For excellence among individuals, five No. 1 in the nation wrestlers are entered in this tournament: Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) at 106 pounds, Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, Ohio) at 120, Joey Dance (Christiansburg, Va.) at 126, Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) at 182, and Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) at 220; with another seven wrestlers are either ranked second or third
Josh Lowe, InterMat high school analyst, will be covering the tournament with a live notebook article as well as updates on his personal twitter account (@JoshMLowe). Updated quarterfinal pairings and team scores will be provided after Saturday's competition with a recap game story being published after the completion of the event. Brackets and tournament updates will be available on either the event website, or through TrackWrestling.com.
Wrestling starts each day at 8:30 a.m. ET at the Bob Carpenter Center on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. Competition on Saturday will involve three full championship rounds to set up the quarterfinals and four consolation rounds to narrow the field down to 16 overall. Expect the round of 16 on Saturday to start at around 5:30 p.m. Competition on Sunday will start with the quarterfinals, semifinals starting at approximately 11:30 a.m., and all consolations rounds up to the medal matches. Medal matches for the top eight places will start at about 3:15 p.m.
The following is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the tournament (please note all analysis assumes that the seeds hold and/or there are no changes in participants from Thursday night):
106:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), No. 3 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), No. 6 Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio), No. 12 Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), and No. 13 Brandon Olsen (Indian River, Va.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: freshmen T.K. Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) and Ethan McCoy (Kiski Prep, Pa.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Bierdumpfel, a battle of Cadet National double All-Americans
Commentary: Five nationally ranked wrestlers are present in this weight class; however, the overall depth in this weight behind the elite group is not present. Leading the way here is the nation's number one ranked wrestler, Suriano, who won the Super 32 Challenge two months ago. His path to the finals involves a likely quarterfinal against state runner-up Tommy Aloi (Forest Park, Va.), who was also a NHSCA Junior runner-up. The likely semifinal is against Brandon Olsen, a state placer that took fifth at the Super 32; presuming Olsen gets past state placer Tyler McBridge (Camden Catholic, N.J.) in his probable quarterfinal match.
Two-time Cadet freestyle All-American Assad likely has the toughest path to the final coming from the two seed. He is looking at the winner of the Prata/Bierdumpfel match in the quarterfinal, and then a match against New York state runner-up, and a fourth place finisher at the Super 32, Rodriguez in what could be a state finals preview in Ohio's big-school division come March.
Predicting a finals match: Suriano over Assad
The rest of the top eight: Rodriguez, Bierdumpfel, Olsen, McBride, Aloi, and Prata
113:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 5 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.), No. 12 Zach Fuentes (Norristown, Pa.), and No. 14 Aaron Assad (Brecksville, Ohio)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Bryce Gentry (Colonial Forge, Va.), who has twice finished fourth at state; state qualifier Tyrone Klump (Nazareth, Pa.); and two-time state qualifier Tyler Casamenti (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Fuentes vs. Ryan Friedman (St. Paul's, Md.), who was third at National Preps; A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa.) vs. Sean Badua (Osbourn Park, Va.), Cadet freestyle All-American and Super 32 placer against a state champion; and Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Ricky Cavallo (Hempfield Area, Pa.), Cadet freestyle runner-up against a Powerade runner-up.
Commentary: Though there are only three nationally ranked wrestlers, along with two additional competitors who are returning Beast placers, this is an extremely deep and well-balanced weight class. The top seed is Fleetwood, a two-time Super 32 placer and a Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer. His path to the final will not be easy, starting with a quarterfinal against either Fuentes or Friedman; and then the winner of the Headlee, Badua, Tucker, Cavallo pod in the semifinal round.
Looking at the bottom half of draw, it is led by three-time state placer Aaron Assad, a Junior National freestyle All-American and returning Beast placer. His path to the final involves a possible round of 16 match against state champion Kyson Levin (Pleasant Grove, Utah), a quarterfinal against two-time Beast placer Jeremy Schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and then a possible semifinal against either state champion Anthony Cefolo (Hanover Park, N.J.) -- also a Beast placer last year -- or two-time state placer Tanner Shoap (Chambersburg, Pa.)
