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Here are the NCAA point totals as scored from the round of 32 using a 1.5 point TF for all 15 point wins and the current placement point allocation for all pairs of champs at back to back weights since 1970 inclusive. The 2000-present best Iowa 1-2s are also included. The list is ordered by combined team points first than year. The minimum number of team points from two champs is 40 (assuming no subtractions and zero bonus) and the maximum is 60 (all pinfalls). No one pair hit the maximum. The closest a single wrestler was to the max in the set was David Taylor in 2012 with 29.5. One pair hit the minimum - Steve Marianetti and Ernest Benion both won titles in 1995 without scoring a single bonus point. 2012: David Taylor (1st 165), Ed Ruth (1st 174); Total (29.5+26.5=56) 2017: Zain Retherford (1st 149), Jason Nolf (1st 157); Total (28+27=55) 1973: Wade Schalles (1st 158), Bill Simpson(1st 167); Total (28+24=52) 1983: Ed Banach (1st 190), Lou Banach (1st Unl); Total (25+27=52) 1992: Tom Brands (1st 134), Troy Steiner (1st 142); Total (25+26.5=51.5) 1972: Ben Peterson (1st 190), Chris Taylor (1st Unl); Total (27+24=51) 1986: Kevin Dresser (1st 142), Jim Heffernan (1st 150); Total (26+25=51) 2019: Bo Nickal (1st 197), Anthony Cassar (1st 285): Total (27+24=51) 1992: Terry Brands (1st 126), Tom Brands (1st 134); Total (25.5+25=50.5) 2005: Johny Hendricks (1st 165), Chris Pendleton (1st 174); Total (25+25.5=50.5) 2024: Aaron Brooks (1st 197), Greg Kerkvliet (1st 285); Total (27+23.5=50.5)* 2017: Jason Nolf (1st 157), Vincenzo Joseph (1st 165); Total (27+23=50) 2017: Mark Hall (1st 174), Bo Nickal (1st 184); Total (22.5+27.5=50) 1975: Chuck Yagla (1st 150), Pat Holm (1st 158); Total (25+24.5=49.5) 1997: Lincoln McIlravy (1st 150), Joe Williams (1st 158); Total (24+25.5=49.5) 1970: Jason Smith (1st 167), Chuck Jean (1st 177); Total (25+24=49) 1982: Dave Schultz (1st 167), Mark Schultz (1st 177); Total (24+25=49) 1970: Dwayne Keller (1st 126), Darrell Keller (1st 134); Total (25.5+23=48.5) 1990: Terry Brands (1st 126), Tom Brands (1st 134); Total (23.5+24.5=48) 2018: Zain Retherford (1st 149), Jason Nolf (1st 157); Total (25+23=48) 1980: Joe Gonzales (1st 118), John Azevedo (1st 118); Total (24.5+23=47.5) 1984: Jim Scherr (1st 177), Bill Scherr (1st 190); Total (20**+27.5=47.5) 1996: Joe Williams (1st 158), Daryl Weber (1st 167); Total (22.5+25=47.5) 1987: Tim Krieger (1st 150), Stewart Carter (1st 158); Total (22+25=47) 1998: Teague Moore (1st 118), Eric Guerrero (1st 126); Total (23+24=47) 2002: Jared Lawrence (1st, 149), Luke Becker (1st 157); Total (23+24=47) 1993: Lincoln McIlravy (1st 142), Terry Steiner (1st 150); Total (21.5+25=46.5) 2023: Carter Starocci (1st 174), Aaron Brooks (1st 184); Total (24+22.5=46.5) 1970: Dave Martin (1st 158), Jason Smith (1st 167); Total (21+25=46) 1985: Melvin Douglas (1st 177), Dan Chaid (1st 190); Total (22+23=46) 1987: Royce Alger (1st 167), Rico Chiapparelli (1st 177); Total (25+21=46) 1999: Doug Schwab (1st 141), TJ Williams (1st 149); Total (22+24=46) 2005: Jake Rosholt (1st 197), Steve Mocco (1st 285); Total (20+23=46) 2021: Roman Bravo-Young (1st 133), Nick Lee (1st 141); Total (22.5+23.5=46) 2022: Roman Bravo-Young (1st 133), Nick Lee (1st 141); Total (23+23=46) 2025: Ridge Lovett (1st 149),Antrell Taylor (1st 157); Total (22.5+23.5=46)* 1998: Mark Ironside (1st 134), Jeff McGinness (1st 142); Total (23.5+22=45.5) 2000: Juergens (1st 133), Schwab (3rd 141); Total (25+20.5=45.5)+ 2017: Vincenzo Joseph (1st 165), Mark Hall (1st 174); Total (23+22.5=45.5) 1994: Pat Smith (1st 158), Mark Branch (1st 167); Total (24+21=45) 2018: Jason Nolf (1st 157), Vincenzo Joseph (1st 165); Total (23+21=44) 2021: Lee (1st 125), DeSanto (3rd 133); Total (24.5+19.5=44)+ 2022: Carter Starocci (1st 174), Aaron Brooks (1st 184); Total (22+22=44) 2008: Perry (1st 165), Borschell (3rd 174); Total (25+18.5=43.5)+ 2012: McDonough (1st 125), Ramos (3rd 133); Total (26+17.5=43.5)+ 2012: Steve Bosak (1st 184), Cam Simaz (1st 197); Total (21+22.5=43.5) 2022: Aaron Brooks (1st 184), Max Dean (1st 197); Total (22+21.5=43.5) 1972: Greg Johnson (1st 118), Pat Milkovich (1st 126); Total (22+21=43) 1993: Markus Mollica (1st 158), Ray Miller (1st 167); Total (20+23=43) 1993: Kevin Randleman (1st 177), Rex Holman (1st 190); Total (20+23=43) 2000: Strittmatter (3rd 125), Juergens (1st 133); Total (18+25=43)+ 2001: Strittmatter (2nd 125), Juergens (1st 133); Total (20+22=42)+ 2010: Jake Varner (21st 197), David Zabriskie (1st 285); Total (22+20=42) 2021: Carter Starocci (1st 174), Aaron Brooks (1st 184); Total (20+21.5=41.5) 1976: Lee Kemp (1st 158), Pat Christenson (1st 167); Total (21+20=41) 2001: Juergens (1st 133), Schwab (2nd 141); Total (22+19=41)+ 1995: Steve Marianetti (1st 150), Ernest Benion (1st 158); Total (20+20=40) 2017: Gilman (3rd 125), Clark (1st 133); Total (19.5+20=39.5)+ 2010: McDonough (1st 125), Dennis (2nd 133); Total (23.5+16=39.5)+ 2010: Marion (2nd 141), Metcalf (1st 149); Total (16+23=39)+ 2016: Gilman (2nd 125), Clark (2nd 133); Total (21.5+16=37.5)++ 2007: Perry (1st 165), Luedke (3rd 174); Total (22+13.5=35.5)+ 2005: Johnston (2nd 157), Perry (2nd 165); Total (17+18=35)++ 2010: Dennis (2nd 133), Marion (2nd 141); Total (16+16=32)++ * 3 point TD ** Bye in the round of 32 + One non-champ in the duo ++ Two non-champs in the duo

