Jump to content
  • Which Schools Nabbed the Most Super 32 Placers Since 2019?

    Hunter Catka photo courtesy of Sam Janicki; SJanickiPhoto.com
    The Super 32 begins tomorrow and it has become one of the marquee events in the high school wrestling landscape. Though most high schools don’t actually begin competition for another month and a half, the tournament serves as the unofficial starting point for another high school season. 
    Looking back through the past medalists is like a who’s who of high school and collegiate wrestling. 
    That’s exactly what we did as we looked at the last five years of Super 32 medalists and who they signed with (or will sign) to wrestle collegiately. 
    We have listed the teams with the greatest number of Super 32 placewinners first and the number they have recruited is next to the school name in parentheses. If there is an asterisk next to a wrestler, that means they are committed to that program, but have yet to sign. If a wrestler has transferred, we have listed them with the school the originally signed with. 

     
    Virginia Tech (20)
    *Ryan Burton (NJ) - 2023 1st
    Hunter Catka (PA) - 2019 1st
    Dillon Campbell (OH) - 2021 6th, 2020 7th
    Mac Church (PA) - 2022 5th, 2021 6th, 2020 4th, 2019 8th
    Tom Crook (FL) - 2021 4th
    Parker Ferrell (VA) - 2022 1st, 2021 3rd
    Cooper Flynn (TN) - 2020 1st
    *Drew Gorman (GA) - 2023 5th
    Matt Henrich (NJ) - 2023 5th
    Caleb Henson (GA) - 2020 1st
    Sam Hillegas (PA) - 2019 8th
    *Jayden James (NJ) - 2022 4th
    Trey Kibe (PA) - 2019 4th
    Aiden Lacoma (VA) - 2021 3rd
    Hunter Mason (TN) - 2020 6th
    *Noah Nininger (VA) - 2022 7th
    *Aaron Seidel (PA) - 2023 1st, 2022 3rd
    *Claudio Torres (FL) - 2023 5th
    Clayton Ulrey (PA) - 2019 3rd
    Nathan Warden (VA) - 2019 4th
     
    NC State (17)
    Jackson Arrington (PA) - 2021 2nd, 2020 5th
    Koy Buesgens (MN) - 2022 3rd, 2021 2nd
    *Will Denny (IL) - 2023 6th
    *Dom Deputy (PA) - 2023 4th
    Derek Fields (OH) - 2020 8th
    Louie Gil (PA) - 2022 6th, 2021 8th
    Chase Horne (GA) - 2021 1st, 2019 2nd
    AJ Kovacs (CT) - 2019 5th
    Gavin Linsman (MO) - 2023 8th
    Joey Milano (PA) - 2020 3rd, 2019 7th
    Vincent Robinson (IL) - 2021 4th
    Latrell Schafer (GA) - 2023 4th, 2022 5th
    Ed Scott (PA) - 2019 4th
    Matthew Singleton (GA) - 2021 1st, 2020 2nd
    Skylar Smith (TX) - 2019 7th
    Isaac Trumble (NE) - 2019 3rd
    *Brogan Tucker (OH) - 2023 5th
     
    Iowa State (15)
    *Christian Castillo (AZ) - 2023 4th, 2022 1st, 2021 6th
    Cody Chittum (TN) - 2021 1st
    Evan Frost (LA) - 2020 8th
    Jacob Frost (LA) - 2020 4th
    MJ Gaitan (CA) - 2021 1st, 2020 5th
    Daniel Herrera (CA) - 2023 2nd
    Paniro Johnson (PA) - 2020 4th
    Conor Knopick (NE) - 2020 5th
    Adrian Meza (AZ) - 2023 6th
    Tate Naaktgeboren (IA) - 2022 2nd, 2021 5th
    *Carter Pearson (IA) - 2022 7th
    Zach Redding (NY) - 2019 7th
    Cameron Robinson (PA) - 2019 6th
    Manny Rojas (MI) - 2020 1st
    Casey Swiderski (MI) - 2020 4th
     
    Michigan (14)
    Joel Adams (NE) - 2022 6th, 2021 2nd
    Cam Catrabone (MI) - 2023 2nd, 2022 6th, 2021 3rd
    *Jude Correa (NH) - 2022 1st, 2021 4th
    Dylan Gilcher (MI) - 2022 1st, 2021 7th, 2019 4th
    *Cooper Hilton (TN) - 2021 7th
    Caden Horwath (MI) - 2020 1st
    Chance Lamer (OR) - 2020 2nd
    Sergio Lemley (IN) - 2022 1st, 2021 5th
    Beau Mantanona (CA) - 2021 1st
    Brock Mantanona (CA) - 2022 2nd
    Rylan Rogers (ID) - 2021 1st
    Nick Sahakian (CA) - 2023 1st, 2022 7th
    Joseph Walker (IN) - 2019 3rd
    Hayden Walters (OR) - 2022 1st, 2021 5th, 2020 5th
     
    Ohio State (14)
    Gavin Bell (OH) - 2019 5th
    Ethan Birden (OH) - 2023 3rd
    Nic Bouzakis (PA) - 2021 1st, 2020 1st, 2019 1st
    *Vince Bouzakis (PA) - 2023 3rd, 2022 2nd
    Gavin Brown (OH) - 2021 6th
    Ben Davino (IL) - 2023 3rd, 2022 1st
    Vinny Kilkeary (PA) - 2022 5th, 2022 4th, 2020 1st
    Jesse Mendez (IN) - 2019 5th
    Michael Misita (NJ) - 2019 7th
    Carter Neves (OH) - 2020 8th
    Ryder Rogotzke (MN) - 2022 1st, 2021 1st
    *Maddox Shaw (PA) - 2023 1st
    Seth Shumate (OH) - 2020 5th
    Rocco Welsh (PA) - 2022 1st, 2021 2nd, 2020 2nd
     