Predicting a finals match: Fleetwood over Assad
The rest of the top eight: Fuentes, Tucker, Headlee, Shoap, Cefolo, and Cavallo
120:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Nathan Tomasello (CVCA, Ohio), No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 4 Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area, Pa.), No. 5 Darian Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), No. 10 Coy Ozias (Christiansburg, Va.), and No. 10 (at 113) Luis Gonzalez (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: two-time Beast placer Zach Ulerick (Middletown, Pa.), New England regional champion Will Crisco (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and notable freshman Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: two-time state champion Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.) vs. Gonzalez; state champion David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Super 32 placer Christian Innarella (Delbarton, N.J.), Innarella beat Bavery 5-2 at the Super 32; Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.) vs. Robert Trombetta (Nutley, N.J.) in a battle of statate placer
Commentary: A tournament-high six nationally ranked wrestlers are present here, and the six past Beast placers is also a tournament high. Those two buckets capture ten wrestlers. That, combined with the quality of the lower seeds and non-seeds, make this an extremely strong weight class. Competition will be fierce from the word “go” and upsets are likely. The top seed in this weight is three-time state champion and two-time Junior National freestyle champion Tomasello. His path the final likely involves either Hight or two-time state placer Gonzalez in the quarterfinal, and then either Krivus or Ozias in the semifinal (this pair of two-time Super 32 placers are likely to meet in the quarterfinal round).
The bottom half of the draw has extreme depth, led by the second seed Kolodzik, who was a Cadet freestyle champion this summer, and the three-seed Cruz who has won the Beast each of the last two years. These two wrestlers met in a hotly contested Ironman semifinal match last year that Kolodzik won 2-1. However, they'll have to battle to meet in the semis. For Kolodzik, he's looking at a quarterfinal date against either Joseph, who was runner-up here at 106 last year, or Trombetta; while Cruz will likely see returning placer Sean Button (Kellam, Va.) in the round of 16 before facing either Bavery or Innarella if the seeds hold.
Predicting a finals match: Tomasello over Cruz
The rest of the top eight: Kolodzik, Krivus, Ozias, Joseph, Bavery, and Hight
126:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Joey Dance (Christiansburg, Va.), No. 3 Ryan Diehl (Trinity, Pa.), and No. 14 Judson Preskitt (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 15 Anthony Giraldo (North Bergen, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: NHSCA Freshman nationals champ Austin Riggs (Robinson, Va.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: David McFadden (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) vs. Billy Ward (Buena Regional, N.J.), state runner-up against 2011 state third; and Zach Valley (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Tyler Carney (Smyrna, Del.), state fifth against state runner-up.
Commentary: The simple story in this weight is to say that we'll get the final here that we missed out on in the Super 32 with Dance and Diehl battling it out for a title. Even if we end up at that point, there are at least nine other pretty accomplished wrestlers in this weight to make earning placement here an accomplishment. The top seed here is Dance, who is seeking an elusive Beast title after placing sixth as a freshman and second the last two years. He is looking at a quarterfinal against either state champion Zeke Salvo (Mt. St. Joseph, Md.) or state placer Jeff Stone (Colonial Forge, Va.), and then a semifinal against the one who emerges from the pod of Preskitt, McFadden, and Ward. Preskitt was runner-up to Dance two weekends ago at the Ironman, and is a two-time National Prep placer.
Three-time state champion Diehl, who won his first two titles in West Virginia before transferring into Pennsylvania for his junior season, is the second seed in this weight class; he placed third in the Super 32 after losing in overtime in the semis. His path to the final involves a quarterfinal against either Valley or Carney, and then a semifinal against either two-time state placer Giraldo -- who took fifth at the Super 32 after losing 7-1 to Diehl in the consolation semis -- or state runner-up Matt Grossman (Manheim Township, Pa.)
