenging opponents on the schedule this year, many of them in Fitzgerald Field House. There will be some great matchups with Lehigh and Iowa State at home, but the one I am looking at is the dual with Illinois. It has some great high-level matchups as well as some matches that will serve as a great measure of where some of the younger guys in the lineup fit. 133: #5 Lucas Byrd v #8 Micky Phillippi 149: Brock McMillen v Kevon Davenport (Transfer from Nebraska) 165: #27 Danny Braunagel v #17 Holden Heller 174: #16 Edmond Ruth v Luca Augustine 197: #14 Zach Braunagle v #10 Nino Bonaccorsi POTENTIAL LINEUP 125: Colton Camacho (11-5) 133: #8 Micky Phillippi (18-8) 4x NCAA Qualifier 2x ACC Champ 4x ACC Finalist 141: #1 Cole Matthews (21-4) All-American (5th) ACC Champion 149: #28 Brock McMillen (6-1) 157: #12 Dazjon Casto (23-8 at The Citadel) NCAA Qualifier (R12) SOCON Champion 165: #17 Holden Heller (10-5 at Hofstra) NCAA Qualifier EIWA Champion (2021) 174: Luca Augustine (12-5) 184: #27 Reece Heller (12-4 at Hofstra) 197: #10 Nino Bonaccorsi (18-5) 4x NCAA Qualifier All-American (2nd 2021) 2x ACC Champ 285: Jake Slinger (11-15) Dayton Pitzer true freshman--may not start full-time but will make the most of his 5 matches

Mason Shrader and Johnny Lovett at the 2022 CMU Maroon and Gold match (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The season officially got underway with a pair of duals on Tuesday night. Prior to that, college wrestling fans could only really satiate their thirst with intrasquad matches known in the wrestling community as wrestle-offs. In some cases, these matches determine the starters for the season while other teams treat the events solely as exhibitions. Oftentimes, the competitors are regular training partners, so there can be some wild results. The following are a few of those results that could be a sign of the future or entirely meaningless altogether. Central Michigan 149: Mason Shrader decision over No. 14 Johnny Lovett (7-4) Lovett is a two-time NCAA qualifier at 157 pounds who last year picked up wins over Andrew Cerniglia (Navy), Doug Zapf (Penn) and Will Lewan (Michigan). He is expected to drop down to 149 pounds for his redshirt junior season, and he enters the year in the InterMat rankings. Despite the accolades, it was his teammate who scored the 7-4 victory at the Maroon and Gold match on Oct. 24. Shrader went 13-8 as a redshirt last season. His best finish that year was probably a second-place finish at the Michigan State Open in the freshman/sophomore division. Shrader started his high school career at 103 pounds before winning a Michigan state title as a senior at 140 pounds. Despite the loss, Lovett should be a physical force down at 149 pounds. If he is able to control the weight, he should have a realistic shot at making the All-American podium. Indiana 174: No. 18 Donnell Washington decision over Nick South (7-4) As a true freshman in the 2021 season, Washington handed No. 1 Carter Starocci (Penn State) one of only two losses of his college career so far. The victory showed the kind of talent that Washington has, and he has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Indiana program. After qualifying for the NCAA tournament at 174 pounds, he moved up to 184 last season. Washington qualified once again but struggled at times in the Big Ten meat grinder and dropped both of his matches at the NCAA tournament. Washington is expected to move back down to 174 pounds this year, and that campaign got off to a solid start in the wrestle-offs on Oct. 28. He scored a 7-4 decision over South who has been a two-year starter for the Hoosiers. South started at 165 in 2021 before moving up to 174 last year. On the high school level, South was a two-time Indiana state champion and finished second at Super 32. Lehigh 184: No. 14 Tate Samuelson decision over AJ Burkhart (4-1) After qualifying for the NCAA tournament four times for Wyoming, Samuelson has transferred to Lehigh for one final run at the podium. Last season he went 20-9, but he split his only two matches against EIWA opposition. There should be plenty of new and interesting matches this year. In the Brown and White match, Samuelson defeated the team's starter at this weight from last year. Burkhart went only 14-15 last season, but he qualified for the NCAA tournament with a strong 5-1 performance at the EIWA tournament. Samuelson will have a tough road to becoming an All-American, but he certainly has the experience. He got off to a good start against a solid teammate, and as previously stated there will be many new matches this season. Little Rock 149: Kyle Dutton decision over Joey Bianchi (3-2) Dutton had a very strong showing at Fargo this past offseason. He won a Junior national title at 145 pounds, defeated Beau Mantanona along the way, had the highest match-point differential and was named outstanding wrestler. The Missouri state champion carried the momentum into the wrestle-offs where he picked up a victory over last year's starter. Bianchi held down the starting spot for the Trojans and finished with a 15-13 record. Bianchi got the starting spot for the Trojans in their season-opening match against Ouachita Baptist. It will be interesting to see who starts the rest of the season, but Dutton clearly earned himself some respect. It is hard to not get excited about his future in Little Rock. Ohio State 165: Bryce Hepner decision over No. 6 Carson Kharchla (2-1) Perhaps the most shocking result to come out of the wrestle-offs came during the Ohio State wrestle-offs. After going undefeated during a redshirt season in 2019-20, Kharchal missed the entire 2021 season due to injury. Last year, he finally entered the starting lineup and established himself as one of the top wrestlers at 165 pounds. He scored victories over Julian Ramirez (Cornell), Alex Marinelli (Iowa) and Jake Wentzel (Pittsburgh) and ultimately finished seventh to become an All-American. Despite the accolades, his season got off to a tough start against a teammate. Hepner was able to prevent Kharchla from notching a two-point score and took their match by a 2-1 margin. Last year, Hepner was a spot starter at 157 pounds and finished 12-6. He failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament after going 1-2 at the Big Ten tournament. Kharchla will almost certainly remain the starter at this weight, but Hepner proved he has the potential to be a solid backup if necessary. Pittsburgh 285: Dayton Pitzer major decision over Jake Slinger (11-1) After starting his career at George Mason, Slinger transferred to Pittsburgh. He was the starter last year at heavyweight and picked up wins over the likes of Zach Schrader (Maryland), Boone McDermott (Rutgers) and Quinn Miller (Virginia). However, he might have some competition in the room this year. Pitzer scored a major decision over Slinger in the Oct. 28 Blue-Gold dual. He was a top-50 recruit in last year's class and was a multiple-time Pennsylvania state champion. Pitzer was a 220-pound wrestler at the high school level, so there was some thought that he might need a redshirt year to acclimate to the size of college heavyweights. However, this performance might mean the time is now. Virginia Tech 125: No. 28 Eddie Ventresca decision over Cooper Flynn (3-1 in SV) Flynn was a Super 32 and National Prep champion in 2020 and signed with Virginia Tech as a top-50 recruit. He redshirted his first year on campus for the Hokies and finished with a 15-3 record. Interestingly enough, two of his three losses came against his teammate. That same teammate bested him once again during the wrestle-off. Ventresca also redshirted last year after winning a New Jersey state title on the high school level. He went 15-6 and as previously stated picked up a pair of victories over Flynn. With the victory, it seems like Ventresca will be the starter this year. With veteran Sam Latona moving up to 133 pounds, it looks like Flynn will at least start the season out of the starting lineup. Iowa State 174: MJ Gaitan dec Manny Rojas (3-2) Iowa State coach Kevin Dresser brought in a strong recruiting class this past year. Two of those fresh prospects faced off in the wrestle-offs. Gaitan, a California state and Super 32 champion, scored the one-point victory over Rojas, who was a top-20 recruit and a multiple-time Michigan state champion. Both are expected to redshirt this year at 174 pounds, but it shows the type of talent that is currently populating the Cyclones room. Gaitan also scored a victory via fall over Cyclone's veteran Julien Broderson, who is also expected to vie for the starting role at 174 lbs. Iowa State 157: Jason Kraisser dec Isaac Judge (5-4) For the last few seasons, there was little question about who would start for Iowa State at 157 pounds. David Carr cemented himself as one of the top wrestlers in the country with a national title. However, he will move up to 165 pounds this year. Judge started the past two seasons at 165 pounds and was expected to drop down and claim the spot at 157 pounds. Kraisser, who started his career at Campbell before transferring, won the wrestle-off by one point and looks to be the guy going forward at the weight.

