Every March the best college wrestlers in the country, get together for the NCAA Wrestling Championships! This tournament is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work for these young men, and only one (in each weight class) can be crowned champion.

This year’s tournament takes place March 20-22nd, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Wells Fargo Center.

In this article we will discuss last year’s 174 lb champion and who the top contenders are for this season.

2024 Champion: Carter Starocci, of Penn State had a fantastic national tournament. Advancing to the finals from the number 9 seed, Carter defeated NCAA Champion Mekhi Lewis, in the quarterfinals and NCAA Champion Shane Griffith, in the semifinals, before downing Rocco Welsh in the finals. This win secured his 4th straight NCAA titles and completed a 17-2 season.

This Year’s Contenders: Keegan O’Toole of Missouri is 16-0 on the year and ranked 1st in the country. Levi Haines of Pann State is 20-1 and is another top contender.. O’Toole is already a 2X NCAA Champion down at 165, while Haines is the defending NCAA Champion at 157.

Other Contenders: Dean Hamiti of Oklahoma State is 22-1 and ranked 3rd in the country. Carson Karchula of Ohio State has had an outstanding season and is 14-3 on the year.

Dark Horse Contenders: Usually I search outside the top 10 to do dark Horse predictions. However I couldn’t find anyone who fits the bill. Lorenzo Norman of Stanford is 18-2 on the year and has been known to pull off a few upsets. Last season he defeated NCAA Champion Shane Griffith and this year he has defeated All American Nelson Brands. Don’t be surprised to see him make a deep run. Danny Braunagel of Illinois is 12-9 on the year and managed to go 4-1 at the Big 10 tournament and looked the best he had all season.

2025 NCAA Champion Prediction: Keegan O’Toole of Missouri

Every March the best college wrestlers in the country, get together for the NCAA Wrestling Championships! This tournament is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work for these young men, and only one (in each weight class) can be crowned champion.

This year’s tournament takes place March 20-22nd, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Wells Fargo Center.

In this article we will discuss last year’s 165 lb champion and who the top contenders are for this season.

2024 Champion:  David Carr of Iowa State finished off an amazing college career in dramatic fashion, going 5-0 at the NCAA tournament. Along the way he defeated 2X NCAA Champion Keegan O’Toole, of Missouri and future NCAA Champion Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State. Carr finished his career as a 2X NCAA Champion with a 120-5 record.

This Year’s Contenders:  Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State. He is currently 20-0 and looked absolutly dominate winning the Big 10 title last weekend. Barring some freak injury or major upset, 165 is Mitchell’s to lose. He appears to be well ahead of the competition.

Other Contenders: Michael Caliendo of Iowa is 20-2 and ranked 2nd in the nation. Julian Ramirez of Cornell is 20-1, and Terrell Barraclough of Utah Valley is 27-2. Peyton Hall of West Virginia has an impressive 30-1 record. These 4 will make a strong push for the finals.

Dark Horse Contenders:  Hunter Garvin of Stanford is 19-6 on the year and has been known to pull off an upset or two. At last years NCAA tournament he defeated  Cam Amine and Peyton Hall. Garvin is currently ranked 10th.

2025 NCAA Champion Prediction: Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State.

Every March the best college wrestlers in the country, get together for the NCAA Wrestling Championships! This tournament is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work for these young men, and only one (in each weight class) can be crowned champion.

This year’s tournament takes place March 20-22nd, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Wells Fargo Center.

In this article we will discuss last year’s 157 lb champion and who the top contenders are for this season.

2024 Champion: Levi Haines of Penn State entered as the number 1 seed and did not disappoint as he rolled through the tournament going 5-0 and capping a perfect 23-0 season. He dominated the bracket with two tech falls, a major, and a pin, before blanking Jacori Teemer in the finals 5-0.

This Year’s Contenders: Meyer Shapiro of Cornell is11-1, and Tyler Kasak is 18-1 on the year. Both of these wrestlers have looked outstanding this season. However both have also been dealing with a head injury as well. Despite being less than 100% they are still the two top contenders for the title.

Other Contenders: Jacori Teemer of Iowa is 8-4, Antrell Taylor of Nebraska is 22-4, and Brandon Cannon of Ohio State has been a surprise addition to this list. Cannon has a  21-3 record on the year.

Dark Horse Contenders: Cody Chittum of Iowa State is 18-6 and is capable of pulling an upset. Ryder Downey of Northern Iowa is 25-4 and is another wrestler capable of upsetting some of the top contenders.

2025 NCAA Champion Prediction: Meyer Shapiro of Cornell

Nestled within the rugged beauty of the Cumberland Plateau, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural wonders and historical significance. Renowned for its pristine night skies and preserved Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy, this park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and stargazers alike. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is located at 4605 Pickett Park Hwy in Jamestown, Tennessee. For more information, click here.

A Legacy of the CCC

The park’s name pays homage to the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era program that played a vital role in developing the area. From 1934 to 1942, CCC workers built the park’s infrastructure, including cabins, trails, and the iconic park headquarters. Their craftsmanship and dedication are evident in the park’s rustic architecture, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the CCC-built structures and learn about the program’s impact on the region’s development.

Planning Your Visit

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is open year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers warm days for hiking and stargazing, fall showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Address:

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

4605 Pickett Park Hwy

Jamestown, TN 38556

Tips for Visitors:

* Check the park’s website for upcoming events and programs.

* Bring a flashlight or headlamp for navigating the park at night.

* Pack layers of clothing, as temperatures can fluctuate.

* Consider visiting during a new moon for optimal stargazing.

* Reserve cabins and campsites in advance, especially during peak season.

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history in the heart of Texas. Located in Val Verde County, this park is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology, hiking, or simply experiencing the rugged beauty of the Texas landscape. Seminole Canyon State Park is located at 434 Park Road 67, in Comstock, Texas. For more information, click here.

Key Features and Activities:

* Ancient Rock Art:

* Guided tours are available, which are the only way to view the pictographs within the canyon. These tours offer invaluable insights into the history and meaning of the rock art.

* Hiking and Biking:

* The park boasts miles of trails, offering opportunities for hiking and biking through diverse terrain. While canyon hikes require a guide, other trails are available for self guided exploration.

* Camping:

* Seminole Canyon provides camping facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural surroundings.

* Bird Watching:

* The park’s diverse habitats make it a great spot for bird watching.

* Visitor Center:

* The visitor center offers exhibits and information about the park’s history and natural resources.

Location and Contact Information:

* Address: 434 Park Road 67, Comstock, TX 78837

* Phone number: (432) 292-4464

* The park is located off U.S. Route 90, west of Comstock, Texas.

Important Notes:

* Guided canyon tours are typically offered seasonally, so it’s best to check the park’s website or call ahead for availability.

* It is always a good idea to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for the most up to date information regarding park hours, fees, and trail conditions.

Why Visit Seminole Canyon?

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site offers a truly unique experience. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this park has something to offer. Its combination of stunning scenery and fascinating cultural heritage makes it a valuable Texas treasure.