    Stanford (13)
    Daniel Cardenas (CO) - 2020 7th
    Grigor Cholakyan (CA) - 2022 4th
    Jack Darrah (MO) - 2021 4th
    Hunter Garvin (IA) - 2020 3rd
    Collin Guffey (CA) - 2022 8th
    Cole Han-Lindemyer (MN) - 2023 2nd, 2022 5th
    Zach Hanson (MN) - 2022 4th
    Jacob Joyce (RI) - 2022 7th
    EJ Parco (CA) - 2023 7th
    Dylan Pile (CA) - 2023 8th
    Nico Provo (CT) - 2019 1st
    Aden Valencia (CA) - 2022 4th, 2021 2nd
    Abe Wójcikiewicz (IL) - 2022 6th
     
    Penn State (12)
    Austin Boone (MI) - 2019 3rd
    Braeden Davis (MI) - 2022 3rd, 2020 2nd
    *Nathan Desmond (PA) - 2023 2nd, 2022 5th, 2021 5th
    *PJ Duke (NY) - 2022 1st, 2021 1st, 2020 2nd
    Erik Gibson (PA) - 2020 7th
    Levi Haines (PA) - 2021 2nd, 2020 2nd
    Tyler Kasak (PA) - 2021 5th, 2020 7th
    Luke Lilledahl (MO) - 2022 1st, 2021 1st
    Mitchell Mesenbrink (WI) - 2021 7th, 2020 6th
    *Dalton Perry (PA) - 2023 8th, 2021 4th
    Zack Ryder (NY) - 2021 5th
    Joe Sealey (PA) - 2022 3rd, 2021 2nd

     
    Nebraska (11)
    LJ Araujo (ND) - 2023 1st
    Omar Ayoub (OH) - 2022 5th, 2021 5th
    Jagger Condomitti (PA) - 2019 7th
    Weston Dalton (CO) - 2022 2nd
    *Tyler Eise (CO) - 2022 3rd
    Alan Koehler (MN) - 2021 7th
    Kael Lauridsen (NE) - 2021 7th, 2020 7th
    Camden McDanel (OH) - 2022 4th
    Matthew Moore (CO) - 2022 3rd, 2021 5th
    Lenny Pinto (PA) - 2019 5th
    *Cade Ziola (NE) - 2023 7th

     
    Cornell (10)
    Lou Cerchio (NJ) - 2022 4th
    Vince Cornella (CO) - 2020 3rd
    *Adrian DeJesus (NJ) - 2023 3rd, 2021 3rd
    Aiden Hanning (NH) - 2020 4th
    Jaxon Joy (OH) - 2023 3rd
    *Anthony Knox (NJ) - 2023 1st, 2022 2nd, 2021 1st, 2020 4th
    Marcello Milani (MI) - 2022 4th
    *Alessio Perentin (NJ) - 2023 5th, 2022 7th
    Joshua Saunders (MO) - 2019 2nd
    *Sergio Vega (AZ) - 2023 2nd
     
    Indiana (10)
    *Jackson Blum (MI) - 2023 7th
    Santos Cantu (OR) - 2019 1st
    Jake Evans (OH) - 2019 6th
    Derek Gilcher (MI) - 2019 5th
    Sam Goin (IN) - 2022 4th
    Tyler Guerra (IL) - 2023 7th
    Nick Pavlechko (PA) - 2023 4th
    Henry Porter (CA) - 2020 7th
    Gabe Sollars (IN) - 2021 4th
    *Carson Thomas (OH) - 2023 5th
     
    Missouri (10)
    *Dom Bambinelli (GA) - 2023 2nd, 2022 6th
    Jake Crapps (GA) - 2023 8th, 2022 6th, 2021 2nd
    Joshua Edmond (MI) - 2019 4th
    Carter McCallister (MO) - 2022 7th, 2019 7th
    *Seth Mendoza (IL) - 2023 5th, 2022 2nd, 2021 4th
    Nate Pulliam (MO) - 2020 8th
    *Kollin Rath (PA) - 2023 1st, 2022 3rd, 2021 7th, 2020 8th
    Zeke Seltzer (IN) - 2021 5th, 2020 3rd
    Aeoden Sinclair (WI) - 2023 1st, 2022 2nd, 2021 7th
    Clayton Whiting (WI) - 2021 2nd, 2020 3rd
     
    North Carolina (10)
    Gavin Kane (GA) - 2019 2nd
    Caden McCrary (GA) - 2020 1st, 2019 6th
    Lachlan McNeil (ON) - 2019 1st
    Spencer Moore (KY) - 2020 6th, 2019 6th
    Danny Nini (FL) - 2021 3rd
    Nik O’Neill (PA) - 2023 4th
    Noah Pettigrew (GA) - 2020 2nd
    Aidan Schlett (NJ) - 2022 4th
    Jayden Scott (NY) - 2020 7th
    Luke Simcox (PA) - 2023 6th, 2022 8th
     
    Oklahoma State (10)
    Christian Carroll (IN) - 2021 1st, 2020 1st
    AJ Heeg (OK) - 2022 3rd
    *Ladarion Lockett (OK) - 2023 1st, 2022 1st
    JJ McComas (OK) - 2023 2nd
    *Beau Hickman (OK) - 2023 7th
    *Ronnie Ramirez (CA) - 2023 3rd
    *Landon Robideau (MN) - 2023 2nd, 2022 7th
    *Kody Routledge (OK) - 2023 2nd
    Brayden Thompson (IL) - 2021 3rd
    Jordan Williams (OK) - 2019 1st
     
