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 184 lb champion and who the top contenders are for this season.

2024 Champion: Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa. Parker had an outstanding 2024 season, going 31-0 on the year. At the NCAA tournament he was 5-0 and scored bonus points in every match. In the finals he defeated Oklahoma States Dustin Plott 14-5.

This Year’s Contenders: Parker Keckeisen of Northern Iowa is 24-0 this season with a 90% bonus rate. Carter Starocci who is currently in his 7th year of college will be looking to win an unprecedented 5th NCAA title. He is currently 21-0 on the year.

Other Contenders:  No other real contenders exist at 184.

Dark Horse Contenders: Max McEnelly of Minnesota is having an outstanding freshman year and is currently 20-1. At Big 10’s he managed to take Carter Starocci into overtime.. Dustin Plott is 18-4 on the year and is a returning NCAA finalist.  Gabe Arnold is 17-4 on the year, and is capable of making a deep run at the national tournament.

2025 NCAA Champion Prediction: Carter Starocci, 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 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

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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.