Predicting a finals match: Dance over Diehl
The rest of the top eight: Preskitt, Giraldo, McFadden, Ward, Grossman, and Valley
132:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 4 Brandon Jeske (Cox, Va.), No. 9 Dennis Gustafson (Forest Park, Va.), and No. 11 P.J. Klee (Blair Academy, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state qualifier Connor Burkert (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Geoff Verallis (Northfield Mt. Herman, Mass.) vs. Bryce Killian (Middletown, Pa.), Beast and National Prep fifth place-finisher against 2011 Super 32 placer; Nick Anderson (Delbarton, N.J.) vs. Cortland Schuyler (Manheim Township, Pa.), state placer against state qualifier
Commentary: Even with five wrestlers that have placed in past Beast tournaments -- which is tied for second most in the tournament -- including three nationally ranked, the depth behind the projected placers is not as solid as in some of the surrounding weight classes. Leading the way here is defending champion Jeske, who is one of six wrestlers seeking to become a four-time Beast of the East placer, with additional placements of third as a sophomore and second as a freshman. He is the top seed and is looking at a path to the finals that involves state placer Chase Zemenak (Nazareth, Pa.) in the quarterfinal, and then the survivor of the Verallis, Killian, Anderson, and Schuyler pod in the semifinal.
The bottom half of the draw features Beast of the East runner-up Klee as the two seed and NHSCA Junior runner-up Gustafoson -- also a two-time Beast placer -- as the third seed. Klee has a rather clear path to the semifinal, while Gustafson is looking at a quarterfinal date with two-time National Prep placer Daniel Sanchez (Georgetown Prep, Md.), who also was a Junior Greco-Roman All-American this past summer.
Predicting a finals match: Jeske over Gustafson
The rest of the top eight: Klee, Sanchez, Verallis, Killian, Anderson, and Zemenak
138:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 5 Tyson Dippery (Central Dauphin, Pa.), No. 6 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), and No. 7 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state qualifier Ryan Burkert (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.), New England regional fourth placer Jake Savoca (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Justin Alexander (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.), and Alvonte Drummond (Milford, Del.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Brian Hamann (Jackson Memorial, N.J.) vs. Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio), two-time fourth in the state against state placer; Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley, Pa.) vs. Max Good (Cedar Cliff, Pa.), Cadet freestyle runner-up and state placer against two-time state qualifier; and Clay Walker (Eastside, S.C.) vs. Ethan Kenney (Connellsville, Pa.), two-time state champion against two-time state placer
Commentary: The top four seeds are either nationally ranked, or have placed previously at the Beast of the East, three in each category. There is also solid depth of competition among the projected placers, and those likely to make the second day. Top seed in this weight class is National Prep runner-up Bannister, who also placed second at the Beast last year and was a NHSCA Sophomore national champion. His path to the final is likely to involve two-time National Prep placer Xavi Ramos (McDonogh, Md.) in the quarter, whom he already beat at the Ray Oliver Invitational three weekends ago, and then the survivor of the Duggan, Good, Hamann, and Bast pod in the semifinal round.
The bottom half of the draw features second seeded Dippery, who has placed third three times and is seeking an elusive Beast finals appearance (and then title). His path to the final involves an interesting quarterfinal against either Walker or Kenney, and then a potential semifinal date with the freshman sensation Manville. Manville was a Cadet National double finalist this summer, a runner-up at the Ironman, and placed third at state up at 152 last year while competing for Apple Valley as an eighth grader. He is looking at a quarterfinal match against either state champion Dallas Smith (Robinson, Va.) or state runner-up Chase McDaniel (Cave Spring, Va.)
Predicting a finals match: Dippery over Bannister, which is a battle of NHSCA champions (junior over sophomore)
The rest of the top eight: Manville, Duggan, Hamann, Kenney, Bast, and Walker
145:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 8 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) and No. 8 (at 138) T.J. Miller (Camden Catholic, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: freshman Joe Grello (Bergen Catholic) and open wheel racing star Sage Karam (Nazareth, Pa.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Mikey Springer (Norristown, Pa.) vs. Beau Donahue (Westfield, Va.), state placer against two-time state champion, and George Weber (John Carroll, Md.) vs. Daniel Downes (St. Mark's, Del.), three-time National Prep placer against state champion.
Commentary: Even though only two wrestlers are ranked nationally in what is the deepest weight class in the nation, the presence of five past Beast placers -- tied for second most in the tournament -- reflect the quality within this group. Defending champion Milonas, a two-time National Prep runner-up and Junior National freestyle All-American, is the top seed. His path to the final likely involves a quarterfinal match against either Springer or Donahue, and then a semifinal against three-time state placer Miller who placed sixth at the Beast as a freshman in 2009. Miller is looking at a path to the semi that includes a round of 16 match against state placer Will Davis (Woodbridge, Del.) and a quarterfinal against National Prep placer Tyrel White (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), who was third in Junior Greco-Roman this summer.