    Rutgers (10)
    Luke Gayer (CA) - 2021 4th
    Mason Gibson (PA) - 2022 2nd, 2020 2nd, 2019 1st
    Conner Harer (PA) - 2023 3rd, 2022 3rd
    Alex Nini (NJ) - 2021 8th
    *Tahir Parkins (PA) - 2023 8th, 2022 8th
    Dean Peterson (NJ) - 2019 5th
    John Poznanski (NJ) - 2019 2nd
    Ayden Smith (PA) - 2023 5th
    Brian Soldano (NJ) - 2021 3rd, 2020 1st, 2019 3rd
    Tony White (NJ) - 2020 4th
     
    Wisconsin (10)
    Braxton Amos (WV) - 2019 1st
    Graham Calhoun (IN) - 2019 7th
    Lucas Condon (CA) - 2022 7th
    Zan Fugitt (MO) - 2022 4th, 2021 3rd, 2020 6th
    Julian George (NJ) - 2022 8th
    Dean Hamiti (IL) - 2020 1st
    Felix Lettini (NJ) - 2021 8th
    James Rowley (OR) - 2020 2nd
    Dylan Russo (OH) - 2022 2nd, 2021 5th
    Mikey Tal-Shahar (FL) - 2021 8th
     
    Arizona State (9)
    Carter Dibert (PA) - 2019 3rd
    Michael Kilic (GA) - 2021 6th, 2020 3rd
    Kaleb Larkin (AZ) - 2021 7th
    Kyler Larkin (AZ) - 2023 4th, 2022 6th
    *Harvey Ludington (NJ) - 2023 6th
    Jacob Meissner (MN) - 2021 5th
    Mykey Ramos (AZ) - 2020 6th
    Nicco Ruiz (CA) - 2022 2nd, 2021 1st
    Cael Valencia (CA) - 2019 1st
     
    Princeton (9)
    Anthony Clark (NJ) - 2019 6th
    Xavier Giles (NY) - 2023 6th
    Drew Heethuis (MI) - 2022 6th
    *Vincenzo Lavalle (NJ) - 2022 8th
    Jacob Mann (MO) - 2020 7th
    Kole Mulhauser (NY) - 2021 6th
    Eligh Rivera (FL) - 2021 7th
    Ethan Rivera (FL) - 2023 5th
    Ty Whalen (NJ) - 2021 3rd, 2020 6th
     
    South Dakota State (9)
    Bennett Berge (MN) - 2020 2nd, 2019 8th
    Alek Martin (OH) - 2020 1st, 2019 3rd
    Quin Morgan (MN) - 2023 4th
    Roman Rogotzke (MN) - 2020 7th
    Cael Swensen (MN) - 2020 5th
    Logan Swensen (MN) - 2023 7th
    Jared Thiry (IA) - 2022 5th
    Caleb Thoennes (MN) - 2020 8th
    Kail Wynia (MN) - 2021 6th
     
    Iowa (8)
    Drake Ayala (IA) - 2020 1st
    Angelo Ferrari (TX) - 2021 3rd
    Kolby Franklin (PA) - 2021 3rd
    Mickey Griffith (IA) - 2021 7th
    Wyatt Henson (PA) - 2019 3rd
    Bretli Reyna (FL) - 2019 1st
    Nate Jesuroga (IA) - 2021 1st, 2020 3rd
    Kael Voinovich (IA) - 2023 4th
     
    Army West Point (7)
    Joseph Antonio (CA) - 2023 2nd
    Andrew Christie (PA) - 2022 6th
    Gage Cook (WA) - 2020 5th
    Charlie Farmer (IL) - 2019 5th
    Gunner Filipowicz (GA) - 2021 6th
    Cooper Haase (FL) - 2022 4th
    Dakota Morris (NJ) - 2021 7th
     
    Oklahoma (7)
    Alex Braun (MN) - 2023 3rd
    *Sebastian DeGenarro (FL) - 2022 3rd
    *Anthony Harris (NJ) - 2023 1st
    Beric Jordan (OH) - 2020 5th
    Grayden Penner (MO) - 2019 1st
    Caleb Tanner (OK) - 2019 4th
    Andres Thompson (MT) - 2023 5th
     
    Penn (7)
    Alex Almeyda (NJ) - 2019 3rd
    Martin Cosgrove (NJ) - 2021 2nd, 2020 3rd
    Kelly Dunnigan (NJ) - 2020 8th
    Max Gallagher (NY) - 2022 5th
    Nico Nardone (NJ) - 2020 2nd
    *Eren Sement (PA) - 2023 6th
    Nathan Taylor (CT) - 2022 8th
     
    Virginia (7)
    Michael Gioffre (CA) - 2021 6th
    *Rocco Hayes (IL) - 2023 2nd
    Dom Isola (FL) - 2019 8th
    Kyle Monteperto (NC) - 2020 5th
    Patrick Noonan (PA) - 2019 4th
    Erik Roggie (VA) - 2019 6th
    Keyveon Roller (TN) - 2020 6th
     
    Lehigh (6)
    Carter Bailey (CA) - 2020 7th
    Manzona Bryant (OH) - 2019 5th
    Dom Federici (PA) - 2023 3rd, 2022 5th
    Kelvin Griffin (ME) - 2020 8th
    Calvin Lachman (PA) - 2023 6th
    Thayne Lawrence (PA) - 2019 2nd
     
    Maryland (6)
    Braxton Brown (TX) - 2019 4th
    Branson John (CA) - 2023 8th
    Garrett Kappes (MD) - 2019 6th
    Dario Lemus (CA) - 2021 4th
    Jaxon Smith (GA) - 2019 4th
    Oscar Williams (OK) - 2023 3rd
     
