CHAIN RECAP: 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships
TULSA, Ok. – A busy and exciting weekend of wrestling at the 2023 NCAA Championships brought a close to another college wrestling season. Catch up on all of the weekend’s action below.
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Notable first round matches:
(28) Killian Cardinale, WVU over (5) Caleb Smith, APP (3-2)
(21) Jore Volk, WYO over (12) Michael DeAugustino, NW (SV-3-1)
(20) Jarrett Trombley, NCST over (13) Dean Peterson, RUT (4-3)
(4) Matt Ramos, PUR over Nico Provo, STAN (3-2)
(19) Braxton Brown, MD over Noah Surtin, MIZZ (8-6)
(27) Eddie Ventresca, VT over (6) Stevo Poulin, UNCO (SV-4-2)
(26) Jack Wagner, UNC over (7) Brandon Kaylor, ORST (3-1)
In an opening round filled with upsets, the most impressive win came from 27th seed Eddie Ventresca. The Virginia Tech Hokie was able to knock off 6th seed Stevo Poulin in overtime. Late in the first sudden victory period, Poulin went for a duck under and Ventresca was able to block off and quickly counter with a slick go behind to score the takedown and win the match.
Similarly, the 26th seed, Jack Wagner, was able to capture a tight decision win over returning All-American, Brandon Kaylor.
Another returning All-American, in West Virginia’s Killian Cardinale, was able to get a takedown in the third period to overcome the 5th seeded Smith of Appalachian State by a score of 3-2.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(7) Matt Ramos, PUR over (20) Jarrett Trombley, NCST (TB-1 6-5)
(27) Eddie Ventresca, VT over (11) Patrick McKee, MINN (3-2)
In the round of 32, Ventresca was able to continue his Cinderella story run, capturing another unexpected win, this time, over 2x All-American, Patrick McKee.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(4) Matt Ramos, PUR over (28) Killian Cardinale, WVU (8-7)
(3) Liam Cronin, NEB over (27) Eddie Ventresca, VT (SV-3-1)
Down by one point with less than twenty seconds left in the match, Ramos finished on a final takedown attempt to take out Cardinale and claim his spot in the semifinals. This win would allow the redshirt sophomore to get on the podium for the first time in his career. Additionally, this would present the Boilermaker with another shot at top ranked Spencer Lee. During the dual match between the two, earlier in the season, Ramos quickly got out to an 8-1 lead before being pinned by Lee later in the match.
One of the biggest bracket busters of the weight class, Eddie Ventresca would get his toughest challenge yet in Nebraska’s Liam Cronin. Here, he would make it to overtime with Cronin before ultimately being taken down. Although a tough loss, the Hokie wrestled one of the top competitors at 125lbs extremely well.
Notable semifinals matches:
(4) Matt Ramos, PUR over (1) Spencer Lee, IOWA (Fall 6:59)
The 125-pound weight class featured arguably one of the greatest upsets in NCAA wrestling history. Late in the third period, during Friday evenings semi-finals, down by three points, Purdue’s Matt Ramos was able to lock a chest wrap and role Spencer Lee to his back. After holding Lee on his back for nearly thirty seconds, Ramos was able to get the fall with only one second remaining on the clock. The ending to a wild match brought fans to their feet in roaring fashion, nearly bringing the roof down in Tulsa.
In the semi-finals on the other side of the bracket, Patrick Glory worked a decisive 8-2 win over Nebraska’s Liam Cronin, placing himself in the NCAA finals for the second consecutive year. This time around, Glory would look to slate himself as the top guy, looking to become Princeton’s first NCAA Champion.
Shortly after, Iowa would announce that Spencer Lee would be withdrawing from the remainder of the NCAA tournament.
Most notable consolation round matches:
Michael DeAugustino, NW over Caleb Smith, APP (7-2)
Dean Peterson, RUT over Patrick McKee, MINN (6-4)
Brandon Courtney, ASU over Stevo Poulin, UNCO (8-3)
Eddie Ventresca, VT over Eric Barnett, WIS (3-1)
Anthony Noto, LH over Liam Cronin, NEB (SV-3-1)
In a match between two Chain signature athletes, in the first consolation round, Michael DeAugustino captured an impressive 7-2 win over Caleb Smith of Appalachian State. Unfortunately, in the following round, DeAugustino fell to “The Comeback Kid,” Patrick McKee, bringing his season to an end.
McKee, the Gopher who has surged through the consolation bracket at NCAA’s the last two seasons to become a 2x All-American, would suffer a disappointing loss in the third-round consolations to Dean Peterson of Rutgers.
In an exciting blood round match, Eddie Ventresca was able to continue his epic run, securing his All-American status with a 3-1 win of returning 2x All-American, Eric Barnett.
In addition to Ventresca, Anthony Noto of Lock Haven, put together an exceptional tournament knocking off a handful of the nations top contenders in route to a fourth place finish. Throughout the tournament, he was able to get wins over Eric Barnett, Killian Cardinale and Liam Cronin. Similarly, in the quarterfinals, he was able to produce a tough ride and turn Spencer Lee, but ultimately lost that match. In the third-place bout, he fell in overtime to 2021 NCAA finalist, Brandon Courtney. Noto certainly drew some attention to the Bald Eagle program with his performance.
Placing matches:
In the finals, Patrick Glory was finally able to grab his first NCAA title, after being close in previous years. Although Ramos exemplified great defense and was able to stop many of Glory’s shots and scoring attempts, the Princeton Tiger’s pace and attack rate would prevail. After a scoreless first period, full of many exciting flurries, Glory was able to get an early escape in the second period. The match would head into the third period 1-0. Starting the period on their feet, Glory would score a quick takedown and put on a tough ride. This would ultimately make the difference. A hard-fought match for both guys, would end in a 4-1 win for Glory.
The third-place match featured an unexpected foe in 8th seeded Anthony Noto of Lock Haven. There he would give returning NCAA finalist, Brandon Courtney, all he could handle. Noto’s toughness on his feet was demonstrated throughout the entire weekend, getting to the legs of many of the top guys in the nation. However, he would settle for a 4th place finish after surrendering the takedown in overtime.
For fifth place, Liam Cronin received the medical forfeit win over Iowa’s Spencer Lee.
In the seventh-place bout, Eddie Ventresca, capped off an impressive tournament with a 7-6 win over the returning All-American, Killian Cardinale.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Matt Ramos, Purdue
- Eddie Ventresca, Virginia Tech
- Anthony Noto, Lock Haven
All-Americans at 125:
1st Patrick Glory, PRIN over Matt Ramos, PUR (4-1)
3rd Brandon Courtney, ASU over Anthony Noto, LH (SV-4-2)
5th Liam Cronin, NEB over Spencer Lee, IOWA (M. For.)