The 2022 NCAA Championships (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) We've got a great slate of duals over the next week, which is opening week of the 2022-23 regular season. 26 duals are on the schedule for Friday-Sunday. Since it can be difficult to figure out where and when to watch all of these events, InterMat has put together a list of all of the live-streamed events occurring this weekend. Below are the dates/times and how to watch each match (with links). All times are eastern Friday, November 4: Northern Colorado vs. Fort Hays State at Denver, CO, 5:00 PM FloWrestling Appalachian State at NC State, 7:00 PM ESPN+ North Dakota State at Nebraska, 7:00 PM B1G+ Indiana at SIU Edwardsville, 7:00 PM ESPN+ Southern Virginia at VMI, 7:00 PM ESPN+ Saturday, November 5: Bellarmine at Patriot Open, at Cumberlands, 9:00 AM Appalachian State, Columbia, Davidson, Franklin & Marshall, North Carolina, The Citadel, Virginia, Virginia Tech, VMI, West Virginia at Southeast Open, at Roanoke, 9:00 AM FloWrestling Central Michigan, Cleveland State, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Ohio, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Utah Valley at Michigan State Open, 9:30 AM FloWrestling Indiana, Lindenwood, SIU Edwardsville at Kaufman/Brand/Bayly Open at Chesterfield, MO 10:00 AM FloWrestling American vs. Duke at Maryland, 10:00 AM B1G+ Bloomsburg at Maryland, 10:00 AM B1G+ Oregon State at Lehigh, 12:00 PM FloWrestling American vs. Bloomsburg at Maryland, 12:00 PM B1G+ Duke at Maryland, 12:00 PM B1G+ American at Maryland, 2:00 PM B1G+ Bloomsburg vs. Duke at Maryland, 2:00 PM B1G+ Cal Poly at California Baptist, 4:00 PM Vanguard at California Baptist, 6:00 PM Western Colorado at Air Force, 8:00 PM FloWrestling Campbell vs. Little Rock at Jacksonville, FL, 10:00 AM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Chattanooga vs. Wisconsin at Jacksonville, FL, 10:00 AM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Buffalo vs. Wisconsin at Jacksonville, FL, 12:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Iowa State vs. Little Rock at Jacksonville, FL, 12:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Buffalo vs. Chattanooga at Jacksonville, FL, 2:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Campbell vs. Iowa State at Jacksonville, FL, 2:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Buffalo vs. Campbell at Jacksonville, FL, 4:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Chattanooga vs. Little Rock at Jacksonville, FL, 4:00 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Iowa State vs. Wisconsin at Jacksonville, FL, 6:30 PM Battle in the River City - Rokfin Sunday, November 6: Brown, Clarion, Edinboro, Gardner-Webb, Kent State, Navy, Pittsburgh, Purdue at Clarion Open 9:00 AM FloWrestling George Mason, Hofstra, Lock Haven, Presbyterian, Princeton, Rider at Princeton Open 9:00 AM ESPN+ Army West Point, Long Island, Oregon State, Queens at Black Knight Scramble 10:00 AM Air Force at Colorado Mines Rookie Open 12:00 PM CSU Bakersfield, Stanford at Menlo Open 12:00 PM Sacred Heart at Lehigh, 2:00 PM FloWrestling Lindenwood at Missouri, 2:00 PM FloWrestling

Little Rock 174 lber Triston Wills (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The Citadel 45 Queens 0 125 - Blair Orr (The Citadel) fall Griffen Gonzales (Queens) 4:32 133 - George Rosas (The Citadel) maj Stephen Cotton (Queens) 13-1 141 - Jason Garay (The Citadel) maj David Makupson (Queens) 13-4 149 - Ethan Willis (The Citadel) dec Melvin Rubio (Queens) 5-0 157 - Selwyn Porter (The Citadel) dec Nico D'Amico (Queens) 11-5 165 - Brodie Porter (The Citadel) dec Vladimir Sukhikh (Queens) 9-2 174 - Ben Haubert (The Citadel) fall Jay Skalecki (Queens) 4:16 184 - Micah DiCarlo (The Citadel) tech D'Andre Hunt (Queens) 15-0 197 - Mark Chaid (The Citadel) tech Riley Kuhn (Queens) 18-0 285 - Jonathan Chesser (The Citadel) fall Mikey Lytle (Queens) 4:46 Little Rock 41 Ouachita Baptist 3 125 - Jeremiah Reno (Little Rock) maj Noah Yeamans (Ouachita Baptist) 18-5 133 - Josh Sarpy (Little Rock) dec James Anderson (Ouachita Baptist) 13-7 141 - Jayden Gomez (Little Rock) fall Hudson Herring (Ouachita Baptist) 149 - Joey Bianchi (Little Rock) tech Zander Fields (Ouachita Baptist) 21-6 157 - Matt Bianchi (Little Rock) maj Jaylen Otero (Ouachita Baptist) 17-3 165 - Tyler Brennan (Little Rock) fall Adrian Salazar (Ouachita Baptist) 2:14 174 - Triston Wills (Little Rock) tech Will Martin (Ouachita Baptist) 6:28 184 - Mason Diel (Little Rock) dec Cole Eason (Ouachita Baptist) 9-2 197 - Brooks Schrimsher (Ouachita Baptist) dec Matthew Weinert (Little Rock) 5-0 285 - Josiah Hill (Little Rock) dec Johnny Green (Ouachita Baptist) 7-4

Cal Poly's 2x national qualifier Legend Lamer (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) In the midst of all of our season preview-type articles, we decided to take a bit of a more lighthearted look at some of our collegiate wrestlers for the 2022-23 season. Mainly, ones with really cool and perhaps unusual names. As someone with the last name Smith, I appreciate someone with a distinct first or last name. While being a Smith in the wrestling world is pretty cool (thanks John and family), outside of wrestling it doesn't carry the same weight and is extremely common. Below is a weight-by-weight look at some of the active wrestlers with the best names on the DI level. After that there are some additional categories that other names fit into as well. If there are some we missed, please leave them in the comments section! Have fun! 125 lbs Patrick Glory (Princeton) Kase Mauger (Utah Valley) 133 lbs Krayle Stormer (Oregon State) D'Amani Almodovar (Rider) 141 lbs Ryker Johnecheck (Air Force) Vince Cornella (Cornell) 149 lbs Brock Mauller (Missouri) Cutter Sheets (Oklahoma State) 157 lbs Tyten Volk (Oklahoma) Tayten Gillette (Northern Colorado) 165 lbs Legend Lamer (Cal Poly) Stoney Buell (Purdue) 174 lbs Brawley Lamer (Cal Poly) Orion Thivierge (Navy) 184 lbs Chopper Mordecai (Appalachian State) Cameo Blankenship (Davidson) 197 lbs Wolfgang Frable (Army West Point) Lathan Duda (North Dakota State) 285 lbs Seamus O'Malley (Stanford) Terren Swartz (Wyoming) Animal Kingdom Terrell Barraclough (Penn State) Carter Baer (Binghamton) Kodiak Stephens (Oregon State) Kodiak Cannedy (Little Rock) Caleb Fish (Michigan State) Dylan Fishback (NC State) Cameron Haddock (Utah Valley) Nick Coy (Virginia) Dylan Coy (Wisconsin) Coy Bastian (Bucknell) Sebas Swiggum (Minnesota) Gable Fox (Northern Iowa) Noah Fox (Franklin & Marshall) Wyatt Fox (Lock Haven) Tiger Ortiz (Cal Poly) Lucas Byrd (Illinois) Cooper Birdwell (Oklahoma State) Ethan Finch (Pittsburgh) Derrick Cardinal (South Dakota State) Khristian Dove (CSU Bakersfield) Colton Hawks (Missouri) Hayden Horsey (Rider) Hogan Horsey (Rider) Hunter Horsey (Rider) Michael Wolfgram (West Virginia) Sam Wolf (Air Force) Other Professional Sports Ryan Zimmerman (American) - Former Washington National All-Star Paul Pierce (George Mason) - Hall of Fame Boston Celtic Joe Kelly (Iowa) - MLB Pitcher Tyler Johnson (Kent State) - Stanley Cup Winner for Tampa Bay Lightning Josh Johnson (NC State) - Former NFL QB Zak Taylor (Nebraska) - Zac current Cincinnati Bengals head coach Ryan Miller (Penn) - Former Vezina Trophy-winning NHL goalie Aaron Brooks (Penn State) - Former NFL QB Matthew Williams (Army West Point and Chattanooga) - Former All-Star Third Baseman Sam Mitchell (Buffalo) - 2007 NBA Coach of the Year Reese Davis (Nebraska) - ESPN broadcaster Pro Wrestling/Sports Entertainment Category Cory "New" Day (Binghamton) Tate "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff (Ohio State) Nate "Hacksaw Jim" Dugan (Princeton)/Francis Duggan (Iowa State) Colton (Pittsburgh)/Jakob Camacho "Man" (NC State) Declan Neville (Buffalo) Spencer Steiner "Brothers" (Central Michigan) Elias Smith (Clarion) Jonathan "Just Made the" List (George Mason) Jacob "Ember" Moon (Hofstra) Santino "Morella" Morina (Drexel) Zach Karagias (NC State) - Father is Evan of WCW fame; also NC State wrestler Jagger's Mailbag Category Jagger Condomitti (Nebraska) Jager Eisch (Minnesota) J Jaggers (Ohio State) Colin Jagielski (Northern Illinois) Joe Metz (Army West Point) Mark Metz (Army West Point) Brandon Metz (North Dakota State) Adult Beverages Brian Beers (Illinois) Suds Dubler (Clarion) Natty Lapinski (Drexel) Mac Stout (Pittsburgh) Luke Stout (Princeton) Colt Barley (Cornell) Khyler Brewer (Little Rock) Carson Brewer (Ohio) Chris Merlo (Edinboro) Ethan Barr (Kent State) Miller (Many) Musicians Zach Brown (VMI) Drake (Many) Sean Carter (Appalachian State) Ian Bush (West Virginia) Mason Bush (Buffalo) Brock Hardy (Nebraska) Chris Bono (Wisconsin) Willie Saylor's Hometown Easton Fleshman (Iowa) Easton Tobia (Bellarmine) Easton Toth (Clarion) Easton Hilton (Missouri) Rocky Characters Hunter Adrian (Brown) Rocky Jordan (Chattanooga) Rocky Elam (Missouri) Apollo Gothard (Little Rock) Mickey O'Malley (Drexel) Micky Phillippi (Pittsburgh) Ivan Morris ((Northern Colorado) Ivan Garcia (Binghamton) JB Dragovich (George Mason)

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced that the Class of 2023 is Distinguished Members Rich Bender, Jimmy Jackson, Patricia Miranda and Joe Williams, Meritorious Official honoree Ed Kelly, Order of Merit recipient Frank Popolizio, Medal of Courage recipient Richard Perry, and Outstanding American honoree Bob Bowlsby. “This coming year's class of inductees exemplify virtuous leadership as competitors and stewards while also being exceptional sources of inspiration for the sport of wrestling's past, present and future generations,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “We are proud to honor their accomplishments by enshrining them in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame during Honors Weekend this coming June.” The Hall of Fame Board of Governors approved the selections at their meeting in Kansas City on October 26. The induction ceremony will be held at the 46th Honors Weekend on June 2-3, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. For more information on Honors Weekend, please telephone (405) 377-5243. Bender, Miranda and Williams were chosen as Distinguished Members for the Modern Era while Jackson was selected by the Veterans Committee. The newest honorees will bring the number of Distinguished Members to 208, since the Hall of Fame began in 1976. Miranda becomes the fifth female to be inducted as a Distinguished Member, joining Clarissa Chun (2022), Kristie Davis (2018), Sara McMann (2022) and Tricia Saunders (2006). Distinguished Members can be a wrestler who has achieved extraordinary success in national and/or international competition; a coach who has demonstrated great leadership in the profession and who has compiled an outstanding record; or a contributor whose long-term activities have substantially enhanced the development and advancement of the sport. Wrestlers must have been retired from active competition for a period of five years to be eligible for consideration as a Distinguished Member. Rich Bender has led one of the most successful periods in USA Wrestling history, both on and off the mat, since being named acting executive director of USA Wrestling in November 2000 and permanent director in February 2001. He is the longest-serving Executive Director in organization history. Under his leadership the United States has won 26 Olympic medals with nine gold, five silver and 12 bronze, and 100 World Championship medals with 27 gold, 26 silver and 47 bronze. USA Wrestling had its first women's Olympic wrestling champion in 2016 and U.S. women's wrestling performance has improved with a gold, a silver and two bronze medals at the 2020 Olympics and a record-tying seven medals at the Women's World Championships in 2021 and 2022. The U.S. won the overall World Championships medal count in all styles for the first time in 2022 while setting records for Most Gold Medals by a U.S. World Team, all disciplines, with seven and most men's team world finalists with eight. USA Wrestling won its first Greco-Roman World team title in 2007 and added World freestyle titles in 2017 and 2022. USA Wrestling set all-time membership records in 2018-2019 with a combined membership of more than 252,500. The organization quickly rebounded from the challenges of the pandemic and has recovered fully in terms of membership and programming. During his tenure, USA Wrestling has enhanced its strong financial position, becoming debt-free with $10 million in investments and cash reserves. Under Bender's leadership, the support of and opportunities for wrestlers has grown with increased pay, the athlete appearance program, Olympic and World medal performance bonuses, athlete representation and participation on committees and the board of directors, all while expanding education of coaches. USA Wrestling currently celebrates its most diverse board in the history of the organization. In 2019, Bender was elected as a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors to represent the National Governing Bodies (NGB). From 2010-2016, he was elected chairman of U.S. Olympic Committee's National Governing Body Council, representing over 13,000,000 members from all of the NGBs affiliated with the U.S. Olympic movement. In 2013, he formed the Committee for the Preservation of Olympic Wrestling, a U.S.