    Minnesota (6)
    Blaine Brenner (WI) - 2020 8th
    Leo Contino (CA) - 2023 4th
    Hunter Lyden (MN) - 2020 4th
    Gavin Nelson (MN) - 2020 2nd
    Troy Spratley (OK) - 2020 2nd, 2019 7th
    Bennett Tabor (MN) - 2020 1st, 2019 4th
     
    Navy (6)
    Brennan Cernus (IN) - 2021 6th
    Josh Koderhandt (IL) - 2020 5th
    Elijah Penton (FL) - 2023 7th
    Spencer Lanosga (LA) - 2023 3rd
    Jonathan Ley (FL) - 2021 4th, 2020 3rd
    Sammy Starr (PA) - 2020 8th
     
    Northwestern (6)
    Evan Bates (IN) - 2020 7th, 2019 5th
    Sam Cartella (OH) - 2022 7th
    August Hibler (NJ) - 2023 6th
    Joseph Martin (CA) - 2019 7th
    Dirk Morley (CO) - 2022 6th
    Joel Vandevere (IL) - 2019 1st
     
    Wyoming (6)
    Garrison Dendy (TN) - 2020 6th
    Mason Ding (TX) - 2020 3rd
    *Gunner Henry (IN) - 2023 8th
    Joey Novak (MN) - 2022 5th
    Quayin Short (MN) - 2019 8th
    Jore Volk (MN) - 2020 4th
     
    Air Force (5)
    John Martin Best (WV) - 2019 6th
    Bryan Burburija (IL) - 2022 6th
    Myles Johnson (OH) - 2022 7th
    *Rylan Kuhn (MO) - 2023 6th
    Karson Tompkins (TX) - 2023 4th
     
    Bucknell (5)
    Dillon Bechtold (PA) - 2023 5th
    Dorian Crosby (PA) - 2019 4th
    Noah Mulvaney (WI) - 2022 8th
    Logan Shepherd (OH) - 2021 2nd
    Austin Walley (PA) - 2019 8th
     
    Campbell (5)
    Wynton Denkins (OH) - 2022 8th
    Brandon Hoselton (IL) - 2019 2nd
    Conor Maslanek (NH) - 2020 6th
    Chad Nix (FL) - 2019 3rd
    Justin Rivera (FL) - 2019 2nd
     
    Harvard (5)
    Kenny Herrmann (PA) - 2019 2nd
    Nolan Liess (NY) - 2023 8th
    Hudson Skove (NJ) - 2023 8th
    Diego Sotelo (IL) - 2020 3rd
    Alex Whitworth (TN) - 2020 4th
     
    Northern Iowa (5)
    Adam Ahrendsen (IA) - 2020 6th
    Julian Farber (GA) - 2019 8th
    Cory Land (AL) - 2021 2nd, 2020 3rd, 2019 2nd
    Logan Paradice (GA) - 2023 4th
    CJ Walrath (IA) - 2022 7th, 2021 8th
     
    Pittsburgh (5)
    Mick Burnett (OH) - 2019 5th
    Dylan Evans (PA) - 2021 5th
    Ethan Finch (PA) - 2020 4th
    Grant Mackay (PA) - 2020 8th
    Colby Whitehill (PA) - 2019 5th
     
    Purdue (5)
    Joey Blaze (OH) - 2022 1st, 2021 8th
    Greyson Clark (WI) - 2022 3rd, 2021 8th
    Hayden Copass (IL) - 2019 2nd
    Gerrit Nijenhuis (PA) - 2019 1st
    Jake Rundell (IL) - 2019 3rd
     
    West Virginia (5)
    Peyton Hall (WV) - 2019 2nd
    Rune Lawrence (PA) - 2023 2nd, 2022 3rd, 2021 4th
    Brayden Roberts (WV) - 2019 3rd
    Jordan Titus (NY) - 2019 4th
    Ty Watters (PA) - 2022 2nd
     
    Appalachian State (4)
    Carson Floyd (NC) - 2021 7th
    Francis Morrissey (GA) - 2019 6th
    Triston Norris (NC) - 2020 4th
    Ethan Oakley (NC) - 2019 8th
     
    Illinois (4)
    Marko Ivanisevic (IL) - 2023 7th
    Luke Odom (IL) - 2019 4th
    Maximo Renteria (CA) - 2019 2nd
    Kannon Webster (IL) - 2023 3rd
     
    Little Rock (4)
    Brendon Abdon (FL) - 2021 8th
    KJ Miley (MO) - 2021 2nd, 2019 7th
    Jeremiah Reno (MO) - 2019 5th
    Jake Stacey (TN) - 2023 6th
     
    Michigan State (4)
    Caleb Fish (MI) - 2019 8th
    Darius Marines (MI) - 2023 6th
    Chase Saldate (CA) - 2019 1st
    Cory Thomas (MI) - 2023 7th
     
    North Dakota State (4)
    Fernando Barreto (CA) - 2021 8th
    Michael Caliendo (IL) - 2020 6th
    Max Magayna (IA) - 2022 7th
    Zeke Witt (KS) - 2023 7th
     
    Oregon State (4)
    Isaiah Anderson (WA) - 2020 8th
    Aden Attao (ID) - 2022 4th
    TJ McDonnell (CA) - 2022 6th 
    Justin Rademacher (OR) - 2021 6th
     
    Binghamton (3)
    Will Ebert (CT) - 2021 5th
    Nate Lucier (PA) - 2020 5th
    Charlie Tibbitts (NY) - 2021 8th
     
    California Baptist (3)
    Max Acciardi (NJ) - 2021 4th
    Paul Kelly (CA) - 2023 4th
    Carter Schubert (NY) - 2022 5th
     