7th Eddie Ventresca, VT over Killian Cardinale, WVU (7-6)
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Notable first round matches:
(21) Chance Rich, CSUB over (12) Chris Cannon, NW (6-5)
(22) Cody Phippen, AF over (11) Dylan Ragusin, MICH (Fall 2:02)
(6) Sam Latona, VT over (27) Taylor Lamont, WIS (SV-3-1)
In a first round, that went mostly as expected, at 133 pounds, there were a few shocking finishes. The 21st seed, Chance Rich of Cal State Bakersfield, was able to kick his tournament off with a win over returning 2x All-American, Chris Cannon. Similarly, in probably the most surprising match in the opening round at 133, Air Force’s Cody Phippen was able to catch and stick the 11th seed Dylan Ragusin out of Michigan.
Although not an upset, Wisconsin’s Taylor Lamont gave 6th seed Sam Latona all he could handle in an eventual 3-1 sudden victory loss. Entering the NCAA Championships with a record of 11-16, Lamont really demonstrated himself as a force, regardless of his record and seed.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(8) Aaron Nagao, MINN over (9) Micky Phillippi, PITT (Fall 2:50)
(6) Sam Latona, VT over (22) Cody Phippen, AF (2-1)
The round of 32 set up what most would have thought would be an evenly contested, dog fight bout between Minnesota’s Aaron Nagao and Pittsburgh’s Micky Phillippi. However, the Gopher had other plans. Nagao went to work early, scoring a takedown and a set of near fall points, before pinning Phillippi in the remaining seconds of the first period. Nagao’s win would set up a rematch of the Big Ten finals, against Penn State’s Roman Bravo-Young.
Similar to his first match, Latona, had another close match, this time finding a way to squeak past the 22nd seed Phippen, 2-1. Although Phippen dropped the bout, he wrestled extremely well and had a great first day of competition.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(2) Daton Fix, OKST over (10) Lucas Byrd, ILL (3-2)
Signature athlete, Lucas Byrd, turned in an impressive performance against 3x NCAA finalist, Daton Fix. The Illinois standout would find himself on the short end of a 3-2 match that would ultimately be decided on riding time. None the less, it was a gutsy performance by Byrd, taking charge and being the aggressor throughout the remainder of the match.
Notable semifinal matches:
(1) Roman Bravo-Young, PSU over (4) Michael McGee, ASU (SV-6-4)
(3) Vito Arujau, COR over (2) Daton Fix, OKST (11-3)
After a wild semifinal round at 125 pounds, the top competitors at 133 pounds kept the action going with two exciting matches. In the top half of the bracket, after a scoreless first period, Michael McGee was able to get the first points on the board with an early reversal in the second. An escape with under a minute left in the period, would make it a 2-1 score. After a near reversal midway through the third, Bravo-Young was able to get the escape and tie it at two a piece. However, riding time did favor McGee. With only forty seconds left in the match, the Nittany Lion was able to score on a reattack giving him the 4-2 lead. McGee was able to get out right away making it 4-3. At the end of regulation, McGee was awarded the riding time point, sending the match to overtime. In the sudden victory period, Bravo-Young was able to score the takedown off a slick go behind to win the match and place him back in the 133-pound finals for the third year in a row.
On the bottom half of the bracket, that match was not as tight. In a surprising turn of events, Cornell’s Vito Arujau was able to use his lightning-fast speed and his brute strength to overpower 3x NCAA finalist, Daton Fix of Oklahoma State. The Big Red wrestler captured an 11-3 major decision win over the Cowboy. Arujau was able to score multiple takedowns as well as some back points to hand Fix his first ever bonus point loss in his collegiate career. A dominant showing would place Vito in his first ever NCAA finals match against the defending 2x NCAA Champion, Roman Bravo-Young.
Most notable consolation round matches:
Cody Phippen, AF over Chris Cannon, NW (Fall 3:48)
Sam Latona, VT over Micky Phillippi, PITT (5-1)
Jesse Mendez, OHST over Lucas Byrd, ILL (TB-3-3)
Aaron Nagao, MINN over Kai Orine, NCST (5-4)
After a star studded first day of action, Air Force’s Phippen kept the ball rolling by pinning 2x returning All-American Chris Cannon in the second period. Unfortunately, Phippen’s efforts would place him a bit short of reaching the podium as he would fall in the third-round consolation bout in sudden victory.
Similarly, Pittsburgh’s Phillippi, in his final collegiate season, would look to finally reach the podium after falling in the blood round the previous three NCAA Championships. The curse, however, would continue. The panther would draw Latona in the blood round and fall by a 5-1 score. Phillippi brings his career to a close as a four-time blood round finisher and a NWCA All-American in 2020, where he was slated to be a 4th seed for the NCAA Championships (canceled due to COVID-19).
True freshman, Jesse Mendez of Ohio State, gutted out some tight victories to get on the podium in his first season of collegiate competition. In the blood round, he was able to overcome Byrd in tie breakers. In the first tie breaker period, Byrd was able to ride out Mendez for the entire thirty seconds. The two wrestlers started the final tie breaker period on their feet. There, Byrd was able to fight hands and prevent Mendez from getting to his legs a majority of the period. However, with short time remaining Mendez was able to get in on Byrd’s legs near the out of bounds and collect a takedown which would ultimately win him the match.
Placing matches:
In the finals, Arujau was able to shock the wrestling world by taking out Bravo-Young, 10-4. His speed and aggression would prove to be too much. The Cornell wrestler would score early and continue to tack on points throughout the match to win his first NCAA title.
In the third-place match, Michael McGee was able to ride Daton Fix for nearly the entirety of the third period to take the stingy 2-1 victory.
Similar to their match at the Big Ten Championships, Aaron Nagao was able to notch another victory over Jesse Mendez, this time preventing the freshman from scoring any points. Nagao’s season would end with a 5th place NCAA finish.
For seventh place, Latona was able to avenge his semifinal loss from the ACC Championship tournament against Kai Orine.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Vito Arujau, Cornell
- Michael McGee, Arizona State
- Jesse Mendez, Ohio State
All-Americans 133:
1st Vito Arujau, COR over Roman Bravo-Young, PSU (10-4)
3rd Michael McGee, ASU over Daton Fix, OKST (2-1)
5th Aaron Nagao, MINN over Jesse Mendez, OHST (4-0)
7th Sam Latona, VT over Kai Orine, NCST (3-1)
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Notable first round matches:
(5) Ryan Jack, NCST over (28) Saul Ervin, SIUE (3-2)
(20) Jakob Bergeland, MINN over (13) Carter Young, OKST (5-0)
After a first round that went just about as closely as expected, there were a couple of matches that did stand out. The 28th seed, Saul Ervin, took the mat on Thursday with confidence. He would wrestle a smart and strategic match against the 5th seed Ryan Jack of NC State. Jack would find a way to narrowly get by in a one-point match.