-led group of wrestling and business leaders who spearheaded the American efforts to retain wrestling on the Olympic program. This successful effort reversed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee to remove wrestling from the Olympics, starting with the 2020 Games. Bender oversaw the creation of the U.S. Olympic Training Center Resident Program for women, hired a national women's coach and staff and expanded competition opportunities for girls and women. USA Wrestling was instrumental in developing the proposal to the IOC that led to the addition of women's wrestling to the Olympic program at the 2004 Olympic Games. USA Wrestling has also been a leader in building wrestling for girls and women on the youth, high school and college levels, making it one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Bender serves on the Technical Commission for United World Wrestling, which has been credited with making some of the most substantial rule improvements and referee accountability measures in the history of the sport. USA Wrestling has hosted numerous major international events, including the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas and the 2003 Freestyle World Championships in Madison Square Garden, regarded as two of the best World Championships ever. USA Wrestling hosted the Freestyle World Cup in Los Angeles from 2014-16 and a record-setting Freestyle World Cup in Iowa City, Iowa, in 2018 where the U.S. won the team title. During his tenure, U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling have grown into sold-out events, setting attendance records in 2012 and 2016, while also seeing media coverage increase. It is now one of the most valuable Olympic Trials properties in the entire Olympic movement. Today, USA Wrestling's properties are widely consumed digitally by fans around the world. Bender began his career at USA Wrestling as a U.S. Olympic Committee intern in 1988 and became a full-time employee in 1989 as events assistant. Bender was named National Events Director in 1989, managing regional, national and international events, including the 1995 World Freestyle Championships, numerous age-group World Championships, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and the World Cup. He directed the combined USA Wrestling Junior and Cadet National Championships, the world's largest wrestling competition. He served as Competition Manager at the 1996 Olympic Games, organizing a staff which presented one of the best Olympic wrestling competitions in history. He was promoted to Associate Executive Director of Programs, overseeing events, national teams and developmental programs until being named Executive Director. Knowing the value of volunteer-based non-profit organizations, Bender gives back to Olympic City USA by voluntarily serving on the City's Regional Leadership Forum, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Foundation, and U.S. Olympic Endowment board. He also serves on the boards of FCA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association George Martin Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the International Wrestling Federation Gold Star in 1996 for orchestrating the best Olympic wrestling competition of that time. He received his sports management degree with a minor in business from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated from the Olympic Sports Leadership certification program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Bender was born and raised in the rural community of Boscobel, Wisconsin where he attended high school and was a three-sport athlete, lettering in football, wrestling, and baseball. Jimmy Jackson was a three-time NCAA champion and Big Eight Conference champion for Oklahoma State University. He passed away at 51 years old in 2008, suffering from diabetes and congestive heart failure. Jackson and Lee Kemp, a Distinguished Member inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990, became the first African-American wrestlers to win three NCAA championships in 1978. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, Jackson had a career record of 88-9-2 with 44 falls, including 29-0 with 11 falls as a senior. He defeated Jeff Blatnick, a Distinguished Member inducted in 1999, in the 1978 NCAA tournament and Greg Gibson, a Distinguished Member inducted 2007, in the 1976 NCAA tournament. He helped Oklahoma State go 61-5 in duals and was inducted into Oklahoma State University Athletics Hall of Honor in 2007. Jackson competed in the 1976 Olympics as a 19-year-old college sophomore, winning his opening match by technical fall over Harry Geris of Canada, also an Oklahoma State wrestler, before losing to gold medalist Soslan Andiyev of the Soviet Union and silver medalist József Balla of Hungary. Jackson defeated Greg Wojciechowski to qualify for the 1976 team and was an alternate to Wojciechowski for the 1980 team that did not compete because of the United States boycott. Jackson was a three-time World Cup champion and won a gold medal at the Pan American Championships in 1987. He was the 1974 Michigan Class A state champion for Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Patricia Miranda was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling, claiming bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games, the first Games to include women's wrestling. The daughter of Brazilian political refugees, she represented the United States in four Senior World Championships, earning silver medals in 2000 and 2003 and a bronze in 2006. The seven-time U.S. Nationals champion was a trailblazer in women's wrestling, becoming the first female to join her middle school and high school wrestling teams. Miranda went on to compete as a member of the men's varsity wrestling team at Stanford University from 1997 to 2002 and became only the second woman in NCAA history to defeat a male athlete in competition. She was also the Pan American Games and FILA World Cup champion in 2003. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford with a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in international policy studies, Miranda was accepted to Yale Law School, but she deferred her admission there to train for the 2004 Olympic Games. She eventually continued her academic career, receiving a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School in 2007. She is currently a partner at Miranda, Magden & Miranda LLP and specializes in immigration law. Her impact on wrestling continued as she was co-chair for the Keep Stanford Wrestling effort that was successful in reversing Stanford's recent decision to cut its wrestling program. Stanford University has the Patricia Miranda Associate Head Wrestling Coach and The Open Mat website presents the “Miranda Medal” to the best women's college wrestler each year. Joe Williams was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American for the University of Iowa. He had a career record of 129-9 while helping the Hawkeyes win back-to-back NCAA team titles in 1996 and 1997 and being named Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA tournament in 1998. Williams finished fifth at the 2004 Olympics and competed in six World Championships, winning bronze medals in 2001 and 2005 while placing fourth in 1999 and fifth in 2007. He won gold medals at the Pan American Championships in 1999 and 2003 and was a four-time World Cup champion. He is a 10-time National Freestyle champion and a six-time U.S. Senior National Freestyle champion. Williams was a four-time Illinois state high school champion for Mount Carmel High School, wrestling for Bill Weick, a Distinguished Member of the Hall of Fame. Williams had a career record of 162-1 with 95 career falls. His only loss was a disqualification, resulting from an illegal slam, as a freshman. Williams was named Chicago Tribune's Illinois High School Athlete of the Year in 1992 and 1993. The Medal of Courage recipient is a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges, providing inspiration to others. Richard Perry suffered a terrible head injury on August 27, 2018 during a USA Wrestling National Team training camp at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Participating in a drill with foam-padded batons, Perry took a shot to the face and the foam protection dislodged, allowing the baton's thin, hard central rod to slip through a hole in his protective facemask. The end struck Perry's eye orbit, shattering it. The pieces then penetrated Perry's brain tissue. Perry almost died and doctors initially did not believe that he would recover, noting that if he did survive, he would be bedridden or, at best, in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Perry's injuries left him completely paralyzed for months, unable to speak, move, or eat on his own. With support from the wrestling community from around the world, Perry began to show signs of improvement and eventually was able to have the brain surgery necessary to remove the portion of his skull that had penetrated into his brain. Perry then spent almost three more months in an inpatient facility, learning to talk, move his left hand, use his fingers and control his arms. He also had to relearn basic functions, including walking, writing, reading, chewing, and showering. After being told he would not walk again, the husband, father of three and wrestler challenged himself and was determined to walk out of the hospital. On November 16, 2018, Perry walked unassisted out of his hospital room, into an elevator, down a hallway and out of the hospital. In December of 2020, following countless doctor visits, cognitive, speech and physical therapy, and specialized strength and mobility sessions, Perry returned to the mat and began training again with his coach Hall of Fame Distinguished Member Brandon Slay and the other members of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center in Philadelphia. Perry did not begin wrestling until his junior year of high school, finally succumbing to the pleas of Mark Fong, the freshman football coach at Middletown High School in Connecticut who also guided the varsity wrestling team. Fong's instincts proved right and Perry became an instant starter for a state championship team. After a third-place finish in his first season, Perry's wrestling reached a new level as he traveled to tournaments around New England during the offseason. The additional mat time and competition resulted in a Connecticut state championship as a senior. He continued his wrestling career at Bloomsburg State, qualifying for the NCAA Division I tournament three times