    Columbia (3)
    Aaron Ayzerov (NJ) - 2020 5th
    Nick Babin (NJ) - 2019 8th
    Richard Fedalen (MD) - 2021 4th
     
    Northern Colorado (3)
    Benji Alanis (AZ) - 2020 5th
    Xavier Doolin (MO) - 2020 6th
    Brady Hankin (CO) - 2019 8th
     
    American (2)
    JJ Peace (SC) - 2023 6th
    Lucas White (MO) - 2020 7th
     
    Cal Poly (2)
    Daschle Lamer (OR) - 2022 2nd
    Dom Mendez (CA) - 2021 6th
     
    Central Michigan (2)
    Caden Ferris (MI) - 2021 8th
    Aidan Fockler (OH) - 2022 2nd, 2021 6th
     
    Chattanooga (2)
    Cole Cochran (GA) - 2021 8th
    Landon Jones (GA) - 2023 4th
     
    Kent State (2)
    Enrique Munguia (OH) - 2020 3rd
    Riley Ucker (OH) - 2021 7th
     
    Lock Haven (2)
    Tucker Hogan (PA) - 2023 3rd
    Tyler Stoltzfus (PA) - 2019 6th
     
    Presbyterian (2)
    Nathan Carnes (NC) - 2022 7th
    Dominic Chavez (TX) - 2019 6th
     
    Rider (2)
    Hunter Mays (NJ) - 2021 3rd
    Brock Zurawski (NJ) - 2022 4th, 2021 8th

     
    Bloomsburg (1)
    Antoine Allen (OH) - 2019 6th
     
    Brown (1)
    Dom Frontino (PA) - 2022 8th
     
    Clarion (1)
    John Meyers (PA) - 2019 6th
     
    Davidson (1)
    Bryce Griffin (IL) - 2023 7th
     
    Drexel (1)
    Kyle Hauserman (PA) - 2020 4th
     
    Duke (1)
    Jack Wimmer (MD) - 2019 6th
     
    George Mason (1)
    Avery Bassett (PA) - 2019 8th
     
    Hofstra (1)
    Danny Church (PA) - 2022 6th
     
    SIU Edwardsville (1)
    Collin Arch (MO) - 2022 5th
     
    Utah Valley (1)
    Jax Garoutte (CO) - 2019 7th
     

    Earl Smith -

    Read more...

    The EIWA gets Two Notable 2026 Verbal's

    Cael Wiedemoyer photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo; WrestlersAreWarriors.com
    The EIWA got on the scoreboard twice Wednesday night as a pair of their teams received verbal commitments from significant recruits. The higher ranked of the two is #25 overall Cael Wiedemoyer (Faith Christian Academy, PA). Heading into the Super 32, Wiedemoyer is ranked eighth in the nation at 165 lbs. Wiedemoyer is expected to compete for a belt in Greensboro at the Super and is fourth at 165 in the preseeds. 
    Wiedemoyer is a two-time Pennsylvania state placewinner - taking third as a freshman at 152 lbs and making the AA finals in 2024 at 160. Shortly after the tournament in both years of high school, Wiedemoyer captured the NHSCA grade-level championship. 
    This is the first verbal commitment for Lehigh in the Class of 2026. Wiedemoyer projects at 184 lbs at the next level, which is a weight where Lehigh has some young talent on the roster or committed from the Class of 2025; however, no one could be viewed as the long-time starter, as of now. 
    Getting Wiedemoyer could have excellent repercussions for Lehigh as his high school is full of DI prospects. 
    Wiedemoyer has been active on the fall campus visit tour. In addition to Lehigh, he has visited Brown, Cornell, Missouri, Penn, and Pittsburgh. 
    The other notable verbal commitment from the Class of 2026 yesterday was Evan Sanati (Brentsville, VA) pledging to Army West Point. Sanati is a two-time Virginia 3A state placer, taking third as a freshman and winning a state title as a sophomore at 126 lbs. 
    Sanati is a three-time Fargo All-American placing fourth on two occasions in 16U Greco-Roman and sixth in 16U freestyle in 2023. He has also taken sixth both times he’s competed at the Beast of the East. 
    At the Super 32, Sanati is seeded #26 at 132 lbs. He’ll project at 133/141 in West Point.
    Sanati is the second junior to give a verbal commitment to Army West Point this week. Cooper Merli (Newburgh Free Academy, NY) was the first. 
    In addition to Army West Point, Sanati also visited George Mason and was at the University of Virginia last weekend. 
    For all the current commitments from the Class of 2026 - click here. 

    Earl Smith -

    Read more...

    Ten Burning Questions for the MAC in 2024-25

    As we see a new NCAA season on the horizon, it’s time to make our way around the country and look at the future for each conference. Today we’re focusing on the MAC. In 2024, the conference produced three All-Americans, two of which return. Two MAC schools were identified in InterMat’s preseason tournament rankings (Ohio 23-T and Lock Haven 25-T). In addition, the MAC led the way with the most head coaching changes. 
    All of that will make for a fun year in the conference. Plenty of new-look teams. Some teams that we know are good and others we might learn about later. We spent the entire 2023-24 season wondering who would win the conference, will it be so uncertain in 2024-25? 
    That is the basis for one of the ten questions we have below that we’ll use to preview the 2024-25 season from the MAC standpoint. 
     
