Matthew Burns

Yanni wrestles to many tight matches in the the tournament to pull the Hodge. His defense first scramble centric style doesn't scream bonus points. His finals matchups with McKenna and Meredith were narrow wins. In both cases it can be argued he benefits from a refs call. Sanderson won Hodges based on a stupid bonus rate. 3 of his 4 finals were by bonus points. Dake closed out his undefeated senior year by beating the reigning Hodge holder a second time. Hodge trophies need to be won with exclamation points. This season Yanni D has a question mark.

I would agree if we were talking international. College wise Dake has the best resume; Hodge award, beat a reigning Hodge winner David Taylor, St John and Molinaro both won titles, his worst title win is Montel Marion a 2 time finalist. I think Schalles and Schultz both beat him. But those are my earliest heroes in this sport. They still have my childlike sense of wonder on their side.

For clarification, My choices are based on shoehorning past greats into current weight classes. I'm also considering each wrestlers best season (often their final college season),but allowing for every weight class they may have competed in. The more I consider it the better a Dake vs Schalles bout sounds.

Sanderson vs Hodge; How much Hodge can fit on one mat? Steveson vs McCready; Much talk about Gable as the heavyweight GOAT. This match would offer proof for me. Dake vs Stieber; Battle of the 4 timers. If Yanni completes the 4 pack he and Dake can battle for the Cornell crown. Nolf vs Schalles; It's been posted for a good reason. The most creative wrestler I've ever seen against the most creative wrestler I've ever heard of. For my own selfish reasons, Nikal vs Banach, Ruth vs Gutches, Abas vs Retherford, Gable vs Metcalf, Yanni vs Burroughs, Snyder vs Cassar.