Additionally, in what many would have thought would be a relatively even match-up, Minnesota’s Jakob Bergeland wrestled a dominant match, shutting out Oklahoma State’s, Carter Young.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(1) Real Woods, IOWA over (17) Dylan D’Emilio, OHST (7-5)
(12) Parker Filius, PUR over (5) Jack Ryan, NCST (7-6)
(3) Cole Matthews, PITT over (14) Cael Happel, UNI (1-0)
(10) Lachlan McNeil, UNC over (7) Vince Cornella, COR (2-1)
(2) Andrew Alirez, UNCO over (18) Frankie Tal Shahar, NW (8-5)
The round of 32 was highlighted by some unexpectedly close matches and upsets. Getting things started off, number one seed, Real Woods, found a way to get past a sharp D’Emilio in a 7-5 bout.
After a close first round match, Jack Ryan would end up getting knocked out of the championship side of the bracket after being taken down by Purdue’s Parker Filius. This was an important win for Filius and would place him in the quarterfinal match the following morning.
The 3rd seeded, Cole Matthews, who is no stranger to close matches, found himself in yet another low scoring affair. Here, he was able to hold off 14th seeded Cael Happel to claim the 1-0 win.
In another dog fight bout, 10th seed Lachlan McNeil was able to come away with the upset win over Cornell’s Vince Cornella.
Similarly, to the top seeded Woods, Alirez captured a workman like 8-5 win over Northwestern’s 18th seeded, Frankie Tal Shahar.
Notable quarterfinal matches
(6) Beau Bartlett, PSU over (3) Cole Matthews (TB-3-1)
In an all PA school match-up, Beau Bartlett was able to knock off Cole Matthews placing himself in the semifinals and securing his first All-American status. During regulation, the two traded escapes. After a scoreless overtime period on their feet, Matthews was able to ride out Bartlett in the first tie breaker period. Bartlett would elect to go on his feet for the final tie breaker period. In a match that was looking like it was going to favor Matthews, Bartlett simply would not be having that. With only four seconds remaining, Bartlett blew through Matthews to score the takedown and win the match.
That evening, the semifinals match went as expected with the top two seeds claiming their birth in the NCAA finals. In their third meeting of the season, Real Woods was able to claim yet another win over Nebraska’s Brock Hardy. Both of the previous matches were close and came down to the wire, however, that would not be the case this time around as the Hawkeye would claim an 11-1 major decision. Similarly, on the bottom half of the bracket, Andrew Alirez would have no problem dethroning Beau Bartlett on his run towards a title. Alirez would take the match 6-2, giving Northern Colorado their first NCAA finalist since 1969.
Most notable consolation matches
(24) Casey Swiderski, ISU over (7) Vince Cornella, COR (Fall 6:48)
(17) Dylan D’Emilio, OHST over (3) Cole Matthews (TB-2-1)
True freshman and Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete, Casey Swiderski, put on quite the show in his first NCAA Wrestling Championships. In the second-round consolation, he was able to get a huge upset, pinning Cornell’s Vince Cornella. In the following round, the Cyclone was able to collect another upset, this time over Northwestern’s Frankie Tal Shahar. In the blood round, however, Swiderski would ultimately fall at the hands of Parker Filius.
Ohio State’s Dylan D’Emilio was able to stun the number three seed, Cole Matthews, in the blood round to reach the podium.
Placing matches:
The championship bout did not disappoint, as Woods and Alirez let it fly, giving fans everything, they could ask for. A scoreless first period would head into the second period with Alirez deciding to go underneath. Woods would put on a tough ride and turn Alirez for 2 back points with only a little over thirty seconds remaining in the period. However, down 2-0, Alirez brought the fans to their feet when he quickly got up with underhooks and took Woods to his back near the out of bounds. Directly after the exchange, the referee awarded two points for the reversal and two back points. However, the Northern Colorado corner would throw the brick as they thought Alirez should have been awarded four near fall points. After a six-minute official review, the call would be overturned giving Alirez the 6-2 lead. Woods wouldn’t make it easy for him though, with short time left in the second, he would escape to make it 6-3 going into the third. In the third, Alirez was able to erase the riding time to just under a minute before Woods got out. A push by Woods late would not be enough, Alirez would take it 6-4.
In the consolation finals, Beau Bartlett was able to notch a 4-1 win over his former high school teammate, Lachlan McNeil, to cap off his first season at 141 pounds.
South Dakota State’s, Clay Carlson, took the fifth-place match after Brock Hardy was forced to injury default midway through the first period.
The seventh-place bout featured two bracket busters in 12th seed Parker Filius and 17th seed Dylan D’Emilio. Filius was able to capture the 8-4 sudden victory win.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Parker Filius, Purdue
- Beau Bartlett, Penn State
- Lachlan McNeil, North Carolina
All-Americans at 141:
1st Andrew Alirez, UNCO over Real Woods, IOWA (6-4)
3rd Beau Bartlett, PSU over Lachlan McNeil, UNC (4-1)
5th Clay Carlson, SDSU over Brock Hardy, NEB (Inj. 2:11)
7th Parker Filius, PUR over Dylan D’Emilio, OHST (SV-8-4)
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Notable first round matches:
(5) Paniro Johnson, ISU over (28) Alec Hagan, OHIO (TB-2-2)
(12) Shayne Van Ness, PSU over (21) Ethen Miller, MD (Fall 6:26)
(22) Chance Lamer, MICH over (11) Doug Zapf, PENN (4-3)
Ohio’s Alec Hagan went the full distance with stud freshman, Paniro Johnson, before ultimately falling in tie breaker. In the closing seconds of the third period, Hagan was nearly able to takedown the Cyclone. However, after a coach’s challenge and official review, the call remained and took to overtime where Johnson prevailed.
Penn State freshman, Van Ness, got his tournament off to a rough start quickly falling behind by six points to Miller of Maryland. The Nittany Lion would not let that stop him though. After a slow second period, Van Ness put together a number of takedowns before pinning the Terrapin with a little over thirty seconds left.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(12) Shayne Van Ness, PSU over (5) Paniro Johnson, ISU (14-8)
(20) Graham Rooks, IND over (4) Caleb Henson, VT (5-4)
(3) Kyle Parco, ASU over (14) Austin Gomez, WIS (6-3)
After getting off to a rough start and rallying for the come from behind victory, in his first match, Van Ness came out sharp against Johnson, getting his revenge from earlier in the season. A feet to back takedown in the first period, would be the decisive factor in the match. He would go on to defeat the Cyclone, 14-8.
In one of the most shocking defeats on Thursday evening, the 20th seed Graham Rooks was able to take it to 4th ranked Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech, beating him 5-4.
Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete Austin Gomez, who was injured midway through the season, still battled through the post season like a warrior, regardless of being less than 100%. Thursday evening, he dropped a 6-3 bout to Kyle Parco, the 3rd seeded wrestler at the weight class. Despite his loss, the Badger grinded through the match showing a lot of heart. Before his injury, Gomez was previously the number two ranked guy in the country at 149 pounds and handed Yianni only the third loss in his collegiate career.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(1) Yianni Diakomihalis, COR over (8) Max Murin, IOWA (8-7)
(2) Sammy Sasso, OHST over (7) Yahya Thomas, NW (2-1)
In the quarterfinal round, both of the top two seeds were challenged in one-point matches. Yianni was able to hold on in a high point scoring affair against Max Murin, for the 8-7 win. Similarly, on the bottom side of the bracket, Sammy Sasso’s riding time point would make the difference in an evenly contested bout.
Notable semifinal matches:
(1) Yianni Diakomihalis, COR over (12) Shayne Van Ness, PSU (8-3)
(2) Sammy Sasso, OHST over (3) Kyle Parco, ASU (14-2)
On paper, the Yianni and Van Ness match may not look that close, however, that is quite the contrary. After a scoreless first period, the two wrestlers traded escapes in the second and third periods. Shortly after Yianni got up and tied the match, Van Ness was able to get to his legs and score the takedown, going up 3-1. Seconds later, Yianni got to his feet making it a one-point match. With a minute left in the match, Yianni was able to get in on a single leg and take the Nittany lion to his back. That six points move in the final minute of action would be the deciding factor. This win would put the Big Red wrestler one match away from joining elite company, as the fifth 4x NCAA Wrestling Champion.
On the other side of the bracket, Sammy Sasso would put on a dominant performance getting a major decision over the 3rd seeded Sun Devil, Kyle Parco. I phenomenal match by Sasso, would place him back in the NCAA finals for the second time in his career.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(11) Doug Zapf, PENN over (5) Paniro Johnson (3-2)
(12) Shayne Van Ness, PSU over (4) Caleb Henson, VT (5-3)
Penn’s Doug Zapf took out Paniro Johnson in the second-round consolation, eliminating him from his first NCAA tournament. Johnson who had a great first regular season, would fall a tad shy of reaching the podium.
Shayne Van Ness was able to continue his hot streak with a solid win over Caleb Henson, to reach the consolation finals match.
Placing matches:
The 149-pound finals match featured familiar foes in Yianni Diakomihalis and Sammy Sasso. Sasso did well fending off Yianni’s attacks throughout the first period, sending it to the second knotted at zero a piece. Early in the second, Yianni was able to get a reversal. However, the Buckeye would escape shortly thereafter, cutting the lead to one. With under ten second left in the period, the Cornell wrestler would lock up a cradle to score the first takedown of the match. Savvy wrestling by Sasso, would prevent Yianni from tacking on any back points. The two scores by the Big Red wrestler would help him capture his fourth NCAA title.
In the consolation finals, Shayne Van Ness proved to be the real deal, overpowering Kyle Parco, and beating him 7-2. In route to his third-place finish, Van Ness knocked off the 3rd, 4th and 5th seeded wrestlers.
For fifth place, Caleb Henson got the 12-3 major decision win over Max Murin. Additionally, in his sixth year, Murin was able to finally get on the podium to cap off his collegiate career.
In the seventh-place match, Brock Mauller of Missouri was able to end his season with a victory, taking out Michael Blockhus of Minnesota, 6-2.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Shayne Van Ness, Penn State
- Sammy Sasso, Ohio State
- Max Murin, Iowa
All-Americans at 149:
1st Yianni Diakomihalis, COR over Sammy Sasso, OHST (4-2)
3rd Shayne Van Ness, PSU over Kyle Parco, ASU (7-2)
5th Caleb Henson, VT over Max Murin, IOWA (12-3)
7th Brock Mauller, MIZZ over Michael Blockhus, MINN (6-2)
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Notable first round matches:
(19) Garrett Model, WIS over (14) Cody Siebrecht, IOWA (10-5)
(22) Derek Holschlag, UNI over (11) Chase Saldate, MSU (4-3)
(7) Bryce Andonian, VT over (26) Peyten Kellar, OHIO (7-6)
Wisconsin’s Garrett Model was able to pick up a big win in the opening round against Iowa’s Cody Siebrecht. Earlier in the dual season, Model dropped his match against Siebrecht. However, this time around, he would not let the Hawkeye get the best of him.
The 22nd seed, Derek Holschlag, picked up one of the biggest upsets in the opening round at 157 pounds. In his match, he was able to takeout 11th seeded Chase Saldate of Michigan State.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(9) Will Lewan, MICH over (8) Ed Scott, NCST (7-5)
(4) Jared Franek, NDSU over (13) Trevor Chumbley, NW (5-3)
In a relatively evenly matched bout, Michigan’s Will Lewan was able to get the best of NC State’s Ed Scott. This made for one of the more exciting early matchups, between two high level competitors.
Similarly, 4th seeded Jared Franek, found himself in a dog fight with Northwestern’s Trevor Chumbley. Franek would get the 5-3 win; however, it would not come easy.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(5) Josh Humphreys, LEH over (4) Jared Franek, NDSU (5-2)
(2) Levi Haines, PSU over (7) Bryce Andonian, VT (Fall 6:12)
After a scoreless first period, between the 4th and 5th seeded wrestlers, Lehigh’s Josh Humphrey’s was able to score a takedown late in the second period to go up by two. An early reversal in the third period for the Mountain Hawk, would seal the deal, earning him a spot in the semifinals.
The number two seed, Levi Haines, would get caught and thrown to his back early in the first period, nearly being pinned by Virginia Tech’s Bryce Andonian. Regardless of being down six points, the Nittany Lion freshman, kept his cool, fought off his back and went to work. A combination of takedown throughout the second and third period would help Haines tie the match. With under a minute left in the third period, Haines would turn and pin Andonian, placing him in the semifinals and securing his spot as an All-American.
Notable semifinal matches:
(1) Austin O’Connor, UNC over (5) Josh Humphreys, LEH (4-3)
(2) Levi Haines, PSU over (3) Peyton Robb, NEB (5-3)
The semifinal bout in the top half of the bracket, featured familiar foes in North Carolina’s Austin O’Connor and Lehigh’s Josh Humphreys. The two battled things out in the blood round at the 2022 NCAA Wrestling Championships, with O’Connor getting the win and going on to become an All-American. In interviews, this match is one, Humphreys, said he wanted to get his revenge on. After a stingy first period between the two wrestlers, O’Connor would put up the first point with an escape in the second. The match would take to the third period, 1-0. After a wild early scramble, the Mountain Hawk would get the reversal putting him in charge. However, that lead would not last for long as O’Connor would be able to re-reverse a high riding Humphreys, just seconds later. From there, the Tar Heel would put on a tough ride and secure the riding time point, sending him back to the NCAA finals.