The bottom half of the draw is anchored by National Prep champion Clark, a two-time Beast placer -- including third last year. He has a very tough quarterfinal against Weber, though it is a wrestler that he has outplaced in previous tournaments; and then looks at a semifinal date against either Chris Vassar (Cedar Cliff, Pa.) or Ryan Todora (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), both of whom are two-time state placers.
Predicting a finals match: Milonas over Clark, avenging his National Prep finals loss for the second time this season
The rest of the top eight: Miller, Weber, Vassar, White, Donahue, and Todora
152:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 6 Russ Parsons (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 9 Garrett Hammond (Chambersburg, Pa.), No. 11 Wayne Stinson (North Burlington, N.J.), and No. 17 Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Super 32 placer Austin Rose (Central Dauphin, Pa.) and two-time state placer Max Wilt (Caesar Rodney, Del.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Toby Hague (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), National Prep runner-up and Super 32 placer against Cadet double All-American and Ironman placer; Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.), Ironman placer against state runner-up; and Robert Janis (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Zach Kelly (Kiski Prep, Pa.), battle of National Prep placers, Janis placed sixth at Beast last year while Kelly was sixth at the Super 32.
Commentary: The presence of four nationally ranked wrestlers does not indicate how deep the field is in this weight class. The pool of wrestlers that could place top six here goes into the double digits. The top seed in this weight is National Prep champion Parsons, a two-time Beast placer who also was a Junior freestyle All-American this summer. His path to the final involves a quarterfinal against either Hague or Weiler, and then a semifinal against either Stinson or Chad Walsh (Camden Catholic, N.J.). Stinson placed seventh at the Beast last year, is a three-time state qualifier, and placed third at the Super 32 but is yet to place at state; while Walsh is a three-time state placer, and finished eighth at the Super 32 two months ago.
In the bottom half of the draw, state champion and Super 32 runner-up Hammond is the second seed. His path to the final involves a quarterfinal date with either Janis or Kelly; and then a semifinal date with Bass, Dailey, or Misuna. Bass placed at the Beast as a freshman, is a two-time state runner-up, and was a Junior freestyle All-American this past summer. He is the three seed, and has a likely quarterfinal date with either Janis or Kelly.
Predicting a finals match: Parsons over Hammond
The rest of the top eight: Stinson, Bass, Weiler, Walsh, Hague, and Misuna
160:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 4 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), No. 6 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.), No. 10 Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin, Pa.), and No. 17 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley, Pa.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Connor Hedash (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.); Dom Scalise (Kiski Prep, Pa.) and John Grossi (Germantown Academy, Pa.), both who were a match away from placing at the Ironman
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Greg Bacci (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. Dylan Wisman (Millbrook, Va.), National Prep placer against state runner-up; and Jack Wedholm (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. John Faugno (Glen Ridge, N.J.), Ironman placer against state qualifier
Commentary: Four wrestlers are nationally ranked in this weight class, and this quartet stands out as the head of the class. Based on the draw, it should make for an intriguing semifinal round. In the top half, Llopez and Martin project to meet for a third time this season, and they could meet at least three more times as they both go through the National Prep series; while Peppelman and Warner would meet up for the first time of what could be many on the way to a state finals match, as they both reside in Pennsylvania's district 3.
Llopez, a two-time Super 32 finalist (2011 champion) and a Junior National freestyle champion this summer, is looking at a quarterfinal match with either Bacci or Wiseman. Cadet freestyle runner-up Martin, who also was a runner-up at National Preps last year, is looking at a quarterfinal against most likely NHSCA Junior runner-up John Balboni (David Brearley, N.J.). State runner-up Warner, who placed fifth at Beast last year, is looking at either Wedholm or Faugno in his quarterfinal. State champion Peppelman, a two-time Super 32 placer and third at the Beast last year, possibly has two-time New York state placer Nicky Hall (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) looming in his quarterfinal match.