My brother was a survivor of Dr. Strauss and an ongoing victim of Ohio State (stealing a line from the doc). I was a mediocre wrestler at Oregon State. My brother is 6 years younger than me and was highly recruited. I had not heard good things about Coach Hellickson from people I trusted and tried to talk him out of going to Ohio State. He had friends there, and he really loved Coach Jordan. He is not interviewed in the documentary, but his name does appear prominently during the portion of the doc where they are highlighting the names of the guys being interviewed on the original lawsuit filing, below Coleman's name. He was warned by some of his teammates and fellow plaintiffs not to watch it. But he was at kid nationals in Iowa and his roommate fell asleep watching HBO. My brother woke up to the documentary about 10 minutes in. Called me in the middle of the night completely falling apart. After all, he was going to be in the UNI-Dome the next day with scores of people he knew. He got through that OK, although there was one guy who kept harassing him about it, "It wasn't really that bad. Why didn't you just kick his ass, etc." One of my brother's people got rid of that guy. The suffering continues for these men. The current administration at Ohio State is trying to wash their hands of it: "it happened before we were here...statute of limitations...etc." But they continued to take actions to cover it up, because they knew it went deeper than the 177 original plaintiffs. Now for my mea culpa: My brother went from a star student committed to a championship lifestyle to struggling with school and substance abuse. For years, I resented him for "wasting" the talent and all his hard work. He continued to wrestle, NAIA AA, OTC Athlete, etc. but was a shadow of himself. I blamed him for it, and of course, we all make our choices. Like I tell my athletes, "There are reasons for things not excuses." I mostly cut him out of my life for a handful of years. Fortunately, a sports psychologist at the OTC recognized there was something else going on with him and he got help, even though it wasn't until years later that he unearthed the horrors he endured. He came to watch my son compete in Pocatello in 2012 and it was the first time he had anything to do with wrestling in years. He is now a great coach and mentor to kids. We are closer than we have ever been but I will never forgive myself for my lack of empathy and anger toward him. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories like his. Strauss destroyed what these men could have been. Ohio State could have stopped it. It is on record that the athletic administration, and Coach Hellickson, knew about it before my brother enrolled in Columbus. They could have stopped it. They could have warned him. But they didn't. I have a special distaste for Congressman Jordan. But, as my mental health professional wife once pointed out, it is quite possible that Jim was a victim as well. Yes, he went to U of Wisc. but he was an Ohio phenom and I am sure he spent plenty of time in Columbus.