Similarly, the bottom half of the bracket would feature a rematch of the Big Ten finals where Haines was able to take out Peyton Robb in overtime. This time around, Robb would score the first point of the match off an escape in the second period. Midway through the second, however, Haines would get in on Robb’s legs and finish for the takedown. A third period escape and takedown for the Penn State freshman, would ice the match. Haines would take it 5-3 and place himself in the NCAA finals in his first year of collegiate competition.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(8) Ed Scott, NCST over (6) Daniel Cardenas, STAN (SV-6-4)
(8) Ed Scott, NCST over (7) Bryce Andonian, VT (Fall 6:55)
(7) Bryce Andonian, VT over (11) Chase Saldate, MSU (Fall 6:22)
(4) Jared Franek, NDSU over (3) Peyton Robb, NEB (SV-3-1)
In the blood round, Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete Ed Scott was able to get the takedown in overtime to surge past 6th seeded Daniel Cardenas of Cornell and claim his first All-American status. Scott kept the train rolling by avenging his loss in the ACC Championships, pinning 7th seeded Andonian with only seconds remaining in the following round.
In an evenly contested bout, Jared Franek was able to sneak by Peyton Robb in sudden victory to earn his spot in the consolation finals.
Placing matches:
In the championship bout, Austin O’Connor was able to shutdown freshman phenom, Levi Haines, and earn his second NCAA title. After a scoreless first period, the Tar Heel was able to ride Haines for the entire second period. A two point near fall count for O’Connor would be challenged and won by the Penn State corner, preventing any extra points. A quick escape and pair of takedowns in the third period, would be the ultimate deciding factors. O’Connor would claim victory, 6-2.
In the consolation finals, Franek and Humphreys would meet for the second time on the weekend. The mountain Hawk would claim victory once again, however, this time, he would earn an 8-0 major decision to claim 3rd place.
Ed Scott would take fifth place with a non-contested bout, as Peyton Robb, would injury default out.
For seventh place, Bryce Andonian would end his season with a win, slipping past Will Lewan of Michigan, 6-4.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Levi Haines, Penn State
- Josh Humphreys, Lehigh
- Ed Scott, NC State
All-Americans at 157:
1st Austin O’Connor, UNC over Levi Haines, PSU (6-2)
3rd Josh Humphreys, LEH over Jared Franek, NDSU (8-0)
5th Ed Scott, NC State over Peyton Robb, NEB (Inj. 0:00)
7th Bryce Andonian, VT over Will Lewan, MICH (6-4)
165
Notable first round matches
(9) Shane Griffith, STAN over (24) Rodrick Mosley, GW (1-0)
(20) Holden Heller, PITT over (13) Alex Facundo, PSU (5-3)
(29) Caleb Fish, MSU over (4) Julian Ramirez, COR (8-4)
(19) Dan Braunagel, ILL over (14) Peyton Hall, WVU (16-5)
2x NCAA finalist, Shane Griffith, had fans on the edge of their seats in an unexpectedly close 1-0 first round win. That win would give the Cardinal his third straight victory over Mosely in their collegiate careers.
Pittsburgh’s Holden Heller’s defensive skills would prove to be too much for freshman, Alex Facundo. The Panther would turn two of the Nittany Lion’s shots into scores of his own. Heller would take it 5-3.
In one of the most surprising first round upsets, 29th seeded Caleb Fish brought his A game and overcame 4th seeded Julian Ramirez of Cornell. Fish wasted no time at all against the seasoned vet, taking charge from start to finish in an 8-4 victory.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(29) Caleb Fish, MSU over (20) Holden Heller, PITT (7-2)
(11) Cameron Amine, MICH over (8) Patrick Kennedy, IOWA (3-2)
(10) Carson Kharchla, OHST over (7) Michael Caliendo III, NDSU (8-3)
In a rematch of the Big 10 semifinals, Michigan’s Cameron Amine, would get his revenge against Iowa’s Patrick Kennedy. Another 3-2 match, this time around, would favor Amine thanks to a massive two-point takedown in the third period.
Ohio State’s Carson Kharchla would pull off a huge win over 7th ranked Michael Caliendo III of North Dakota State. The Buckeye’s three takedowns would put the match out of reach for his opponent. An impressive win, Kharchla would look to keep it going into the quarterfinals.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(1) David Carr, ISU over (9) Shane Griffith, STAN (2-1)
(11) Cameron Amine, MICH over (3) Dean Hamiti, WIS (3-2)
A match between two previous National Champions, would set up the most exciting match of the quarterfinal round. David Carr and Shane Griffith would take the mat against each other in hopes of continuing their quest towards another NCAA title. After a scoreless first period, the two would trade escapes in the second and third period. A near takedown in the closing seconds of the match almost gave Griffith the upset. Carr’s defense proved to be just enough, however. A riding time point for the Cyclone would be the difference.
In the quarterfinals, Cameron Amine would face another familiar foe in Big 10 rival, Dean Hamiti of Wisconsin. Once again, the Wolverine would show up when it mattered most. Tied 1-1, late in the third period, Amine would fire off a reshot single to take the 3rd seeded Badger down.
Notable semifinal matches:
(1) David Carr, ISU over (5) Quincy Monday, PRIN (6-5)
For his second straight match, David Carr would face a returning NCAA finalist, this time in Princeton’s Quincy Monday. Monday would get out to a quick lead tallying a takedown and two near fall points before being reversed. Heading into the second period 5-2, Carr would start making his comeback. An escape and takedown in the second period, for Carr, would tie the match at five a piece. Carr’s incredibly tough ride in the third period would give him the riding time point, as well as the victory. For the second time in his career, the Cyclone would be heading to the NCAA finals.
On the other side of the bracket, Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole put an end to Cameron Amine’s chance at a title. O’Toole would put up takedowns in the first and third period to dismantle the Wolverine and claim his spot back in the NCAA finals for the second year in a row.
Most notable consolation matches:
(12) Izzak Olejnik, NIU over (10) Carson Karchla, OHST (2-1)
(4) Julian Ramirez, COR over (19) Dan Braunagel, ILL (17-15)
(9) Shane Griffith, STAN over (4) Julian Ramirez, COR (6-2)
Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete Izzak Olejnik of Northern Illinois would make it onto the podium for the first time in his career with a gutsy 2-1 win of Carson Kharchla in the blood round. Olejnik’s ability to ride Kharchla would give him the upper hand in a close, low scoring bout.
Similarly, to no surprise at all, Shane Griffith would secure his spot on the podium with a blood round victory over 4th seeded Julian Ramirez.
Placing matches:
The championship bout would feature the third meeting of the season between returning National Champions, David Carr and Keegan O’Toole. O’Toole who had lost both previous meetings that season, would flip the script on the big stage and slate himself as the returning 2x NCAA Champion at 165 pounds. In route to his victory, the Tiger would get things started with a late first period takedown. An escape in the second, for Carr, would make it a 2-1 match. With short time reaming in the second, Carr would be awarded a takedown, however, after a coach’s challenge and official review, it would be taken away. The two wrestlers would head into the third period 2-1. O’Toole would put the match out of reach in the third with an escape, takedown and set of near fall points. The two greatly respected competitors put on a show that was highlighted by continuous action and excitement.
