Other than losing Jacob Cardenas to Michigan back in April, all has been quiet on the frontline for Cornell as there are no apparent signs of adding or releasing talent. They are very strong in the middleweights with Meyer Shapiro and Julian Ramirez returning. Also some question marks at the 149 and 197, lets get into it.
125-Greg Diakomihalis
Coming off of a knee injury in 2023 looking to have a breakout year is Greg Diakomihalis. He went 12-6 overall with a 4-1 dual record in 2022, three of his six losses came to NCAA qualifiers. Showing a 16-3 record last year before his injury showed improvement, beating ranked No.27 Diego Sotelo and No.22 Kysen Terukina. He has a lot to prove this year.
133-Bret Unger
High possibility of moving 2X NCAA qualifier Bret Unger up to the 133 filling the hole that Vito Arujau left behind, would be ideal for Cornell. He posted a 20-13 record overall in his freshman year (2023) posting a big win against 11th ranked Malik Heinselman of Ohio state at the CKLV where he placed 7th. He won 12 matched against nationally ranked opponents, the sophomore has a lot to prove this upcoming season.
141-Vince Cornella
Another injury that Cornell suffered kept Vince Cornella from competition in the NCAA championships. He qualified for an at large bid but was unable to compete, posting a 14-9 record last year ending as the No. 21 ranked nationally. Cornell really needs a solid leader somewhere in their ranks, Cornella has potential.
149-Ethan Fernandez
A toss up between Ethan Fernandez or Josh Saunders. There is a possibility that Saunder would come down to contend for the 149 would make sense being that Fernandez qualified for nationals last year. Fernandez went 24-9 overall and 5-0 in dual action, we are more than likely to see him take the starting spot.
157-Meyer Shapiro
The most solid wrestler they have at Cornell is in Meyer Shapiro who had a top 5 finish in the NCAA’s last year. Taking 3rd place in front of Jacob Cardenas, he took on 3X All American Bryce Andonian and pinned him in the consolation semifinals, making that a 3rd straight win over Andonian. He also beat No.6 Daniel Cardenas in the consolation finals, redemption after losing to him twice in the regular season. Shapiro is Cornell’s first All-American at 157 since Dylan Palacio in 2016, its safe to say that Shapiro has the job.
165-Julian Ramirez
Returning senior Julian Ramirez is ripe for an NCAA title this year. Overall record of 24-4 and 11-1 in duals he beat National Champion David Carr in the CKLV and reached the round of 12 for his 3rd straight year. He has what it takes to win a title, we will see him secure All-American this year.
174-Wide Open
Rumors of bringing in Simon Ruiz from Delbarton High School took a grey shirt and did considerably well in open tournaments beating All American Lennox Wolak and NCAA runner up Rocco Welsh proves he can compete. Cornell has lot of candidates at 174 but with none having any senior level experience. It will be interesting to see how Ruiz can adjust.
184- Chris Foca
Chris will be back with one year of eligibility due to the Covid year in 2020, he had a head scratcher of a year in the NCAA’s going 3-2, losing in the Round of 12. Not typical for him where the year before he went 30-2 overall losing only to Carter Starocci and Mekhi Lewis. He avenged Lewis in a 3rd round match in the NCAA’s winning 3-2. Moving from top three of the tournament to the round of 12 is concerning, the guy can be lights out when he’s at his best. We will see
197-Mikey Dellagatta or Eric Carlson
Coin flip between Mikey Dellagatta a four time New Jersey State Medalist with a 122-16 overall record in high school and Eric Carlson. Carlson went 7-5 overall and 2-0 at the Mat Town open. It will be a hard weight to step in at but we think they may redshirt Dellagatta and try out Carlson for a year
285-Ashton Davis
Another question mark here at the 285 for Cornell with Ashton Davis having prior experience but not at the bigger tournaments. He went 13-4 overall last year, with a shut out at the journeyman classic posting 3-0. Perfect at the NYS Collegiate Championships (4-0) and National Collegiate Open at 3-0. Overall Cornell has some holes in their heavier weights who have yet to see the bigger tournaments and prove their right to stay, where more of their experience comes from the middleweights.
Cornell is currently ranked 14th in the preseason polls. The team has some heavy hitters and I expect a huge year from Meyer Shapiro. It will also be intresting to see what Greg Diakomihalis can do.