Pat Christenson (University of Wisconsin) was an NCAA champ (167) in 1977. Prior to that, he had never placed at the NCAA nor did he place at the state meet while in high school (Wisconsin). Came out of nowhere.

At least visually, this is quite an improvement over a few days ago. The haircut and shave help, but his face is fuller.

If Garrett Thompson, currently at Ohio, was the #4 seed at 174 and won 2 matches at NCAAs this past year, ever gets on the podium he might be a good answer - never even qualified for PA states. He's got one year left at Ohio to try and AA

You should watch his wrestling camp parody, where he teaches kids how to stall and only score enough points to win. He gets real coaches to play along. It's hilarious. edit: found it. Stall Camp

And I am sure Bo Nickal is 100% in the know on today's compliance structure/rules as well as the CRTC comings and goings.

A " small" correction there, OMW... Newton HS in Sussex Co. NJ + Blair Academy(PG?) Dist. champ & Reg. runner-up... so he qualified for the NJSIAA state tournament. https://www.njherald.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2019/01/22/newton-s-ayres-shaping-pride/4155747007/ But I laud you for picking up on Chris's accomplishment for LEHIGH! My late wife and yours truly were in attendance at PENN ST/Bryce Jordan Arena in 1999. to witness Chris getting AA honors (6th). His losses were all close bouts (5-3 to runner up Clint Musser Penn St QF... 4-3 in the consi-SF to Bryan Snyder of Nebraska who finished 4th... and Minnesota's Chad Kraft, 2-1 in the 5/6 bout.) Bonus (IF my memory of it was correct... ) was that Chris, after getting his medal on the podium, proposed to his then GF and future wife, Lori. What a way to end your collegiate career, eh? D3

Jealous and vindictive is what he is. Couldn't beat him. Can't be him.

Don't listen to these guys. It's OSU, OSU and OSU. Dealer's choice.

You’re a troll or not wanting to understand the situation. Not. Sure. Don’t care. Yes — You Must Report Under both federal Title IX and Penn State policy, as a coach, you are a “mandated” or “responsible” employee—so you must report any disclosure of sexual misconduct, even if the victim or perpetrator isn’t named. Title IX – Federal Law & Penn State Policy (AD‑85) Penn State’s AD‑85 policy designates all employees—including athletic coaches—as responsible employees. They are “obligated to pass along information they learn about incidents of sexual misconduct to the University’s Title IX Coordinator” Marquette Law Scholarship+12universityethics.psu.edu+12studentaffairs.psu.edu+12. Failure to report can lead to violations under 34 C.F.R. § 106.8(b), which require universities to “respond appropriately to notice of sex discrimination” U.S. Department of Education. Penn State Requirements Penn State’s Office of Ethics & Compliance explicitly confirms: “mandatory reporters ... are obligated to pass along information they learn about incidents of sexual misconduct to the University's Title IX Coordinator.”universityethics.psu.edu+1Spotlight PA+1 AD‑85 demands that any possible sexual harassment/incidents be reported promptly to the Title IX CoordinatorLexology+15U.S. Department of Education+15Furman University+15. You can contact the PSU Title IX Office at TitleIX@psu.edu or call 814‑867‑0099, as listed on the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response site universityethics.psu.edu+4studentaffairs.psu.edu+4Spotlight PA+4. What You Should Do Report Promptly Notify Penn State’s Title IX Coordinator using the official reporting channels (email or phone, see above). Provide All Available Info Even without names, report the nature of the allegation (rape via digital penetration). Do Not Investigate Yourself Your role is to report; PSU Title IX will determine next steps. Inform the Reporting Athlete Let them know the report has been made, and that PSU offices will take over while trying to maintain confidentiality. Encourage Confidential Support Resources Your athlete may seek help through PSU resources (like R‑VOICE, CAPS) which are confidential U.S. Department of Education+1Student Discipline Defense+1studentaffairs.psu.edu. Why This Matters Federal compliance: Title IX mandates that reports of sexual misconduct be handled without delay. Ignoring or withholding information can result in institutional violations . Penn State’s history: In prior OCR reviews (e.g., Sandusky scandal), PSU failed to report incidents from within athletics—highlighting the university’s heightened responsibility and scrutiny . Protection for minors: Though not specified here, Pennsylvania law also requires reporting suspected child abuse, including assault of minors, to ChildLine

if you want to get political that's fine. but do it on the NWT board.

