And Abe started his career in 93 so only a few years between if that makes sense. And more or less same eras so easier to compare vs fun to think about but harder to compare fantasy matches like 2024 PSU vs 1997 Iowa stuff.
They were close timeframe wise and both won national titles at 126, both went 1,2,3,4 at NCAAs (different places by year though), anyway always figured Abe v Martin would have been a fun scrap.
I was there, seemed like he was wrestling every 15 minutes. And then next year at NCAA tournament he handed Iowa great TJ Williams his only DI loss. RIP Larry Quisel.
Casey Cunningham headed home to Central Michigan after helping Penn State to another title; every PSU wrestler with Michigan roots to follow him to wrestle for the Chippewas
I’ve got Fix with a 16-5 NCAA tournament career record. I think at some point on old forums we figured out Myles Anine had the record for most matches at NCAA tournament, I forget the number but high 20s. Myles had 5 tournaments as well. Fix should end up close and if by chance he loses early and makes a run back to 3rd he might own it. Lewis not as many with the year where he defaulted out after losing in quarters. No clue on Elam career count.
not nominating this guy for most improved but do want to mention him in this discussion, as improvement has been notable. Marlon Yarbrough UVA 133, 14-7, 3rd at ACC, NQ this year. Last year he was 7-10 and year before he was 3-4.
Stephen Neal placed 4th in California before becoming a 4x AA, 2 x NCAA champ plus World freestyle champ. And an outstanding NFL career.
Bruce Bumgartner placed 3rd in NJ before making 3 NCAA finals, winning it as a senior. Plus arguably the greatest freestyle career of any US wrestler.