while winning over 100 matches and an Eastern Wrestling League title. After college he began competing internationally, making his senior debut at the 2014 Bill Farrell International Tournament where he earned recognition as the Outstanding Wrestler winning gold while beating an Olympic silver medalist and national team member. In 2015 Richard competed at the Belarus Alexander Medved Grand Prix and the Bill Farrell International Tournament where he placed third. Perry was a two-time finalist at the Dave Schultz International Tournament and at the U.S. Open. Perry placed fifth at the 2016 Olympic Trials and finished fourth at the World Team Trials in 2017. In 2018, he was a finalist at the Ukraine Outstanding Tournament, the U.S. Open and the World Team Trials. He earned a spot on the U.S. National Team, but did not get a chance to compete because of his accident. The Order of Merit is presented to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the sport of wrestling, but who is not an athlete or a coach. Frank Popolizio conceived “Journeymen Wrestling” in 1999, after experiencing the experiencing the excitement and atmosphere at Gallagher-Iba Arena while watching his younger brother Pat wrestle in a home dual for Oklahoma State University. He returned home to Schenectady, New York, with the desire to bring that level of college wrestling to upstate New York while also promoting, teaching, advocating and showcasing amateur wrestling to New York's Capital Region. Popolizio's first chore was convincing skeptical Division I wrestling coaches to bring their teams to Albany, New York for the Northeast Duals, a Thanksgiving weekend dual meet tournament. Through his passion and hard work the tournament has become a premier early-season event for top DI programs. In 2004, Journeymen Wrestling launched a wrestling club for middle and high school athletes and later added a pee wee program. Popolizio also began hosting clinics and camps featuring wrestling luminaries, including National Wrestling Hall of Fame Distinguished Members Terry Brands, Tom Brands, Dan Gable, J Robinson, John Smith and Cael Sanderson and six-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs. Popolizio not only focused on the success on the mat, but also on the importance of good moral character and sportsmanship. Journeymen continued to grow, attracting wrestlers from all over New England, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania to participate in clinics and compete in tournaments. Popolizio has partnered with FloWrestling and Rokfin to further advance the visibility of wrestling through nationally-recognized tournaments, including the Journeymen/RUDIS Fall Classic in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Pop & Flo National Duals in Lake Placid, New York, the Collegiate Wrestling Duals in New Orleans, the Journeymen/Defense Soap Collegiate Classic and WrangleMania in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. In an effort to realize a modified round-robin format, Popolizio invested in and developed a unique software program called “Tournaflex.” Tournaflex allows athletes to view like-level competition throughout an event, while also allowing them to get in and out of an event in a more efficient manner and providing a more fully enriching customer experience for participants and fans. Tournaflex is one of only a few still active in the wrestling arena today. In 2018, Popolizio established the Journeymen/Adidas World Classic, currently the only Cadet/Junior international tournament held in the United States. The event has included many of the world's wrestling powers, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan. His experience with the tournament and relationships with foreign leaders has given him the honor to represent Team USA at the Cadet World Championships as team leader and coach for three straight years. He was the architect for Tussle of the Troops, a dual between Oklahoma State and North Carolina State on the United States Naval Support Base in Naples, Italy and the first NCAA Division I wrestling match held outside of North America. While creating and running Journeymen Wrestling, Popolizio has served and continues to work as an assistant coach at Shenendehowa High School. He was named the New York State Assistant Coach of the Year in 2008-09 while the team has captured four state team titles. Popolizio was introduced to wrestling at Niskayuna High School by Hall of Fame coach Joe Bena. After a successful high school career, Popolizio enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York. During his two years at HVCC, he was instrumental in reinstating the school's National Junior College Athletic Association wrestling program. After completing studies at Hudson Valley, Popolizio attended and graduated summa cum laude from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He subsequently returned to his alma mater and worked alongside his high school coach. One of Popolizio's prized pupils was his younger brother, Pat, a New York State Public High School Athletic Association champion and three-time NCAA qualifier for Oklahoma State. Pat became a successful college coach, beginning at Binghamton University and currently at North Carolina State, where he has developed the Wolf Pack into one of the nation's top programs. Notable alumni from Journeymen Wrestling include Senior World bronze medalist and NCAA champion Nick Gwiazdowski, Senior Greco-Roman World Team member Jesse Porter, Junior World medalist Alexis Porter, Cadet World medalist Alexis Bleau, Cadet World Team member Stevo Poulin and WWE Raw Tag Team champion Matt Riddle. Frank received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018. The Meritorious Official award recognizes outstanding service as a referee, judge, or pairing official. Ed Kelly officiated for 27 years and then served 22 years as an evaluator for the NCAA Division I Championships. He was the head official for the first eight Maryland high school state wrestling championships from 1970 to 1977 and officiated the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, the Virginia Duals and the NCAA Division I Championships. He became the first NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships evaluator in 1989 and held the position until 2011. He was asked to return in 2012. He was a member of the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association from 1959 to 1987, serving as president from 1961 to 1962 and again from 1979 to 1981. He also served as the state rules interpreter from 1975 to 1982, and was the liaison to the National High School Federation of Interscholastic Sports from 1970-1982. Kelly wrestled at Loyola College, now Loyola University, and won the Mason-Dixon Conference title at 137 pounds in 1954 while also being named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. He continued wrestling after college, competing as a member of the National YMCA Championship team in 1955 and winning several individual South Atlantic AAU titles. Kelly received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Maryland Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Contribution to Wrestling award from Maryland Wrestling Officials Association in 2003. He was inducted into the Baltimore County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association State Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1986. The Outstanding American award is presented to those individuals who have used the disciplines of wrestling to launch notable careers in other walks of life, such as science and technology, business and industry, government and the military, and the arts and humanities. Bob Bowlsby wrestled at Waterloo West High School for legendary Hall of Fame coach Bob Siddens and at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he was team captain and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference champion. A lifelong advocate for wrestling, Bowlsby served as the Chair of the NCAA Wrestling Committee, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum's Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa's Bowlsby Family Legacy Award is named in honor of his family. His brother John was an Iowa state high school champion and a three-time All-American and two-time Big Ten Conference champion for the University of Iowa while parents, Bob and Pat, and sisters, Ann, Sarah and Jane, were instrumental in their careers. Throughout his career Bowlsby used his wrestling background, skill, expertise and leadership to help the programs he has overseen achieve growth and financial success. He retired in 2022 after 10 years as commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. As has been the model at each stop in his career, complete program growth, financial success and personal accomplishments have been the by-product of Bob's skill, expertise, and leadership. Under his leadership, the Big 12 won 32 national team championships, including an all-time high eight national titles in 2021-22, and 175 NCAA individual event crowns. Thirty-two additional Big 12 teams finished as runners-up in NCAA competition. Bowlsby oversaw several major changes in Big 12 membership, including the addition of Texas Christian University and West Virginia University, replacing departures by Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas A&M. Most recently he guided the addition of future members Brigham Young, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, following the departure of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. In his tenure with the Big 12, Bowlsby finalized one of the most lucrative television deals in college athletics and oversaw the expansion of the existing ESPN rights agreement with the 2019 debut of Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Hundreds of additional Big 12 sports events and original programming are distributed annually on the digital platform, including wrestling. Bowlsby played a key role in the formation of the College Football Playoff that began in 2014-15, the first postseason playoff in the history of the sport. Prior to his role at the Big 12, Bowlsby spent six years directing a Stanford University athletics department that sponsors 35 varsity sports and claimed an unprecedented 17 consecutive Learfield Sports Directors Cups, emblematic of the top overall athletics program in the country. Bowlsby arrived at Stanford after a 15-year stint as the director of athletics for the University of Iowa. In his final four years, he guided and supervised the merger of the Hawkeye men's and women's athletic departments that included 24 varsity sports. Before his stint overseeing the Hawkeye athletic department he served in the same role for seven years at the University of Northern Iowa, beginning in 1984 after serving as the assistant athletic director for facilities. A national leader in intercollegiate and amateur athletics, Bowlsby served on the United States Olympic Committee from 2007 to 2014 and also for two years in the 1990s. He was named National Athletics Director of the Year in 2004 and served as a member of the Commission on Opportunities in Athletics. He served as president of the NCAA Division I-A Athletics Directors' Association, chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee and chaired the NCAA Management Council. He has also served on NCAA committees on Financial Aid and Amateurism, the Special Committee to Review Amateurism Issues and the Special Committee to Review Financial Conditions in Athletics. In 2013, he was named to the NCAA 40th Anniversary Tribute Team, which recognized the 40th anniversary of NCAA Division II competition, and received the MSU Moorhead Alumni Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Dragon Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the University of Northern Iowa Hall of Fame in 2007. He received his bachelor's degree from MSU Moorhead in 1975 and his master's degree from the University of Iowa.