Predicting a finals match: Peppelman over Llopez, reversing the Super 32 semifinal match result
The rest of the top eight: Martin, Warner, Balboni, Hall, Faugno, and Hedash
170:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 3 Zach Epperly (Christiansburg, Va.) and No. 19 Patrick Coover (Blair Academy, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: National Prep placer Terrell Forbes (St. Benedict's Prep, N.J.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Zach Boyles (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Luke Farinaro (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), state champion against state qualifier
Commentary: This weight has tied for the least nationally ranked wrestlers with two; and tied for the second least past Beast placers, also with two (Coover and Epperly). Defending champion Epperly -- the top seed - is an extreme favorite to repeat. He is a three-time state champion, two-time Super 32 placer, and finished fourth in Junior freestyle this past summer, and has an extremely manageable path the top final, most likely involves a semifinal against either Brett Stein (Forest Park, Va.) or Joey Krulock (Mechanicsburg, Pa.). Stein placed third at state, and was fifth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals, while Krulock placed seventh at state.
In the bottom half of the draw, National Prep champion and returning Beast placer Coover is the second seed. His path to the final starts with a quarterfinal against either Boyles or Farinaro, and then a likely semifinal against state placer Quentin Hiles (Brecksville, Ohio), who placed sixth at the Ironman two weeks ago; this presumes Hiles is able to clear Colton Peppelman (Central Dauphin, Pa.) in his projected quarterfinal bout.
Predicting a finals match: Epperly over Coover
The rest of the top eight: Krulock, Stein, Hiles, Farinaro, Boyles, and Peppelman
182:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 4 Brett Harner (Norristown, Pa.), No. 7 Johnny Sebastian (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), and No. 19 Addison Knepshield (Blair Academy, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state qualifier James Kellner (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: none in particular
Commentary: Morris seeks a second Beast title and fourth placement finish in this tournament, having finished fifth as a freshman and second as a junior to augment last year's title. The nation's number one wrestlers is looking at a quarterfinal date against state placer Zach Martinez (Colonial Forge, Va.) before a likely semifinal against either Knepshield or Troy Murtha (Georgetown Prep, Md.). Knepshield placed fourth at the Ironman two weeks ago and was fourth at National Preps in 2011, while Murtha placed eighth at the Beast last year, third at National Preps, and fifth at the Super 32.
The bottom half of the draw is anchored by Sebastian and Harner, who finished second and third at the Beast last year in the 160 pound weight class. They occupy those seeds respectively this year. State champion Sebastian is extremely likely to advance to the semis, while three-time state placer and Super 32 runner-up Harner has a match against returning Beast placer Jose Ortiz (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) looming in the quarterfinal round; Ortiz was also a state qualifier last year, and has finished second at both the NHSCA freshman and sophomore nationals.
Predicting a finals match: Morris over Harner, rematch of an Ironman semifinal that went to overtime
The rest of the top eight: Sebastian, Knepshield, Ortiz, Murtha, Martinez, and Kellner
195:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 2 Ryan Solomon (Milton, Pa.), No. 3 Frank Mattiace (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 8 Raymond O'Donnell (Saucon Valley, Pa.), No. 11 Joe Tayse (Massillon Perry, Ohio), and No. 19 Razohn Gross (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: two-time state qualifier Josh Alpha (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.); state qualifier Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio); state placer Anthony Mancini (Salesanium, Del.); Cadet double third place-finisher, and Super 32 third place-finisher Christian Jenco (Bergen Catholic); and Jordan Fox (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: none in particular based on the top 12 seeds; however, some of the non-seeds can most certainly create some
Commentary: While the Ironman was not very strong in this weight class, the Beast of the East is extremely strong here with five nationally ranked wrestlers, and a quality wrestler list that creeps into double digits. Extremely impressive for a weight class -- that along with 182 -- is the one people argue was the “added weight” in the NFHS configuration change effective last year. The top seed in this weight class is three-time state placer Solomon, a state champion this past year and a three-time Fargo double All-American. His path to the final will not be easy, as if the seeds hold, it would entail a quarterfinal against Spencer Neff (Good Counsel, Md.) who placed third at the Super 32 and fifth at National Preps. Then the semifinal would likely be against state champion Gross or National Prep third place finisher L.J. Barlow (Haverford School, Pa.)