I just stumbled across the old Jaggers finals match against Ryan Williams from the 2009 finals. Williams best finish was 7th in PIAAs during high school. Unlike our esteemed friend WKN, I pose a trivia question without having any answers.. But it raised the question.. who are some of the most successful D1 wrestlers you recall with a lack of high school success? Requirement for your answers is zero high school state championships. Don't you dare say Anthony Cassar on this thread.

Pretty certain yes. Also my understanding the two bros didn't attend the same HS, not that that necessary means anything.

ask a stupid question... when a guy commits who hasn't flipflopped before, I dont see any reason to lead with cynicism

You are sounding rather jimmyish.

very good nomination. how about Jamil Kelly being a zero time college AA but turning into an Olympic Silver

one red shirt year, four years of eligibility, two years in the RTC before joining as an assistant coach then becomes head coach seven years later. never leaves Ames. So eternity

Given its the off season check out Greg Warren on DRYBAR. He has several other good stand ups on YouTube. If you don't know who he is I'd suggest wait till you've watched half the routine before you google search him, its just better that way. Also, just wait on the Red Alert!

OMG- thanks for sharing!! This seriously had me rolling. Comedy gold! "For every action, there is an inaction." ~Wayne Newton

I have Askren at 26 teams points and Pell at 22.5 in 2007 using today's scoring and omitting any pigtails. That's a total of 48.5 which is more than many national champion 1-2s. Pretty sure that's the most for a Missouri 1-2 at NCAAs, but Pell had an unexpectedly good tournament that year. He placed 3rd from the 8 seed with 4 falls. Interesting how often Missouri wrestlers dropped weight back then. Pell dropped from 184 to 165 that aeason, Raymond Jordan was the 184 that year but would later drop to 174, and Max Askren was the 197. Max would later drop to 184 where he won a national title.

Uh... hmmmm. Something like... D3

Gosh... apologies to you, Antitroll! Completely bypassed your corrections to OMW by accident. (No harm, no foul... but, I must add a correction as Chris' last name is AYRES vs Ayers. But, of course, folks have been tripped up over his last name repeatedly. We live & learn.) D3

The Ghasempour comparisons that they're bringing up are not valid. Ghasempour can wrestle at another weight class like 92 kg at worlds. Even for the olympics, he has the option of trying out 86 or 97 kg. So it's not like it's one guy stopping him. Masoumi is 6 ft 6. There is no other weight he can make. You know who is a good comparison, Yasmani Acosta. He could have stayed put and not had a career behind Lopez and Oscar. Acosta transferred and now he's an Olympic Silver and World Bronze medalist.

One could argue that every loss he had in college was either injury (Amuchastegui) or he simply was overlooking the opponent and suddenly it was too late (Letts/Dean). Definitely "coulda/shoulda" been an undefeated 4xer in my book

To be fair - calling him a non-placer at PA states was still accurate

Simply. Outstanding. The single most impressive thing I've seen on any wrestling board ever. There are levels to wrestling and there are levels to fighting. And there are levels to fighting for your life.

A lot of great ones 1-2 punches, but throwing some love to a smaller program in Edinboro, Aaron Schopp and Mitchell Port were pretty dang good.

Desanto was pretty legit, had wins over Byrd, lovett, gross, rby, suriano, micic(world champ) That's a lot of champs desanto has beat. I realize he makes a lot of idiotic comments but not sure this one is that idiotic. Plus the Lee Desanto bonus rate has to put them pretty high on the 1,2 punch list

Early 80s Californian's: 1980 Cal State Bakersfield's (D2) D1 National Champs 118 Joe Gonzales and 126 John Azevedo 1982 University of Oklahoma's National Champs 167 Dave Schultz and 177 Mark Schultz of note, all 4 were Olympians, JA on the 80 boycott team and the other 3 1984 (Soviet boycott) both Schultz were the 2 seeds and defeated the 1 seeds in the finals, with Mark Schultz beating 1984 Olympic teammate and fellow Gold Medal winner Ed Banach

Picklo was so naive about wrestling that his teammates made fun of his complete lack of awareness. “You have the French national champion Andre ‘For-fee-ay’ in the first round,” they would tell him. Picklo didn’t know that FORFEIT was not an actual person. “Where is UNAT located?” Picklo asked one of his teammates. “I’ve never heard of that college before.” “That’s the University of Northern Atlanta Tech,” his teammate replied. Picklo eventaully figured out that UNAT stood for unattached. Well, Dave Dean’s formula eventually worked. Picklo, as we know, became a two-time All-American and a Big Ten champion. His points at the 1996 NCAA tournament were part of a seventh place finish for the Spartans.