    1. Can we get a roll call for the new head coaches?
    A few weeks ago, we did a feature on the new DI head coaches for the 2024-25 season. Three of the seven come from the MAC. We won’t totally rehash that article, but those coaches are John Stutzman (Bloomsburg), Donnie Vinson (Buffalo), and Ben Bennett (Central Michigan). 
    Within a year or two, I’d expect strong improvements from the Bloomsburg and Buffalo programs. Both of these coaches and their staff have hit the recruiting trail hard. Bloomsburg already has a handful of commitments for the Class of 2025 and even one from the Class of 2026. Vinson’s staff at Buffalo has had plenty of highly ranked wrestlers on campus and appears to be ready to keep many of New York’s best, in-state. 
    As you might expect, in the near future it could be tough for both Stutzman and Vinson. Both programs were hit hard by the transfer portal when their respective vacancies opened. Soon enough, both will be in a better place. 
    Of course, you probably remember that Stutzman spent over a decade as the head man at Buffalo and is returning to a Bloomsburg program where he made a name for himself by putting together a nationally ranked squad that was largely composed of overlooked recruits. 
    Bennett takes over for the legendary Tom Borrelli after Borrelli stepped down following the 2024 NCAA Championships. Bennett is no stranger to the CMU program, having earned All-American honors four times for CMU and serving on the staff since his career ended in 2013. 
    For the most part, I think that new leadership and fresh voices can provide a positive jolt for a wrestling program. Having three new head coaches in the conference is a good thing. There should be renewed enthusiasm within each school’s fanbase and donor list, which is essential in this era of college sports. 
     
    2. Will Central Michigan repeat? 
    All throughout the 2023-24 season, a common theme when looking at the MAC was “Who’s going to win the conference title?” Lock Haven came in as the favorite and looked like they may be able to pull it off. Central Michigan had their moments, as did Rider and Northern Illinois. After the conference brackets were released, I thought there was a way that Cleveland State might be able to shock the league. 
    Ultimately, it was probably the most consistent team that shined when it counted and that was Central Michigan. It was truly a team event for the Chippewas as only Alex Cramer (174) came away with a conference crown. Corbyn Munson (149) made the finals. Jimmy Nugent (141), Johnny Lovett (157), and Tyler Swiderski (165) were third. Sean Spidle (125), Cameron Wood (197) and Bryan Caves (285) were fourth. 
    CMU is in a decent position to repeat. Of that group of top-four finishers, only Munson is gone. Spidle will move up to 133 and battle with Vince Perez and Andrew Austin for the starting role. Whoever emerges from that trio should push for a spot in the national rankings. 
    Filling in for Munson at 149 lbs is Mason Shrader. During the 2023-24 season, Shrader amassed a 21-5 record mainly competing at 157 lbs (even a few bouts at 165) behind Lovett. Depending on how the weight cut goes, the drop-off from Munson to Shrader may not be very severe. 
    At 141 lbs, Nugent is expected to get pushed by redshirt freshman Kellan Aure. Aure was 6-4 last season in limited open tournaments. However, that competition turns out, CMU should be in good shape. 
    The other returns just need to continue their development and CMU could field a very solid lineup without any significant holes.
     
    3. Can Lock Haven climb back into the top spot?
    After winning MAC titles in 2022 and 2023, Lock Haven slipped back to fourth place in 2024. On the way to the 2024 MAC Championships, we knew the Lock Haven lightweights would carry them, but just how far was the question. The Bald Eagles swept the first three weights with MAC titles from Anthony Noto (125), Gable Strickland (133), and Wyatt Henson (141). 
    Unfortunately, those were the only three national qualifiers for Lock Haven in 2024. Who can step up to help the big three in 2024-25? Lock Haven added a qualifier from Buffalo in the transfer portal, as Nick Stampoulos is now on track to start at 157 lbs and carries a preseason national ranking of #31. They’ll also have Tyler Stoltzfus at 174 lbs. Stoltzfus fought through an injury-plagued season and was a far cry from the wrestlers who went 31-14 the previous season and earned a trip to nationals. 
    Another familiar face for Lock Haven fans is 149 lber Nick Stonecheck. At times, Stonecheck was ranked at 149 lbs and was close to the NCAA qualification bubble. Unfortunately, Stonecheck went 1-1 at the MAC Tournament before injury defaulting out. During the regular season, Stonecheck picked up a win over eventual All-American Quinn Kinner (Rider). 
    Lock Haven could also receive a boost from the #20 overall recruiting class in the country. This class was very deep and is headed up by Tucker Hogan, who was considered the #27 overall prospect in the nation. We’ll have more on him shortly. 
    Once again, Lock Haven will be led by their lightweights. Wyatt Henson was a bonus-point machine in 2023-24 and that should occur again this season and is very important in tournaments. Unless the injury bug arrives, they seem to have enough big guns, along with potential contributors to knock off CMU. 
     
    4. Who are some of the freshmen to watch?
    We briefly mentioned Hogan. It appears that he’ll be Lock Haven’s starter at 197 lbs right out of the gate. Hogan is a massive get for Scott Moore’s team. He was third at the Super 32 and fifth in Junior freestyle in Fargo in 2023. In Pennsylvania, Hogan won a pair of AAA state titles and finished third as a sophomore. 
    There are plenty of freshmen who have the potential to start for MAC teams in 2024-25; however, we’re only going to name those that appear to have the biggest impact. 
    Chris Vargo made national news during his senior year at Pennsylvania’s Bentworth High School when he defeated U17 world champion Jax Forrest in the AA Southwest Regional final. Although Forrest returned the favor in the state finals, not many wrestlers in any style, at any age group have beaten Forrest during his high school career. Vargo would finish his high school career with four state medals and two appearances in the finals. 
    Vargo had already inked with Edinboro and it was clear that Fighting Scots head coach Matt Hill might have found a diamond in the rough. It looks like Vargo will go for Edinboro right away at 125 lbs. Having four-time All-American AJ Schopp as a new assistant coach should be huge for Vargo’s transition to college. 
    A redshirt freshman you may not be as familiar with, but need to be, is SIU Edwardsville’s 197 lber Nick Nosler. Over the summer, Nosler made the best-of-three finals in the U20 World Team Trials in Greco-Roman. That finals berth allowed him to travel to Peru and represent the USA at the U20 Pan-American Championships. An experience like that should be invaluable to Nosler as he prepares for the 2024-25 season. 
    While redshirting, Nosler amassed a 21-12 record and went 1-1 in dual competition. Although the bulk of his wins came against non-DI competition, Nosler did notch a winning record against DI opposition. 
     