3x NCAA Champion Yianni Diakomihalis (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) It was an exciting offseason to say the least. Brown University welcomed Jordan Leen as their new Head Coach. Yianni Diakomihalis earned a silver medal at the World Championships at the senior level. His teammate, Jacob Cardenas earned the same at the U23 level. Princeton hired Julia Salata as Director of Operations – which was monumental for women's involvement in the sport. There were many coaching changes, with some both leaving and coming into the conference. Hofstra and Lehigh both used the transfer portal to upgrade their line-ups. The EIWA season kicks off November 5th! Enough stalling, let's get to the weight-by-weight preview. 125: The returning conference champion and 3rd place finisher at NCAAs, Vito Arujau of Cornell, is moving up a weight class - this time for good. This leaves the weight wide open for the returning NCAA runner-up, Pat Glory of Princeton. This is Glory's final year in the orange and black, so look for him to make the most of it – potentially at the top of the podium in Tulsa. NCAA Qualifier Prediction: Altogether, I'll predict 4 NCAA qualifiers. Some wrestlers looking to challenge Glory would be Jaret Lane from Lehigh, Ryan Miller of Penn, Joe Manchio of Columbia, and whoever wins the Cornell spot between Brett Ungar and Dom LaJoie. LaJoie was an EIWA semi-finalist at 133lbs last season. For those who may have forgotten one of the better matches in that round, LaJoie came out on the short end of the stick in an overtime thriller against Josh Koderhandt of Navy. Throw in guys like Antonio Mininno of Drexel, who qualified for the cancelled 2020 NCAA Championships, and Micah Roes of Binghamton – this weight is deeper than the shallow end these guys may or may not be able to stand in… Darkhorse: I am becoming more of a fan of American's Max Leete every time I see him wrestle. With another offseason of development with Coach Joey Dance, I'm expecting him to improve big-time. He is a tough wrestler, with an “in your face” type of style that some wrestlers struggle with. I also want to mention LIU's Robby Sagaris. He lost a lot of close matches last season as a freshman. If he can flip some of those matches, he can potentially make a run in March. We'll see how he develops during the season. *Many expected to see Greg Diakomihalis in the mix for the Cornell Big Red. Unfortunately, he had surgery to repair a torn ACL in October. Expect him back next season* Newcomers to Watch: For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

Demetrius Romero at the 2021 Big 12 Championships (photos courtesy of Mark Lundy; LutteLens.com) It's Halloween and I thought I'd take a fun/not-so-fun look at some of the scariest things that could happen to Big 12 wrestling programs across the conference as we head into another wrestling season. Iowa State-David Carr's weight change doesn't work out David Carr is moving up to 165 after being the top guy at 157 for the last few seasons. Moving up in weight is often beneficial, see PSU the last few years. But it doesn't necessarily always work out. Iowa State fans really want this to go well for Carr. Utah Valley-Another injury to Romero Demetrius Romero has been the top guy at Utah Valley for the past few seasons, but has dealt with a lot of injuries. He's coming back for one more year. UVU fans want to see a healthy swan song for Romero as he closes out his career. Missouri-Takes a step back after winning Big 12 A lot went right for Missouri last year as they reentered the Big 12. They lost a few duals but ultimately won the conference and crowned an NCAA champion with Keegan O'Toole. They'll want to maintain and possibly even exceed that mark this season. Another program winning the conference would sting for a program that has had a great transition back to the Big 12 so far. Air Force-Hendrickson misses podium at NCAAs Wyatt Hendrickson had a historic year for Air Force last year. The one nod he didn't get was an All-American honor. The Falcons will want to see him on the podium this year. Oklahoma-They don't get to stay in the conference OU is moving most of its sports to the SEC. The SEC doesn't have wrestling. So they're applying to stay as affiliates. It's unclear whether it will be approved but the best thing for them is to remain in the Big 12, so this is something they'll really want to have happen. Oklahoma State-Another finish like last season Last year's finish and offseason for Oklahoma State were rough, historically bad for the most storied program in the history of the sport. Another finish like that could be a huge blow for a program trying to get back on the level of Iowa, Penn State, and some of the other traditional powers they've fallen behind. Wyoming-A repeat of the 2021-2022 season I may get ripped for saying this but outside of Stephen Buchanan, Wyoming didn't really live up to expectations last season. They were legit Big 12 title contenders going in and ended with a losing dual season record and a ninth-place finish at the Big 12 tournament. That's not what they wanted. This year their expectations may be a bit different going into the season, but fans will hope to see a nice bounce back. North Dakota State-South Dakota State gaining the rivalry edge Traditionally, North Dakota State has dominated its rivalry with SDSU. An all-time record of 45-23. But as I'll mention shortly, South Dakota State has a lot of momentum in their program currently and dominated the dual last season 32-3. NDSU does not want to lose their grip on the "Dakota Marker". South Dakota State-Anything that slows momentum New facilities, a 13-4 dual record last season, including a win over Missouri. And a U23 World Silver Medalist last week with Tanner Sloan. They've just got to keep building literally and figuratively, as they're trending in a very positive direction currently. Northern Iowa-Nothing Being a little facetious with this one. Obviously, there are always concerns but these guys went toe-to-toe with the giants of the Big 12 and wrestling last season. They took out Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Oklahoma in Norman, and went down to the wire with Iowa State at home. They need to clean up some of the early season dual losses, but fear doesn't seem to be an issue with these guys as they go up against schools with the biggest budgets in the conference and win. Northern Colorado-Transfers don't work out as expected UNC should have one of the best lineups in the history of their program this season. Some of that is predicated on some pretty high expectations for a few offseason transfers they have coming in. They'll need to get a lot out of these guys to live up to the expectations this season. Cal Baptist-Rough transition to D1 This is something that's never going to be easy for any program. Transitioning from D2 to D1 is tough, especially in a deep conference like the Big 12. They have a good recruiting class and should be poised to do pretty well early, but fans are going to want this to work as smoothly as possible. West Virginia-Dual struggles Overall, I would say WVU's finish to the season was solid. A Big 12 champion at 125 and an All-American at 165 are both big for that program. But they had some struggles in dual meets going 6-8 overall and 1-6 in the conference. Their only wins came to Davidson, Glenville State, VMI, Chattanooga, and Utah Valley. They'll have to improve in duals.

2x NCAA Champion Carter Starocci (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) The most competitive and powerful conference in college wrestling was just too big for a regular-sized preview, so we've divided it into two-parts. Our two Big Ten correspondents, Kevin Claunch and Lauren Muthler, have previewed seven schools a piece. Their names are next to the school's they've written about below. The preview has teams listed in alphabetical order, so was Illinois-Minnesota in Part One. Team: Nebraska (Lauren Muthler) Nebraska is coming off a stellar season, placing fifth at NCAAs with eight All-Americans, led by 149-pound runner-up Ridge Lovett. While they've lost some staples of their lineup, including All-Americans C.J. Red, Taylor Venz and Eric Schultz, the Cornhuskers have the distinction of being the only Big Ten team to start the season with wrestlers ranked in all 10 weight classes by InterMat. In addition to its tough Big Ten slate, the Cornhuskers will also host Arizona State, last year's fourth-place NCAA finisher, in what should be an electric dual. Nebraska fans have a lot to look forward to. Top returners: Lovett has quickly become a fan favorite. It started in 2021, when he went from the No. 7 seed to place second at the Big Ten Championships in State College. Then he did it again last season, going from the 10th seed to national runner-up. His NCAA semifinal match against Virginia Tech's Bryce Andonian was one of the most exciting of the tournament. Lovett showed off his athleticism and confidence in his attack as the two rolled around for a solid seven minutes without much break in the action. While he's the national runner-up at 149 pounds, he's still ranked behind Big Ten foes Austin Gomez, of Wisconsin, and Sammy Sasso, of Ohio State, and is still looking for a win over either. Gomez is the defending conference champ, but it's a new season and the race between these three for the Big Ten crown is set to be one of the most exciting. Lovett isn't Nebraska's only returning All-American. Mikey Labriola, at 174 pounds, is the veteran on the team, and as a three-time All-American, provides a steady presence. Peyton Robb finished last season strong with a fourth-place finish at 157 and will be looked to increase his consistency and help make up for some of the points lost from Red, Venz and Schultz. Newcomers For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

Joseph Sealey at the 2022 U17 World Championships (photo courtesy of Kadir Caliskan) This morning the top overall recruit in the Class of 2024, Joseph Sealey gave a verbal commitment to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Sealey's stock rose this spring after winning the UWW U17 World Team Trials at 71 kg in freestyle. To make the team, Sealey downed Oklahoma recruit KJ Evans, #49 overall in the Class of 2023, in two straight bouts (9-2, 15-7). Sealey took advantage of this opportunity and came home from Rome with a gold medal and a world title. At the U17 World Championships, Sealey outscored the competition 55-1 across five matches. Sealey is currently ranked #3 at 160 lbs after a third-place finish at the Super 32. It was his second finish at the tournament. In 2021, Sealey was a finalist. Other notable tournament placements for Sealey include a sixth-place finish at the U17 WTT's in 2021. During the 2021-22 season, Sealey captured titles at the Beast of the East and the Powerade. He capped the year with a National Prep title at 152 lbs. Sealey is now the second top-five wrestler from the Class of 2024 to commit to Cael Sanderson's team. He joins #4 Zack Ryder (Minisink Valley, NY), a teammate on the U17 world team. At Penn State, Sealey projects as a 165 or 174 lber. There's plenty of young talent committed or signed by the Nittany Lions in that area, but that's a great problem to have. Originally from North Carolina, Sealey has competed for national power Wyoming Seminary (PA). For all of the latest recruiting information, check out For more on the recruiting front, check out InterMat's Commitment Page.