In the consolation finals, Quincy Monday would nab a 3-2 decision over Cameron Amine. Monday’s takedown in the third period would guide himself to a 3rd place finish to end his collegiate career.
Shane Griffith would cruise to a 4-1 victory over Dean Hamiti to pick up a fifth-place finish and conclude his season. A takedown and ride would guide the way.
In the seventh-place match, Michael Caliendo III would capture a 6-2 victory over Izzak Olejnik.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Keegan O’Toole, Missouri
- Izzak Olejnik, Northern Illinois
- Quincy Monday, Princeton
All-Americans at 165:
1st Keegan O’Toole, MIZZ over David Carr, ISU (8-2)
3rd Quincy Monday, PRIN over Cameron Amine, MICH (3-2)
5th Shane Griffith, STAN over Dean Hamiti, WIS (4-1)
7th Michael Caliendo III, NDSU over Izzak Olejnik, NIU (6-2)
174
Notable first round matches:
(5) Dustin Plott, OKST over (28) Luca Augustine, PITT (3-2)
(3) Mekhi Lewis, VT over (30) Jackson Turley, RUT (2-1)
(6) Ethan Smith, OHST over (27) Tyler Eischens, STAN (6-5)
(7) Peyton Mocco, MIZZ over (26) Sal Perrine, OHIO (SV-3-1)
(23) Mickey O’Malley, DREX over (10) Rocky Jordan, CHAT (8-7)
(2) Mikey Labriola, NEB over (31) Tyler Stoltzfus, LH (9-6)
As seen above, many of the top ranked guys in the nation, at 174 pounds, faced unexpected challenges early. The most surprising upset of the weight class occurred when Drexel’s Mickey O’Malley knocked off 10th seeded Rock Jordan in a high scoring 8-7 bout. Additionally, Ohio’s Sal Perrine took Missouri’s Peyton Mocco to the brink in an overtime thriller.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(3) Mekhi Lewis, VT over (19) Troy Fisher, NW (5-4)
(11) Nelson Brands, IOWA over (6) Ethan Smith, OHST (3-1)
(2) Mikey Labriola, NEB over (15) Demetrius Romero, UVU (3-1)
After a close first round match, Mekhi Lewis found himself in another tight match, this time with Northwestern’s Troy Fisher. The Hokie was able to creep by with a 5-4 win to place himself in the quarterfinals.
Throughout an off and on season, Nelson Brands fought through adversity and found a way to hit his stride just at the right time. In an all Big 10 matchup, the Hawkeye used a takedown with only four seconds remaining in the first period to carry him to victory. Brands would defeat the 6th seeded, Ethan Smith, 3-1.
Mikey Labriola found a way to slip past Demetrius Romero unscathed, picking up the 3-1 win.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(4) Chris Foca, COR over (5) Dustin Plott, OKST (Fall 1:54)
(2) Mikey Labriola, NEB over (7) Peyton Mocco, MIZZ (4-3)
In a battle of top five wrestlers, Cornell’s Chris Foca pinned Oklahoma State’s Dustin Plott in the first period.
Nebraska’s Mikey Labriola used a takedown in the first period and a reversal in the second period to claim his spot in the semifinals.
Notable semifinal matches:
(2) Mikey Labriola, NEB over (3) Mekhi Lewis, VT (TB-3-1)
Similar to their meeting earlier in the season, at the CKLV Invitational, it would take overtime for Mikey Labriola to dethrone Virginia Tech’s Mekhi Lewis. Before heading to sudden victory, the two would trade escape points in the final two periods. After a scramble in the first overtime period, the match would take to the tie breaker periods. There, Labriola would ride Lewis in the first tie breaker, before scoring a takedown in the second tie breaker to advance to the finals.
On the other side of the bracket, Penn State’s Carter Starocci would claim victorious in a convincing 6-0 win over Cornell’s Chris Foca. A pair of takedowns, an escape and riding time would advance Starocci to the NCAA finals for the third year in a row.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(5) Dustin Plott, OKST over (15) Demetrius Romero, UVU (SV-7-5)
(11) Nelson Brands, IOWA over (7) Peyton Mocco, MIZZ (6-1)
Dustin Plott would need extra time to defeat Utah Valley’s Demetrius Romero and secure his spot on the podium as an All-American. The Cowboy’s 7-5 win would help extend his tournament, in effort to continue climbing the podium.
Brands was able to keep his impressive tournament run moving along with a dominant 6-1 win over Missouri’s Peyton Mocco. This win would place the 11th seed Hawkeye in the consolation semifinals.
Placing matches:
The Championship bout would feature a rematch of the Big 10 finals between Carter Starocci and Mikey Labriola. The Nittany Lion would score the opening points midway through the first period with a takedown. With short time left in the period, Labriola would attempt a roll through where he would ultimately be caught and pinned by Starocci. The Penn State wrestler caps his season as the returning 3x NCAA Champion at 174 pounds.
In the consolation finals, Chris Foca would claim third place with an escape and riding time advantage in ultimate tie breaker to beat 2x NCAA finalist, Mekhi Lewis.
Nelson Brands took the fifth-place spot with a 4-2 sudden victory win over Dustin Plott. A third period double leg takedown would help open the Hawkeye’s range of offense against Plott moving forward. In overtime, Brands would use a body lock and trip to secure the takedown and end his season on a high note.
In the seventh-place bout, Ethan Smith would handle Peyton Mocco with ease, picking up the 12-2 major decision.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Nelson Brands, Iowa
- Demetrius Romero, Utah Valley
- Chris Foca, Cornell
All-Americans at 174:
1st Carter Starocci, PSU over Mikey Labriola, NEB (Fall 2:46)
3rd Chris Foca, COR over Mekhi Lewis, VT (TB-3-2)
5th Nelson Brands, IOWA over Dustin Plott, OKST (SV-4-2)
7th Ethan Smith, OHST over Peyton Mocco, MIZZ (12-2)
184
Notable first round matches:
(25) Brian Bonino, DREX over (8) Matt Finesilver, MICH (3-2)
(20) Neil Antrassian, UVA over (13) Lenny Pinto, NEB (11-6)
(4) Trey Munoz, ORST over (29) Deanthony Parker, NDSU (2-1)
(22) Colton Hawks, MIZZ over (11) Gavin Kane, UNC (6-2)
(7) Hunter Bolen, VT over (26) David Key, NAVY (3-2)
At 184 pounds, Drexel’s Brian Bonino started his tournament off by upsetting 8th seeded Matt Finesilver of Michigan. Similarly, Colton Hawk, of Missouri, was able to take out the unorthodox Lenny Pinto in an exciting seventeen-point match.