    5. Give me some good news from the transfer portal
    The transfer portal isn’t always a negative thing. There were plenty of schools that improved themselves via the transfer portal and some of them came from the MAC. 
    The most notable addition to the conference comes in the form of Sammy Alvarez who is currently ranked #24 in the nation at 149 lbs for Rider. Of course, Alvarez has the talent to finish much higher than that, but he hasn’t had much action in the last few years. During his only full season as a starter (2019-20), Alvarez finished sixth in the Big Ten and was seeded #10 at the 2020 NCAA Championships. Rider has been a place where veterans have been able to transfer into and thrive (Jesse Dellavecchia and Quinn Kinner), so maybe Alvarez can reach his full potential back in his home state. 
    Other teams that made gains through the portal include Edinboro (Colton Camacho/133 and Ryan Michaels/157), 
    Lock Haven (Nick Stampoulos/157 and Caden Dobbins/165), Northern Illinois (Markel Baker/133 and Spencer Mooberry/197), along with SIU Edwardsville (Ben Lunn/141, Luke Odom/165, and Griffin Ray/174). 
    Camacho has been close to NCAA qualification status multiple times in the past. 
    Lock Haven’s Stampoulos was a qualifier last year for Buffalo and Dobbins’ presence could allow the Bald Eagles to redshirt Avery Bassett. 
    Baker was close to qualifying for nationals at George Mason, while at 125 lbs in 2022-23. 
    All three of SIU Edwardsville’s transfers come over from Big Ten programs. 
    There are plenty of additional transfers; however, these are the ones that might provide the most impact. 
     
    6. NCAA Finals….National Title…Could we see one (or two) from the MAC?
    The last national champion from the MAC was J’den Cox in 2017, back when Missouri qualified through nationals through the conference. Aside from Mizzou wrestlers, the most recent MAC wrestler to win nationals was Dustin Kilgore (Kent State) in 2011. Could this be the year where a MAC wrestler breaks one of those streaks?
    If you look at our preseason rankings, you’ll notice a couple of MAC wrestlers ranked very high - in weights that might be manageable to win. Anthony Noto (Lock Haven) comes in second at 125 lbs and Peyten Kellar (Ohio) is third at 157 lbs. 
    Noto dropped a one-point bout to Richie Figueroa (Arizona State) in the NCAA semifinals and Figueroa went on to win the national title. He’s the only one that sits above Noto in the preseason rankings. 
    As we saw last year, the 125 lb weight class was one of the most unpredictable brackets in recent memory. Noto spent multiple weeks at #1 and it wouldn’t be that far-fetched to think that he could navigate a tough bracket and reverse the result in a possible rematch against Figueroa. 
    Kellar wasn’t as much of a known commodity as Noto coming into the regular season or even at the NCAA Tournament. With his performance in Kansas City, Kellar introduced himself to the nation with a stunning performance that saw him finish fifth. 
    After a second-round loss to Jared Franek (Iowa), Kellar posted a major decision victory over Trevor Chumbley (Northwestern), edged #15 Cael Swensen (South Dakota State) 1-0, before pinning #4 Ed Scott (NC State) to secure All-American honors. Kellar wasn’t finished there. He won a 12-10 shootout over #8 Peyton Robb (Nebraska), before falling via pin to Daniel Cardenas (Stanford). Kellar finished with a fall over #12 Bryce Andonian (Virginia Tech) for fifth place. 
    Kellar starts the year ranked behind national runner-up Jacori Teemer (Iowa) and Meyer Shapiro (Cornell). He didn’t face either during the 2023-24 season; however, he’ll get an early test at the NWCA All-Star Classic in mid-November. Kasak moves up to 157 after an incredible  NCAA run himself as a true freshman. He fell in the first round at nationals and battled all the way back for third at 149 lbs. 
    While Kellar may have been overlooked during the 2023-24 regular season, his total body of work was excellent. A 28-4 record with a title in the conference’s deepest weight and regular season losses to only Will Lewan (Michigan) and Paddy Gallagher (Ohio State). 
    There’s a lot of time between now and mid-March, but right now I think the conference has a pair of potential title threats. 
     
    7. How about an under-the-radar team to watch?
    Let’s talk George Mason! The Patriots return a trio of NCAA qualifiers including conference champions Evan Maag (165) and Malachi DuVall (184), along with DJ McGee (157) who went 1-2 at NCAA’s and was a fourth-place finisher at the Midlands. That’s a good place to start. Each begins the preseason ranked in the top-25 at their respective weights. 
    In addition to GMU’s “Big Three,” they also have 174 lber Logan Messer coming off a redshirt year. Messer has been nationally ranked in the past and racked up a 52-18 during his first two years in Fairfax. Messer was close to NCAA qualification in 2023. 
    One wrestler that could really benefit from the new faces on the coaching staff is 149 lber Kaden Cassidy. He’ll get to work regularly with two-time national champion Dean Heil and All-American Max Murin, both new staff members from blue blood collegiate programs. Cassidy was 17-9 last year and finished fifth in a tough MAC weight class. 
    With those five and veterans like Ben Monn (125) or Tyler Kocak (197) potential continuing to develop, Frank Beasley’s team could be a tough-out against anyone and a significant factor in the MAC team race. After finishing third in 2024, two points behind Rider, it might be time to stop labeling George Mason as an “under-the-radar” team. 
     