Iowa's 2x NCAA All American Tony Cassioppi (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) The most competitive and powerful conference in college wrestling was just too big for a regular-sized preview, so we've divided it into two-parts. Our two Big Ten correspondents, Kevin Claunch and Lauren Muthler, have previewed seven schools a piece. Their names are next to the school's they've written about below. The preview has teams listed in alphabetical order, so part one is Illinois-Minnesota. Nebraska-Wisconsin will drop shortly, as well. Team: Illinois (Lauren Muthler) Illinois 2x All-American Lucas Byrd (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Illinois will bring a young but experienced team into the 2022-23 season. Last season, seven of the Illini's starters were either freshmen or sophomores. Those wrestlers are all back and coach Mike Poeta said they were able to fill some of their other lineup holes. "All the guys coming back will be one year better, one year older and one year more mature," Poeta said. "I think we're really going to start turning into the team that I know we are and what I expect. And I have really high expectations." Top returners: Lucas Byrd finished last season with a bang, rallying back from a first-round NCAA tournament loss to pin No. 4-seed Korbin Myers, of Virginia Tech, to take fifth. Byrd is ranked No. 5 to start his junior campaign and will again be the focal point of his team's lineup at 133 pounds. He led the team last year with 27 wins, 39 dual points and a perfect 10-0 dual record. But beyond the consistency and points that he brings to the lineup, he also brings mental toughness and a spark of inspiration to his teammates. "He thrives under the flights as good as it gets," Poeta said. "A lot of kids succumb to pressure and nerves but Byrd thrives on it. His run at the NCAA tournament was really special." Justin Cardani at 125 pounds, along with Byrd, provides Illinois with an early jolt and a chance to start duals with a solid lead. Cardani, last year's 125-pound Matmen Open champ, has been a sturdy piece of Illinois' lineup for the past two years but struggled a bit down the stretch to end last season. He'll start the season ranked No. 23 in what promises to be a loaded class in the Big Ten. Newcomers/wrestlers to watch For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

Ohio State's 2021 wrestle-off (photos courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Cal Baptist 125 - Eli Griffin dec Devin Garcia 12-5 133 - Hunter Leake dec Antonio Saldate 4-3 141 - Christian Nunez dec Edson Alanis 7-6 149 - Chaz Hallmark dec Marcus Peterson 10-5 157 - Joseph Mora dec Nolan Miller-Johnston 7-6TB 165 - Mitchell Mesenbrink fall Mateo de la Pena 4:57 174 - Louis Rojas dec Timothy Cowan 4-1 184 - Peter Acciardi dec Caden Gerlach 6-4SV 197 - Elijah Sobas dec Arick Lopez 2-0 285 - Chris Island FFT Felipe Rodriguez Campbell 125 - Anthony Molton dec Zander Phaturos 5-3 133 - Dom Zaccone dec Gabriel Hixenbaugh 5-2 141 - Shannon Hanna dec Chris Rivera 4-2SV 149 - Callum Sitek dec Domenic DeFalco 8-6 157 - Troy Nation maj Jake Chisholm 14-5 165 - Riley Augustine dec Dom Baker 3-2 174 - Cole Rees dec Charlie Andrews 3-0 184 - Caleb Hopkins dec Shane Quick 6-3 197 - Levi Hopkins maj Conor Maslanak 12-2 197 - Conor Maslanak dec Brandon Hoselton 6-2 285 - Taye Ghadiali dec Chad Nix 10-4 Central Michigan 125 - Sean Spidle dec Anthony Walker 8-0 133 - Vince Perez dec Andrew Austin 3-1 141 - Will Grater dec Mason Breece 5-3SV 149 - Mason Shrader dec Johnny Lovett 7-4 157 - Corbyn Munson dec Trenton Wachter 6-2 165 - Tracy Hubbard dec Chandler Amaker 8-5 174 - Alex Cramer dec Cody Brenner 4-0 184 - Ben Cushman maj Spencer Steiner 10-2 197 - Cameron Wood dec Cade Dallwitz 4-2SV 285 - Bryan Caves dec Simon Lato 8-1 Chattanooga 125 - Logan Ashton tech Dom DiTomasso 21-6 133 - Brayden Palmer maj Eli Knight 9-0 141 - Franco Valdes dec Cole Thomas 7-4 149 - Austin Paradice InjDef Noah Castillo 157 - Jackson Hurst dec Grant Lundy 7-5SV 165 - Weston Wichman maj Cole Cochran 8-0 174 - Kamdyn Munro tech Ben Baumgarner 15-0 184 - Rocky Jordan tech Landon Lewis 16-1 184 - Sergio Desiante dec Logan Webster 15-8 197 - Jake Boyd tech Nick Benton 15-0 285 - Logan Andrew maj Ryan Stein 11-3 Clarion 125/133 - Jack Martinec maj Hunter Verge 15-6 133 - Koen Kish maj Mason Prinkey 8-0, 4-2 133 - Clayton Bashor dec Elias Smith 5-0 133 - Nate Burnett dec Alex Blake 3-2-TB 141 - Seth Koleno dec Chandler Ho 3-2 149 - Kyle Schickel dec Lavinsky Collins 8-6SV, 3-2 149 - John Altieri dec Shermuhammad Sadriddinov 4-1 157/165 - Trevor Elfvin dec Gavin Wilmoth 6-3 165 - Eli Brinskly dec Caleb Hetrick 5-3SV 174 - John Worthing fall Suds Dubler 4:19 174 - Ethan Wiant maj Chase Cordia 9-0 197 - Ty Bagoly maj Brett Wittmann 11-0 285 - Austin Chapman dec Reynold Maines 3-2TB Edinboro 125 - Aiden Lewis dec Eamonn Jimenez 8-3 125 - Aiden Lewis maj Chris Melot 8-0 133 - Logan Jaquay dec Nick Schaukowitsch 6-0 133 - Cameron Soda dec Logan Jaquay 10-6 141 - Ammon Ohl maj Zach Soda 8-0 149 - Jacob Pail maj Gannon Jaquay 10-0 149 - Ryan Burgos dec Jacob Bail 8-1 157 - Luke Kemerer maj Andrew Pokalsky 16-5 157 - Luke Kemerer dec Sully Allen 8-2 165 - Alex Garee dec Max Kirby 9-8 174 - Jared McGill maj Joey Arnold 9-1 285 - Nick Lodato fall Kade Sottolano 5:57 285 - Nick Lodato dec Max Millin 3-1 George Mason 125 - Markel Baker maj JB Dragovich 10-2 125 - Markel Baker dec Ben Monn 3-1 141 - Dominic Hargrove dec Colton Stoneking 7-1 141 - Michael Rapuano tech Dominic Hargrove 15-0 149 - Nathan Higley dec Evan Maag 4-3 149 - Evan Maag InjDef DJ McGee 157 - Loranzo Rajaonarivelo dec Nick Foster 8-2 165 - Paul Pierce dec Drew Dickson 4-2 174 - Logan Messer dec Jeremy Seymour 6-2 184 - Kyle Davis dec Tyler Kocak 6-2 Hofstra 125 - Jacob Moon dec Dylan Acevedo-Switzer 3-0 133 - Joe Sparacio dec Alex Turley 9-4 133 - Chase Liardi dec Joe Sparacio 5-0 141 - Chase Casey maj Mario Biancamano 12-0 141 - Justin Hoyle fall Chase Casey 4:05 149 - Grayson Harris dec Eric Shindel 5-1 157 - Michael Leandrou dec Eric Shindel 8-1 165 - Jurius Clark dec Michael Leandrou 6-1 174 - Ross McFarland maj Matt Rogers 11-0 184 - Jacob Ferreira fall Ericson Velasquez 4:22 197 - Trey Rogers maj Nikolas Miller 16-6 285 - Zachary Knighton-Ward maj Adrian Sans 22-7 Indiana 133 - Isaac Thornton dec Blaine Frazier 7-4 133 - Henry Porter maj Isaac Thornton 12-2 141 - Cayden Rooks fall Cole Rhemrev 149 - Nico Bolivar dec Luke Baughman 5-4 149 - Graham Rooks dec Nico Bolivar 5-4 157 - Derek Gilcher maj Mason Alley 15-3 165 - Robert Major maj Isiah Levitz 8-0 174 - DJ Washington dec Nick South 7-4 184 - Drayton Harris dec Santos Cantu 6-4 285 - Jacob Bullock maj Jacob Kaminski 8-0 Iowa State 125 - Caleb Fuessley dec Conor Knopick 3-3RTTB 125 - Kysen Terukina dec Caleb Fuessley 6-3 133 - Zach Redding maj Corey Cabanban 10-2 141 - Casey Swiderski dec Jacob Frost 6-5 149 - Paniro Johnson dec Cam Robinson 3-2 157 - Jason Kraisser dec Isaac Judge 6-4 165 - Carter Schmidt dec Grant Stotts 2-2RTTB 174 - MJ Gaitan fall Julien Broderson 6:21 184 - Marcus Coleman fall Cody Fisher 3:57 197 - Yonger Bastida maj Rowan Udell 16-6 285 - Sam Schuyler maj Francis Duggan 12-3 Lehigh 125 - Carter Bailey dec Killian Delaney 2-0 141 - Malyke Hines dec Owen Reinsel 5-0 149 - Max Brignola dec Drew Munch 7-3 157 - Josh Humphreys fall Tyler Sung 1:53 165 - Brian Meyer dec Connor Herceg 3-1SV 174 - Sean Kilrain dec Thayne Lawrence 3-1SV 184 - Tate Samuelson dec AJ Burkhart 4-1 285 - Elijah Jones dec Nathan Taylor 3-2 Little Rock 125 - Jayden Carson tech Reid Nelson 16-1 125 - Jeremiah Reno dec Jayden Carson 7-4 133 - Khyler Brewer dec Josh Sarpy 7-3 133 - Josh Sarpy dec Cael Keck 3-2 141 - Jayden Gomez dec Brennan Van Hoecke 6-3 141 - Jayden Gomez dec Jaylen Carson 5-3 149 - Kyle Dutton dec Joey Bianchi 3-2 149 - Joey Bianchi dec Chase Tebbets 3-1 157 - Brendon Abdon dec Bilal Bailey 4-3TB 157 - Matt Bianchi dec Brendon Abdon 7-0 165 - Tyler Brennan dec Kodiak Cannedy 7-0 165 - Tyler Brennan fall Warren Hoyt 1:03 174 - Triston Wills tech Warren Hoyt 16-0 174 - Vincent Bryan InjDef Zeke Beach 174 - Triston Wills tech Vincent Bryan 18-2 184 - Mason Diel maj Brooks Sacharczyk 11-3 184 - Tanner Mendoza dec Will Edgar 6-2 184 - Mason Diel dec Tanner Mendoza 2-1 197 - Stephen Little maj Zane Davis 14-4 197 - Zane Davis dec Matthew Weinert 6-2 285 - Apollo Gothard dec KJ Miley 4-0 285 - Josiah Hill fall Apollo Gothard 3:30 Maryland Joe Fisk maj Alex Adler 21-8 125 - Braxton Brown fall Zach Spence 133 - Jackson Cockrell dec Conner Quinn 13-9 141 - Kal Miller dec Joe Fisk 4-3 149 - Ethen