The bottom half of the draw features three nationally ranked wrestlers, led by two-time Beast placer Mattiace, who was a National Prep champion last year. His path to the finals involves a likely quarterfinal against state placer Zach Roseberry (Brentsville, Va.), who also was a NHSCA Junior runner-up; and then a semifinal against either Super 32 runner-up O'Donnell, who is also a two-time state placer, or state champion Tayse.
Predicting a finals match: Solomon over Mattiace
The rest of the top eight: O'Donnell, Tayse, Gross, Jenco, Roseberry, and Neff
220:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.), No. 11 Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state qualifier Austin Linden (Brecksville, Ohio)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: none in particular
Commentary: Only four wrestlers are captured from the list of two that are nationally ranked (tied for least in the tournament) and three past placers, which makes this among the least deep weights of the tournament. However, there is a clear anchor in the junior Snyder, who is after a third consecutive Beast title. Should he win this year, which is extremely likely, next year he could become on the second wrestler ever to win four titles at the Beast. Obviously he is the top seed, and is looking at a semifinal date against either Ironman seventh placer David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.) or state qualifier Armond Cox (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.).
Second seed in this weight is Arizona state champion Ryan, a Junior National double All-American this past summer. He is looking at a semifinal match against one of two returning Beast placers -- either Zach Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), who placed sixth at state; or Marshall Hollerith (St. Christopher's, Va.), who finished eighth at the Ironman two weeks ago.
Predicting a finals match: Snyder over Ryan
The rest of the top eight: Chakonis, Showunmi, Hollerith, Linden, Cox, and Brandon Dennison (Pleasant Grove, Utah)
285:
Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 2 Brooks Black (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 7 (at 220) Aaron Bradley (Nazareth, Pa.), and No. 9 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Ironman placers Jemal Averette (Good Counsel, Md.) and Stefano Millian (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
Key potential round of 16 matchups: Jake Pinkston (Robinson, Va.) vs. Carmine Goldsack (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), state runner-up against state qualifier
Commentary: Brooks Black is seeking to become a three-time Beast champion, just as he earned that status at the Ironman two weeks ago; and to become a four-time placer in both tournaments (every year at heavyweight), placing third in each as a freshman. His path to the final likely involves a quarterfinal against Ironman placer Zach DeLuca (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.), and a semifinal against either Pinkston or Zach Dawe (Pleasant Grove, Utah), who was fifth at the Beast last year and won a title at the Reno TOC last week. The bottom half of the draw is led by two seed Johnson, Jr. -- a National Prep runner-up who placed third here as a freshman last year. He is looking at a likely semifinal against Bradley, who was a state runner-up at 220 last year.
Predicting a finals match: Black over Johnson, Jr. -- repeating the matchup from the Ironman final two weeks ago
The rest of the top eight: Bradley, Dawe, Pinkston, DeLuca, Averette, and Jeff Miller (Camden Catholic, N.J.)
Fun facts, figures, and history
Last year, Mark Grey (Cornell/Blair Academy, N.J.) became the first wrestler in event history to win four titles, while five others are three-timers at the Beast of the East. This weekend, three wrestlers have the chance to win a third title at the event: Darian Cruz at 120, Kyle Snyder at 220, and Brooks Black at 285. Snyder is only a junior, and should he win this weekend, he would have the chance to join Grey at the December 2013 edition of the Beast. Other returning champions include Brandon Jeske at 132; Dylan Milonas at 145; Zach Epperly at 170; and Eric Morris at 182. Defending champion Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) is not competing this weekend due to injury, nor is 2010 champion J.R. Wert (Christiansburg, Va.).
In addition, six wrestlers are seeking to become four-time placers this weekend at the Beast: Darian Cruz at 120, Joey Dance at 126, Brandon Jeske at 132, Tyson Dippery at 138, Eric Morris at 182, and Brooks Black at 285.
This past summer at the Olympic Games in London, England, four Beast of the East alumni competed in the freestyle event. Gold medalist Jordan Burroughs failed to place during his senior year in December 2005 at 135 pounds; bronze medalist Coleman Scott was a two-time finalist, winning the 125 pound weight class in December 2003 of his senior season; Jake Herbert finished as runner-up at 160 in December 2001 during his junior season, which happened to be his last loss in high school; and Franklin Gomez was a champion at 119 pounds in December 2004 of his senior season.
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