    8. Which veterans take “the next step?” 
    Looking at the recent history of the conference, we’ve seen a handful of wrestlers that saw everything come together as they made the NCAA podium for the first time during their senior seasons. 
    Quinn Kinner, Izzak Olejnik, Will Feldkamp, Ethan Laird, Drew Hildebrandt, and Jesse Dellavecchia are some recent examples (I realize a few were granted an extra year and transferred outside of the conference). 
    So who is this year’s version of Quinn Kinner? 
    We’ve already talked about Sammy Alvarez, Kinner’s replacement, he might be the most logical answer. After Alvarez, how about Johnny Lovett of Central Michigan. 
    Lovett took his lumps throughout the regular season and had a few losses from wrestling in a conference that included Kellar and McGee. That’s understandable. The CMU 157 lber saved his best work for Kansas City as he lost to Kellar by a point in the opening round and proceeded to win three straight matches to make the NCAA bloodround. A notable win during that run came over long-time rival and multi-time All-American Will Lewan of Michigan. 
    Lovett starts the preseason ranked 16th in a weight class that is not quite as deep as the past two or three years. Why not Lovett? 
    Sticking with Central Michigan, maybe 174 lber Alex Cramer is the answer. Cramer won his second MAC title in 2024 and then pulled a slight upset in the first round of NCAA’s by pinning Big 12 finalist Gaven Sax. He picked up a second win in the consolations before getting eliminated by Iowa’s Patrick Kennedy. 
    Cramer starts the preseason ranked #21 in a deep 174 lb weight class; however, you don’t have to beat everyone in front of you to make the podium - perhaps just a guy or two. 
     
    9. What are some key out-of-conference events involving MAC teams?
    There’s a fun new event taking place in conjunction with the NWCA National Duals that will feature a handful of MAC squads. Depending on where you look, it could be called the National Duals, the Elite Duals, the Mid-Major Duals, or maybe something we haven’t seen yet. 
    Whatever it’s called, it is designed to bring together schools that are not a part of Power Four conferences for a dual tournament. From the schedules we’ve seen thus far, George Mason, Ohio, and SIU Edwardsville are slated to compete. Ranked teams that we know are participating include #10 Northern Iowa, #16 Little Rock, #17 South Dakota State, and #25 Wyoming. The event could make for some interesting matchups - individually and as a team. With those types of teams in attendance, the MAC squads should have ample opportunities to take down ranked opponents. 
    Lock Haven has been a fixture at the Collegiate Duals. They’ll return for a third straight year and are slated to meet #7 Ohio State, #8 Iowa State, and #23 North Carolina in dual competition. 
    One of the staple events of November has been Journeymen Wrestling’s “WrangleMania.” Buffalo is the only MAC team on the docket. They’ll face Sacred Heart and California Baptist. A day later, also in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is the Journeymen Collegiate Classic. Wrestlers get separated into pools and typically have three matches against similar competition. As of now, we see Clarion and Lock Haven in the field. 
    Take a look at our Master Schedule (updated regularly) for more detailed information about MAC teams at national events. 
     
    10. Does the conference meet or exceed the number of All-Americans (three) from 2024?
    The MAC had three All-Americans in 2024 and two of those (Noto and Kellar) return. Quinn Kinner has graduated. Hitting that mark of three All-Americans or potentially exceeding it doesn’t seem like an unmanageable feat. 
    Neither Noto nor Kellar were flukes and will likely be considered favorites to at least match their 2024 NCAA placement. 
    That leaves us with another All-American or two. We’ve already mentioned names like Sammy Alvarez, Johnny Lovett, and Alex Cramer. Those are all three good options. 
    Looking back at Lock Haven, maybe Wyatt Henson is the answer. Henson dominated during the first semester while competing unattached. He finally got into the Lock Haven lineup and didn’t miss a beat, for the most part. At the NCAA Tournament, he was upset in the opening round, in sudden victory, before losing his first consolation match in a 10-9 shootout. Henson is probably closer to his NCAA seeding (#12) than his 0-2 showing at nationals. With Lock Haven’s schedule, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet strong competition and move up the ranks quickly. 
    If we’re talking Johnny Lovett, we can’t overlook DJ McGee who beat Lovett twice and downed Minnesota All-American Michael Blockhus. McGee was a surprise to most outside of the George Mason room, we’ll see if he can take another step forward this year. 
    Someone who is currently ranked within the All-American range (#8) is Ohio’s Garrett Thompson. Thompson also seemed to come out of nowhere last year and put together a great regular season - one that included a fifth-place finish at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Perhaps the length of the collegiate season got to Thompson as he faltered a bit down the stretch, with a loss in the MAC finals and a 1-2 showing at nationals. Looking at his season with a wide lens, Thompson went 27-8 and earned the #12 seed at NCAA’s. 
    That’s a decent amount of names and I don’t expect each and every one of them to make the NCAA podium. However, if two from that group step up and join Noto/Kellar, then the conference will outwrestle its NCAA performance from 2024. 

    Earl Smith -

    Read more...
    • Which Schools Nabbed the Most Super 32 Placers Since 2019?

      Which Schools Nabbed the Most Super 32 Placers Since 2019?

    • The EIWA gets Two Notable 2026 Verbal's

      The EIWA gets Two Notable 2026 Verbal's

    • Ten Burning Questions for the MAC in 2024-25

      Ten Burning Questions for the MAC in 2024-25

×
×
  • Create New...