Oregon State’s Trey Munoz and Virginia Tech’s Hunter Bolen, two of the weight classes top contenders, also found themselves in close matches that were each decided by a point.
Missouri’s Colton Hawks stunned North Carolina’s Gavin Kane, taking the 11th seed out in style via a 6-2 victory.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(1) Parker Keckeisen, UNI over (17) Tate Samuelson, LEH (4-2)
(5) Marcus Coleman, ISU over (12) Abe Assad, IOWA (TB-2-1)
(6) Kaleb Romero, OHST over (22) Colton Hawks, MIZZ (5-3)
In the second championship round, Tate Samuelson of Lehigh was nearly able to shake things up with the top seeded Parker Keckeisen. However, Keckeisen was able to hang on for the 4-2 win. The Mountain Hawk’s performance would not go unrecognized though.
In an all-state matchup, Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete Marcus Coleman was able to capture his second win of the season over Iowa’s Abe Assad. The match would take to the tie breaker periods to decide a winner after the two traded escapes in the second and third period. In the first tie breaker, the Cyclone was able to ride Assad for the entire thirty seconds. Then, in the final overtime period, The Hawkeye gave Coleman the escape to try for the match winning takedown. His efforts proved unsuccessful though. Coleman would take the match 2-1.
After an opening round upset, Missouri’s Colton Hawks, would get another test in 6th seeded Kaleb Romero. Romero’s pair of opening period takedowns would help him to a 5-3 win.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(1) Parker Keckeisen, UNI over (9) Isaiah Salazar, MINN (3-2)
(4) Trey Munoz, ORST over (5) Marcus Coleman, ISU (SV-3-1)
Once again, Keckeisen, found himself in another tight bout. After a scoreless first period, both wrestlers traded escapes in the following two periods. The difference was Keckeisen’s ability to score a takedown in the third period.
Similar to his previous bout, Coleman found himself in another sudden victory bout. However, this time he would find himself on the opposite side of script. Midway through the overtime period, Munoz was able to get in on a single leg and trip out Coleman’s other leg to convert on the winning takedown.
Notable semifinal matches:
(3) Aaron Brooks, PSU over (2) Trent Hidlay, NCST (6-3)
For the third consecutive year, Aaron Brooks and Trent Hidlay have met at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Brooks used two first period takedowns to guide him to a 6-3 victory, and yet again, another win over Hidlay.
On the other side of the bracket, Keckeisen earend a decisive 5-1 win over Trey Munoz. A takedown on the edge of the mat in the second period, gave the Northern Iowa wrestler the upper hand.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(14) Will Feldkamp, CLAR over (13) Lenny Pinto, NEB (Fall 4:30)
(5) Marcus Coleman, ISU over (8) Matt Finesilver, MICH (4-3)
(11) Gavin Kane, UNC over (7) Hunter Bolen, VT (4-3)
Clarion’s Will Feldkamp stuck and pinned Nebraska’s Lenny Pinto in the second-round consolation, to keep his dreams alive.
One of the blood round matches featured a top matchup between 5th seeded Coleman and 8th seeded Finesilver. Coleman was able to grab a gritty 4-3 win and become a 2x All-American.
After getting upset in the first round, Gavin Kane found a way to fire off three straight wins to reach the blood round. There, he was able to capture an upset himself, taking out Virginia Tech’s Hunter Bolen to get on the podium.
Placing matches:
In the championship bout, Aaron Brooks put together a dominant performance to win his third NCAA title. Brooks got things started with a late first period takedown. In the second period, Brooks let Keckeisen up before quickly going back on the attack and scoring another takedown. In the third period, the Nittany Lion would use an escape and a riding time point to win the match 7-2.
In the consolation finals, Kaleb Romero was able to take down 2nd seeded Trent Hidlay in overtime. After the two traded escapes in the final two periods, the Buckeye was able to get the takedown with only mere seconds remaining to capture the sudden victory win.
Marcus Coleman claimed fifth place after Trey Munoz injured his knee in the semifinals and was forced to medically forfeit out of the rest of the tournament.
In the seventh-place bout, Will Feldkamp was able to get the Clarion program some exposure by making the podium and pinning North Carolina’s 11th seeded Gavin Kane in the first period. The 14th seed turned heads with his impressive outing.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Will Feldkamp, Clarion
- Gavin Kane, North Carolina
- Kaleb Romero, Ohio State
All-Americans at 184:
1st Aaron Brooks, PSU over Parker Keckeisen, UNI (7-2)
3rd Kaleb Romero, OHST over Trent Hidlay, NCST (SV-3-1)
5th Marcus Coleman, ISU over Trey Munoz, ORST (M. For.)
7th Will Feldkamp, CLAR over Gavin Kane, UNC (Fall 2:38)
197
Notable first round matches:
(14) Jacob Warner, IOWA over (19) Cameron Caffey, MSU (5-1)
(6) Isaac Trumble, NCST over (27) Nick Stemmet, STAN (7-4)
Throughout a back-and-forth season, Iowa’s Jacob Warner was able to kick his final NCAA tournament off with a win over fellow Big 10 wrestler, Cameron Caffey. Warner used a takedown in the second and a reversal in the third to propel himself into the Round of 32.
Stanford’s Nick Stemmet pushed 6th seed Isaac Trumble, but ultimately fell 7-4.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(8) Silas Allred, NEB over (9) Max Dean, PSU (7-2)
(12) Zac Braunagel, ILL over (5) Michael Beard, LEH (7-6)
(11) Jaxon Smith, MD over (6) Isaac Trumble, NCST (Fall 2:16)
Similar to their Big Ten finals match, Silas Allred was once again able to get the best of the returning 197-pound NCAA Champion, Max Dean. A trio of takedowns would help the Cornhusker to a 7-2 victory. Don’t let that score deceive you though, the match was a lot closer than it may appear on paper. There were quite a few occasions where Dean was in position to score or close to it, however, he simply couldn’t beat Allred’s defense.
Illinois’ Zac Braunagel was able to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the round knocking off 5th seeded Michael Beard. Braunagel, who was down 5-1 in the second period, found his groove and was able to tire out Beard late. The Mountain Hawk who got out to a quick lead, would fade with short time. Braunagel found a way to continue pushing the pace and was able to capitalize, winning the match 7-6.
Maryland’s Jaxon Smith was able to pull off an upset of his own, making quick work of the 6th seed, Isaac Trumble. Smith was able to get an ankle pick and take Trumble to his back, where he would put him away.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(1) Nino Bonaccorsi, PITT over (8) Silas Allred, NEB (5-3)
(4) Ethan Laird, RID over (12) Zac Braunagel, ILL (3-2)
(7) Tanner Sloan, SDSU over (2) Bernie Truax, POLY (SV-6-4)
South Dakota State’s Tanner Sloan set Tulsa in an uproar when he took out the number two seed, Bernie Truax. A single leg takedown in overtime would surge Sloan past the returning All-American.