Miller tech Luke Jacobs 17-2 157 - Michael North dec Kevin Schork 8-4 157/165 - John Martin Best dec Kevin Schork 7-3 197 - Jaxon Smith maj Chase Mielnik 14-2 197 - Larry Vola dec Andrew Bradley 14-12 285 - Jaron Smith fall Jordan Gabriel 285 - Jordan Gabriel fall Sam O'Brian Michigan State 125 - Tristan Lujan dec Benny Gomez 3-2 133 - Rayvon Foley maj Manny Laguna 12-3 141 - Jordan Hamdan dec Blake Noonan 6-1 149 - Braden Stauffenberg dec Eddie Homrock 3-1 157 - Chase Saldate dec Skyler Crespo 4-0 165 - Caleb Fish dec Miley Hoey 5-2 174 - Ceasar Garza dec Luke Daly 4-1 184 - Layne Malczewski maj Kael Wisler 13-3 197 - Cam Caffey maj Jacob Lee 15-6 285 - Josh Terrill dec James Campbell 7-0 Missouri 125 - Zeke Seltzer maj Peyton Moore 17-5 133 - Connor Brown dec Zeke Seltzer 10-4 141 - Easton Hilton dec Owen Uhls 4-0 141 - Allan Hart dec Korbin Shepherd 9-3 149 - Brock Mauller dec Nate Pulliam 4-3 149 - Nate Pulliam dec Joel Mylin 9-4 157 - Jarrett Jacques maj Jeremy Jakowitsch 22-8 157 - Logan Gioffre dec Cam Steed 3-0 157 - Jerrdon Fisher dec Mitchell Bohlken 6-2 157 - Logan Gioffre dec Jerrdon Fisher 3-1 165 - Keegan O'Toole maj J Fisher 18-5 174 - Peyton Mocco dec Ellis Pfleger 5-2 184 - Sean Harman dec Clayton Whiting 3-2 197 - Jesse Cassatt dec Tommy Hagan 5-1 285 - Steven Kolcheff dec Ryan Boersma 2-0 285 - Seth Nitzel fall Cole Gripka 285 - Zach Elam fall Seth Nitzel Navy 125 - Zach Espalin fall Dayton DelViscio 125/133 - Venumadhava Mirel dec Matt Ricci 6-2 133/141 - Brendan Ferretti dec David Kreidler 2-1 141 - Josh Koderhandt dec Luke Lucerne 10-8SV 149 - PJ Crane dec Kaemen Smith 6-5 157 - Andrew Cerniglia tech Devon Deem 24-6 165/174 - Sammy Starr dec Val Park 4-2 184 - David Key dec Hunter Johns 4-2 197 - Jake Koser dec Jake Lucas 1-0 285 - Grady Griess maj Ryan Catka 12-4 Northern Illinois 133 - Nathaniel Genobana dec Bryce West 3-2 141 - Jacob Brya dec Jaivon Jones 2-1 149 - Anthony Cheloni dec Caleb Brooks 5-2 157 - Tulga Zuunbayan dec Anthony Gibson 10-9 165 - Izzak Olejnik maj Tommy Bennett 11-1 174 - Hayden Pummel dec Ricardo Salinas 2-0 184 - Matthew Zuber dec Devonjae Hudson 4-0 197 - Jacob Christiansen dec Jordan Sommers 8-2 285 - Terrese Aaron dec Jacobi Jackson 3-1SV Ohio State 125 - Malik Heinselman dec Andre Gonzales 3-2 133 - Jesse Mendez fall Dylan Koontz :58 141 - Jordan Decatur dec Dylan D'Emilio 4-3 157 - Paddy Gallagher dec Isaac Wilcox 4-1 165 - Bryce Hepner dec Carson Kharchla 2-1 174 - Ethan Smith fall Bryer Hall 2:27 184 - Kaleb Romero tech Gaven Bell 24-8 197 - Gavin Hoffman maj Seth Shumate 8-0 285 - Tate Orndorff fall Mike Misita 3:56 Oklahoma 125 - Joey Prata maj Joey Cruz 9-0 133 - Wyatt Henson dec Gabe Vidlak 3-2 141 - Mosha Schwartz fall Jackson Oplotnik 5:36 149 - Mitch Moore dec Willie McDougald 2-0 157 - Jacob Butler dec Alejandro Herrera-Rondon 3-2 165 - Gerrit Nijenhuis fall Cam Picklo 1:11 174 - Darrien Roberts maj Thatcher Hall 14-3 184 - Greyden Penner dec Tate Picko 5-3 197 - Seth Seago dec Carson Berryhill 3-2 285 - Josh Heindselman fall Ryder Wiese 3:49 Oregon State 125 - Brandon Kaylor dec Caleb Coyle 3-0 133 - Jason Shaner dec Gabe Whisenhunt 13-8 141 - Cleveland Belton dec Nathan Aguilar 10-5 149 - Noah Tolentino dec Hunter Eveland 6-4 157 - Isaiah Crosby maj Grant Gambrall 13-5 165 - Matthew Olguin InjDef CJ Hamblin 184 - Mateo Olmos dec Mason Christiansen 12-5 197 - Tanner Harvey maj Ryan Reyes 17-6 285 - JJ Dixon dec Charlie Hastriter 3-1SV Pittsburgh 125 - Colton Camacho tech Jordan Villareal 18-2 141 - Briar Priest dec Emory Taylor 5-0 149 - Kelin Laffey fall Killian Foy 1:27 149 - Kelin Laffey dec Ty Cymmerman 4-2 157 - Dazjon Casto maj Collin McCorkle 13-5 157 - Tyler Badgett tech Jack Pletcher 17-0 157 - Dazjon Casto dec Tyler Badgett 7-2 165 - Jared Keslar dec Tye Weathersby 7-5 165 - Holden Heller maj Jared Keslar 13-4 174 - Luca Augustine maj Carson Miller 15-4 184 - James Lledo fall Nicholas Meglino 3:43 197 - Mac Stout maj Geoff Magin 18-4 285 - Dayton Pitzer maj Jake Slinger 11-1 Purdue 125 - Matt Ramos maj Jacob Macatangay 14-4 133 - Dustin Norris dec Jacob Macatangay 11-5 133/141 - Christian White dec Michael Leville 4-3 141 - Parker Filius maj Brac Hooper 18-7 141 - Parker Filius maj Christian White 15-7 141 - Brac Hooper dec Sean Pitts 4-2 149 - Trey Kruse maj Jaden Reynolds 13-1, 3-2 149/157 - Nate Camiscioli dec Brennan Doyle 5-3 157 - Kendall Coleman maj Nate Camiscioli 14-5 165 - Cooper Noehre dec Stoney Buell 5-2, 3-2 174 - Macartney Parkinson dec Brody Baumann 4-3, 3-1 197 - Ben Vanadia dec Mitch Hutmacher 7-4 197 - Mitch Hutmacher dec Hayden Filipovich 4-3 285 - Hayden Copass dec Tristan Ruhlman 3-2, 4-1 Utah Valley 125 - Kase Mauger maj Yusief Lillie 11-0 133 - Haiden Drury fall Kobe Nelms 141 - Isaiah Delgado dec Ty Smith 4-2 149 - Kyler Lake dec Sam Edelblute 3-1 149 - Stockton O'Brien dec Tyson Humphreys 4-3 149 - Kyle Lake tech Tyler Jones 20-4 157 - Danny Snediker dec Jax Garoutte 6-3 165 - Cameron Haddock dec Tanner Lofthouse 8-4 174 - Hunter Morse dec Merrell Morley 3-1SV 174 - Kainalu Estrella fall Luke Van Orden 4:36 174 - Caleb Uhlenhopp dec Merrell Morley 4-1 184 - Jacob Armstrong dec Mahroni Rushton 1-0 197 - Evan Bockman dec Jack Forbes 11-4 285 - Chase Trussell dec Nico Rodriguez 3-2 285 - Nico Rodriguez dec Kort Wilkinson 2-1TB Virginia Tech 125 - Eddie Ventresca dec Cooper Flynn 3-1SV 133 - Sam Latona maj Brandon Wittenberg 18-4 141 - Tom Crook dec Collin Gerardi 7-4 149 - Caleb Henson maj Kylan Montgomery 12-1 157 - Bryce Andonian dec Jackson Spires 12-7 165 - Connor Brady dec Drew Nicholson 3-1 174 - Ty Finn dec Harrison Smith 7-2 184 - Hunter Bolen maj Sam Fisher 8-0 197 - Andy Smith dec TJ Stewart 8-2 285 - Hunter Catka fall Alex Rosenbaum :34 VMI 125 - Austin Zehring dec Cam Chicella 1-0 133 - Dyson Dunham maj Nate Shippey 12-0 141 - Freddy Junko dec Raymond Cmil 2-1 149 - Ryan Vigil dec Noah Roulo 3-1 157 - Josh Yost dec Ethan Barrett 10-4 165 - Braxton Lewis dec Luke Hart 6-0 174 - Jon Hoover dec River Carroll 7-4 184 - Zach Brown fall Isaac Dolph 197 - Tyler Mousaw tech Travis Fridley 18-2 285 - Josh Evans dec Solomon Harris 3-1SV West Virginia 125 - Jace Schafer dec Colton Drousias 2-1 141 - Jordan Titus maj Blake Boyers 9-0 141 - Michael Dolan maj Blake Boyers 8-0 141 - Jordan Titus dec Michael Bolan 6-1 149 - Sam Hillegas tech Michael Pescatore 15-0 149 - Jeffrey Boyd dec Brayden Ivy 8-6 149 - Brayden Ivy fall Michael Pescatore 149 - Jeffrey Boyd dec Sam Hillegas 4-3 157 - Alex Hornfeck tech Trey Johnson 18-0 157 - Brayden Roberts dec Nick Cicciarelli 7-4 157 - Caleb Dowling maj Joseph Chiappazzi 13-2 157 - Alex Hornfeck tech Brayden Roberts 16-0 157 - Caleb Dowling dec Walker Heard 5-1 157 - Nick Cicciarelli dec Trey Johnson 10-9 157 - Nick Cicciarelli dec Joseph Chiappazzi 3-1 157 - Caleb Dowling dec Alex Hornfeck 5-3 165 - Peyton Hall dec Patrick Daum 6-1 174 - Brody Conley dec Jack Blumer 2-0 174 - Scott Joll fall Andrew Sharer 174 - Jack Blumer maj Andrew Sharer 9-1 174 - Scott Joll dec Brody Conley 5-1 184 - Dennis Robin maj Kyle Myers 12-4 184 - Anthony Carman tech Brian Finnerty 16-0 184 - Brian Finnerty dec Kyle Myers 2-1TB 184 - Anthony Carman dec Dennis Robin 4-0 197 - Austin Cooley fall Nate Wickersham 285 - Michael Wolfgram tech Leonardo Muzika 17-2 285 - Tristan Kemp dec Leonardo Muzika 5-1 285 - Michael Wolfgram fall Tristan Kemp

2x NCAA finalist and 2021 champion Shane Griffith (photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) During the 2021-22 preseason, InterMat debuted our top-50 wrestlers list and revealed all 50 day-by-day in the lead up to the regular season. Our second iteration of this feature will spotlight five wrestlers at a time, going from 50 to number one. For each wrestler, we'll have some basic information along with career highlights, a brief analysis of their collegiate career (with a focus on last season), along with their outlook for the upcoming season. For earlier wrestlers #46 - 50 #41 - 45 #36 - 40 #31 - 35 #26 - 30 #21 - 35 #16 - 20 20) Cohlton Schultz State) 2x NCAA All-American Cohlton Schultz (photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Weight: 285 Year: Sophomore Career Record: 39-3 Hometown: Parker, Colorado Collegiate Accomplishments: 2x NCAA All-American (2nd, 4th), 2022 NCAA Runner-Up, 2x Pac-12 Champion 2021 Top 50 Ranking: #42 Cohlton Schultz does double-duty as he is at the top of the domestic ladder in Senior-level Greco-Roman, along with being a national title contender in folkstyle. Through two years of official competition, Schultz has not lost a match prior to the NCAA Championships. Last year, Schultz went unbeaten and claimed his second Pac-12 title before earning the second seed in Detroit. Schultz advanced to his first NCAA championship bout and faced off with the Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. The Sun Devil was able to keep Steveson to a regular decision during a 6-2 loss. Just to make the title match, Schultz had to overcome 2021 NCAA finalist Mason Parris (Michigan) and the eventual third-place finisher Jordan Wood (Lehigh). Schultz's sequence to avoid a winning takedown from Wood and turn it into his score was one of the highlights of the 2022 tournament. For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