I might be wrong, but I think Brian Picklo was a Big Ten champion and All American. He never qualified for state I believe. He was a big judo guy though, and walked on at Michigan State.

Chris Ayers - AA for Lehigh with 120 wins in college. Non-placer at PA State(s).

Brown? He is a blue chip guy. Stanford same thing. He will go to a top tier wrestling school that is pretty good on academics. The Ivy prestige is not what it use to be. PLus have you been to a Ivy league dual meet. Feels like a middle school event. ISU seems perfect. Stanford just got James Betchner. Cornell maybe I guess? They already have Jude Correa. OkSt or ISU is my bet.

Brock Lesnar

Feels like Steve Neal should be the poster boy for this. Placed 4th as a senior in HS in 1994 (only time he placed), goes to CSU Bakersfield where he proceeds to go 4,2,1,1 at NCAAs (last 2 seasons undefeated), wins US Open, Pan Ams, and a World Championship in 1999, and second at 2000 Olympic Trials. Switches to football and becomes a 3x Super Bowl Champ with the Patriots. Who woulda thunk it? Nothing short of spectacular! ...There's also Anthony Cassar...

Yea he took 3rd his senior yr losing in the semis to the legendary Paul Finn who is the only guy in NJ history to go undefeated with all pins for an entire season .. that weight class was pretty wild , Baumgartner beat future pro wrestler bam bam Bigelow in that tournament , also jim Jeffcoat who played 15 years for the Dallas cowboys and won 2 superbowls lost on the otherside to Finn

Wow … emotional view. 45 pound weight loss in 50 days. No memory of over a month. Can hear his thankfulness for those that have shown their love. And he sounds positive. As usual. Amazing guy. Folks — a good idea is to show your apppreciation and love to those that deserve it … now. Don’t wait for hell to come to the front door. They will love to hear it and it will come back to you. Be good to each other.

Ok, that was tough to watch, but I’m glad I did. He survived a very difficult surgery and couldn’t wait to thank everyone for their support. Regardless of what side of the arena you’re on, he’s one of us and let’s cheer him on.

Just spitballing here. PSU fires Cael. Iowa brass can now hire the only active coach more successful than Brands, thereby satisfying all those calling for change at Iowa. Now tOSU alums who have been calling for the firing of Ryan can now hire Brands, the only active available coach with more national championships than Ryan. In order to start fresh with a clean break, PSU hires first time head coach Jordan Burroughs, who will receive a standing ovation when he enters Rec Hall. Finally, the poles with complete the flip from North to South.

I agree with everything you said here. But do we think one article is enough to form an opinion of him as "an abuser"? I don't think so. HE DOESN'T EVEN FACE ANY CHARGES YET.

Heard it was a done deal with ISU.. but hoping he ends at Stanford

It's ugly, but honestly, Nicolls just saying the quiet part out loud. This is the new reality, where wrestlers aren't just beholden to their coaches, but also to their NIL sponsors. In some ways, even more so. The coach can make you run sprints or do pushups if you screw up, but your NIL sponsor can work the levers in the NIL agreement to minimize your comp if you don't perform to your sponsor's expectations. What's more, many boosters who pay big NIL bucks aren't doing it because it's economically sensible (as it usually isn't). They're doing it so they can have a sense of power and control over their favorite sports team, and/or because they want to be able to brag to their buddies about it and be seen by them as influential. So the quiet part is getting said out loud more and more.

That's what I thought. He's the Austin DeSanto of comedy. First period is strong but a bit of a feeling-out process. By the third period, he's going strong.

Watched him tonight finally. Found him funny without needing to be overly crass which is my preferred style of comedy

Also - Your avatar is top notch. Like it.

So Bormet wasn't actually Bormet?

It was Steve Barrett, Ok State. 1977 Champ 142. Was on the ladder in 1980 but stopped trialing when we pulled out. Wrestled for AIA for a number of years. I believe he lived in the USSR for some time.

Known this guy long enough to have competed against him in college. He has always been top notch.