Notable semifinal matches:
(7) Tanner Sloan, SDSU over (3) Rocky Elam, MIZZ (7-2)
In the semifinals, Tanner Sloan was able to keep his red-hot trail ablaze. In a rematch of the Big 12 Championship finals, which Elam won in sudden victory, Sloan would find a way to get his revenge, this time, on the big stage. The Jackrabbit’s four point near fall tilt, in the second period, would change the trajectory of the match and propel him to a 7-2 win. Sloan would find himself in the NCAA finals after taking out both the 2nd and 3rd seeded wrestlers.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(14) Jacob Warner, IOWA over (8) Silas Allred, NEB (1-0)
(2) Bernie Truax, POLY over (5) Michael Beard, LEH (4-2)
In a conservative blood round match, Jacob Warner would notch Silas Allred, 1-0, claiming his spot back on the podium. After an escape for Warner in the second period, the Hawkeye would prevent Allred from scoring any points in the third.
In an unpredicted turn of events, Bernie Truax and Michael Beard would meet in the blood round for a spot on the podium. Truax would take a 4-2 match between the two previous All-Americans.
Placing matches:
In the championship bout, Pittsburgh’s Nino Bonaccorsi would put a stop to Tanner Sloan’s dominant run. Sloan would get on the board first scoring a late first period takedown. However, it would be all Bonaccorsi from then on. The Panther would score a takedown in each of the final two periods. In addition to a riding time point, Bonaccorsi would go on to win his first NCAA title after being a finalist in 2021.
In the consolation finals, Rocky Elam would defeat Bernie Truax in a 5-2 match. A takedown with only a few seconds remaining in the match, would ice it for Elam.
Jacob Warner secured a 7-3 victory over Rider’s Ethan Laird to claim fifth place. Laird would get on the board first with an early takedown, however, that lead would not last for long. Warner would quickly get off the bottom and get a takedown of his own. The Hawkeye would tack on a set of back points to end the first. A slow second and third period would favor Warner’s efforts early.
In the seventh-place bout, Max Dean was able to claim a tight decision over Cornell’s Jacob Cardenas. The two traded takedowns in the first period, however, the Nittany Lions two escape points would make the difference.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Jacob Warner, Iowa
- Tanner Sloan, South Dakota State
- Max Dean, Penn State
All-Americans at 197:
1st Nino Bonaccorsi, PITT over Tanner Sloan, SDSU (5-3)
3rd Rocky Elam, MIZZ over Bernie Truax, POLY (5-2)
5th Jacob Warner, IOWA over Ethan Laird, RID (7-3)?
7th Max Dean, PSU over Jacob Cardenas, COR (4-2)
285
Notable first round matches:
(11) Trent Hillger, WIS over (22) Hunter Catka, VT (2-0)
(6) Yaraslau Slavikouski, HAR over (27) Ben Goldin, PENN (4-2)
3x All-American and Chain Wrestling Signature Athlete, Trent Hillger, would find himself in a challenging bout right off the bat. After a scoreless first period, the Badger would use an escape in the second and a ride out in the third to take down Virginia Tech’s Hunter Catka.
Similarly, 6th seeded Yaraslau Slavikouski, of Harvard, got an early test from IVY League foe, Ben Goldin of Penn. A rematch of the EIWA consolation finals, in which Slavikouski won 7-1, this time, the Quaker would close the gap. Although a tighter match, the Harvard wrestler would still find a way to come out on top, winning the match 4-2.
Notable round of 32 matches:
(9) Lucas Davison, NW over (8) Sam Schuyler, ISU (2-1)
(11) Trent Hillger, WIS over (6) Yaraslau Slavikouski, HAR (1-0)
Trent Hillger was able to walk away holding his head high after getting his hand raised in an absolute battle against Yaraslau Slavikouski. The Badger would fight his way to his feet in the second period, scoring the matches only point. His win here would send him to the quarterfinals.
Notable quarterfinal matches:
(4) Tony Cassioppi, IOWA over (5) Cohlton Schultz, ASU (SV-3-1)
In an exciting bout between two highly regarded heavy weights, it would take to overtime to find a winner. Cassioppi would find a way to get it done in overtime, capturing the 3-1 win.
Notable semifinal matches:
(3) Greg Kerkvliet, PSU over (2) Wyatt Hendrickson, AF (4-2)
Greg Kerkvliet and Wyatt Hendrickson put on a show for fans in an opportunity to make their first NCAA finals. An early attack by Kerkvliet would be defended and turned into a score for the Air Force wrestler. The Nittany Lion would get an escape and put himself back in the match. From that point forward, the Penn State wrestler was in the driver’s seat, using a second period reversal and eventual riding time point to get the 4-2 win.
Most notable consolation round matches:
(9) Lucas Davison, NW over (5) Cohlton Schultz, ASU (SV-3-1)
(11) Trent Hillger, WIS over (8) Sam Schuyler, ISU (SV-3-1)
Placing matches:
The championship bout featured the third meeting of the season between Michigan’s Mason Parris and Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet. Parris was able to walk away victorious in the previous two meetings, however, both coming in close matches being decided by a takedown. Early in the match, Kerkvliet was nearly able to convert on a single leg takedown, but Parris was able to break the grip and get his leg out. Soon thereafter, the Wolverine would hit a well-timed high crotch to go up by two. Parris would use a quick escape in the second and another in the third, in addition to a riding time point, to soar past Kerkvliet and win his first NCAA title.
In the consolation finals, Wyatt Hendrickson made quick work of Tony Cassioppi, picking up the fall midway through the second period.
Lucas Davison claimed a fifth-place finish with a workman like 4-3 victory over Elam of Missouri.
In the seventh-place bout, Cohlton Schultz would get his hand raised in a non-contested match. His opponent, Trent Hillger, would injury default out. Hillger ends his career as 4x All-American for Wisconsin.
Top three most impressive wrestlers:
- Wyatt Hendrickson, Air Force
- Trent Hillger, Wisconsin
- Lucas Davison, Northwestern
All-Americans at 285:
1st Mason Parris, MICH over Greg Kerkvliet, PSU (5-1)
3rd Wyatt Hendrickson, AF over Tony Cassioppi, IOWA (Fall 4:16)
5th Lucas Davison, NW over Zach Elam, MIZZ (4-3)
7th Cohlton Schultz, ASU over Trent Hillger, WIS (Inj. 0:01)
Team standings
With a dominant Performance, Penn State was able to pick up its tenth team title in the last twelve year. Iowa and Cornell rounded out the top three.
Top 10 teams
- Penn State – 137.5
- Iowa – 82.5
- Cornell – 76.5
- Ohio State – 70.5
- Missouri – 64.5
- Michigan – 58.5
- Arizona State – 55
- Nebraska – 54
- Virginia Tech – 49
- North Carolina State – 48