North Carolina head coach Coleman Scott (photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com) One of the key, underrated components for a program's success and a fanbase's interest is its schedule. The growth and improvement of wrestlers are largely tied to their opposition. The old "iron sharpens iron" theory. The schedule is important for fans because, while they love their own team, it's fun to see them compete against other high-quality squads. Getting a solid schedule helps keep a fanbase interested and coming back. We have monitored schedules as they have been released in order to compare and contrast them and maybe make a determination on which is the toughest. One of the metrics we used to weigh which school's had the toughest schedules was the 2021-22 winning percentage of all of their DI opponents. Now, this is not without its flaws. There are some schools (mainly in the Big Ten) without great-looking records, that were actually really good. Nebraska (6-5) and Minnesota (4-6) are the two most glaring examples of this. On the other hand, there are plenty of schools that amassed plenty of wins and a nice-looking record, however, pale in comparison to Nebraska and Minnesota. At the end of the day, they generally cancel each other out, though. Below we have a total of 14 schools with loaded schedules. These teams were initially sorted out due to our winning percentage exercise. They have been grouped into two sections; one for non-Big Ten Schools and another for the Big Ten. The Big Ten schools generally tended to have higher winning percentages for their opponents because of the quality of teams in the conference and a certain number of duals against them. Another factor that is difficult to quantify in weighing schedules is tournaments. Especially in late October, we have no idea who will wrestle in open tournaments. Even invitational tournaments sometimes have half-squads or don't end up as loaded as they appear at this time of year. Underneath each school is its DI dual opponent's winning percentage and how it ranks in the nation. Along with that are their home and away matches, plus neutral site duals. For teams at the Collegiate Duals, they will have one more dual added after day one of the competition. In most instances, that will only make their percentages rise. We've also listed how many duals each school has against top-10 and top-20 schools from InterMat's Preseason rankings. Of course, by the time these matches take place, a team may be stronger or weaker than they appear now. Finally, there's a list of tournaments the team is expected to enter. Non-Big Ten Schools North Carolina DI Dual Opponents 2021-22 Winning Percentage: (.6848 - 1st in nation) Home: #4 Ohio State, #8 Michigan, #12 NC State, #15 Virginia Tech, Appalachian State, Virginia Away: #16 Penn, #17 Pittsburgh, Brown, Duke, Harvard Neutral Site: #1 Penn State, #29 Campbell, Central Michigan, 3rd Collegiate Dual Top 10 Teams: 3 Top 20 Teams: 7 Tournament(s): Southeast Open, F&M Open For the full article, Subscribe to InterMat's Rokfin Page

Ohio State freshman Nick or Treat Feldman (original photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com) Welcome to the very spooky and positively ghoulish Halloween edition of the Friday Mailbag! What a curse it is that all the best eating holidays hover around wrestling season. You can't eat candy. You can't eat turkey and stuffing. You can't eat sugar cookies. Not my problem anymore. But you guys asked some questions and that is my problem. It seems All Hallow's Eve has brought out the most creepy and murderous Jagoffs, living or dead! Let's see what they want to know about the upcoming season. NJ blue chip rivals question: Sammy Alvarez/Robbie Howard-do they make the podium in 2023, and if so, who places higher? Don Bashed Eyeball The quickest way to the top of the mailbag is to butter me up with questions about former North Jersey stars. The two former NJ state champions head into the season with tons of question marks between them. Let's start with Sammy the Bull. Now entering his fourth year at Rutgers, Sammy has yet to complete a full season of college wrestling due to a series of events that were mostly weight related. Finally healthy and comfortable at 141, it may take him a bit to get used to the weight, but I expect the Sammy we all know and love to adjust easily. Much like his predecessor Sebastian Rivera, he's continuously moved up classes since early in high school and found success. 141 this year is a mystery, not even the Scooby-Doo gang can solve, right now, so who places where is anyone's guess. Lest we forget though, it wasn't terribly long ago that Sammy was taking RBY to sudden victory #2. The kid can go. Robbie Howard might be the guy I'm most interested in seeing this year. The four-time NJ finalist and two-time champion had a bit of a soft opening as a true freshman in 2021. Now I'm no ageist, but in an era where true freshmen now hover around 20 years old, Robbie is actually a bit young for his graduating class. Heck, the kid made his third Cadet team two years before his college debut. If healthy, I expect adult Robbie Howard to earn the first of four AA"s with maybe some finals appearances in the future. I think he's that good and the year off will have done him well after a high school career of competing virtually everywhere. The Suriano Curse ends here. Crusader to Crusader. If you were a dog what breed would you be? Severed Pelikan Head Snoop Dogg. What I would do for his lungs. Can Flynn turn West Virginia into a contender? Number 13 Baby For Gravy I don't see why not. They're by no means a small school. They wrestle in a large conference. They're located not very far away from some major wrestling hotbeds. They sing a John Denver song that most people say is actually about regular Virginia. How many group chats do you preside in and does that number directly correlate with how over you are with those around you? UWW Cremated More than enough if you ask me. And you did ask me. That's the point of this entire exchange. But isn't Twitter just one giant group chat anyway? For the uninformed, "over' is a pro wrestling term for becoming popular, or hated if you're working heel. So am I over? You bet your roody-poo candy ass, I am! The group chats have become so out of control that I had to start a new one that's just me and Ron Swanson. We've never typed a word to each other. It's perfect. Do you suspect that Nick Feldman will start for Ohio State this season? Rhino666 I don't think he does. And I don't think he should. Is he ready? Sure he is. He proved that last year by tearing up open tournaments. I don't see the Buckeyes contending for a team title this year, but with their crop of young talent they're shaping up to be the biggest threat to Happy Valley Dynasty 3.0 and they're going to want Nick around for all those years. With the new redshirt rules that nobody understands, I assume they may toss him out there for a few duals to see where he's at, but I don't think it's necessary yet to roll him out in March. Tate "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff is a solid wrestler who can crack the top eight in Tulsa. Besides, Feldman may have hurt his shoulder and made their decision for them. Whether it's a serious injury or not, you don't want to roll your prized possession out there at less than 100%. Once he's in the lineup he's not sitting a future year so keep the shirt on for now. And while we're on it, the Mendez, Bouzakis, Gallagher, Kharchla, and Feldman core is Freddy Krueger-level scary. A potential challenger to the throne, that's what's going on in Columbus. And I just jinxed Kharchla. Enjoy the last weekend before the storm! Unless you're Seton Hall Pirate and you need to correct the multiple duals already happening. Never change, Britt. I hope to see where your legendary D1 Week in Preview lands when the forums go capoot. Boo! (as in scary boo and not boo the forums, but I guess it works both ways)