Category: Uncategorized (Page 9 of 310)

A pretty heavy clash at 49, will be dominated by the young and hungry lions with only 2 seniors returning but 8 AA’s in total. The Reigning champ in Caleb Henson by some opinions can’t be challenged by anyone.  Shayne Van Ness returns from injury. Senior experience in Lovett and Kyle Parco and a move up from Anthony Echemendia, make this weight really interesting.  While the presence of Henson looms large over the entire class, the 149 class seems to be wide open.

#1. Caleb Hanson-

There is no way to shift around this one, the rightful reigning champ will more than likely take a victory bow after the finals at the NCAA’s this year, or will he? With the return of Shayne Van Ness in full we could almost say this is a two man race. Losing to SVN at nationals in 2023 (5-3 dec) leaves them at 1-0 head to head but Henson having a better record against like opponents going 8-3 where SVN is 11-6, it would be a safe bet to put them both in the finals. Henson had an incredible freshman year beating then #2 Sammy Sasso in his first dual debut and went on to beat 7 AA’s that season terrorizing ACC fans. So achievements are 2024 national title, 2X AA, 2023 ACC champion, 2X NQ, and 2023 ACC freshman of the year. Stunning 57-7 record overall at an 89 percent win rate. A preseason rank #1 from flowrestling and #1 from wrestlestat. Unanimously voted #1 in almost any preseason ranking.

#2. Shayne Van Ness-

There is no way we could put anybody else at number 2, coming off of an injury back in December of last year, he posted an update video of his rehab progress back in May and looks phenomenal. With a whole 6 months from then till now there is no reason to think injury will hold him back this year. Hopefully we’ll get to see him matchup against some of the others on our list other than Henson and Parco as he has no history with Ty Watters, Anthony Echemendia, or Kannon Webster. With a victory over the national favorite in Henson, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him crowned in 2025. Achievements are a 2023 AA and NQ with a 29-7 record overall at an 80 percent win rate. A preseason rank #2 from flowrestling and shocking #6 from wrestlestat.

#3. Ty Watters-

Being Iowa matmen we would love to put Kyle Parco here but just can’t, as Watter’s pinned him last year at nationals. We also can’t say that he’s got him figured out either so a rematch would be more definitive when it comes to determining dominance in the rivalry, they’ve both lost to Henson in duals which isn’t surprising and Parco does have a slight edge in like opponents at 8-3 where Watters is at 7-4, the question is, does it count? Being that out of the 11 opponents they’ve faced, almost half of them are no longer competing. 4th place finish at nationals last year, Big 12 Champion, grabbing a NQ and an AA. 26-5 record overall at an 83 percent win rate. A preseason rank #3 from flowrestling and #3 from wrestlestat. Almost #3 across the board, he is one of many young and talented guys in this weight on the rise.

#4. Kannon Webster-

Once again we push Parco down the list for the buzz surrounding Webster, we have to. Out of 21 matches, his only loss to Watters means he’s earned it and only by a 2 points (4-2 dec). Where Parco was pinned by him, it only makes sense. Taking out D’Emilio gives us more than enough confidence to put him here, and without a match to Parco yet we could be proven wrong. Him and Parco have an even 4-1 record against like opponents so it will be great to see if Webster can live up to the hype, Illinois needs it after a long drought without any superstars since Imar. 19-1 record overall to this point at a 94 percent win rate. A preseason no faith rank #12 from flowrestling and the same with wrestlestat at #11.

#5 Kyle Parco-

Finally we made it, does it make you angry Iowa fans? Several factors have placed him here as previously mentioned but something also looms against Parco and Teemer, the level of competition here in the Big Ten is a whole lot different than the Pac-12. There is also a concern with stamina over the course of the season, but to their advantage, Iowa has plenty of weapons in Caleb Rathjen and Cael Voinovich to make that happen. Saddens us to put him at #5 even ranking as high as #2 last year, but the facts are the facts, Webster lost better to Watters than he did even though Parco was actually beating Watters deep into the 3rd period. Hopefully we see a breakout year from Parco in his final season and rolls through this whole list. 4X AA and 3X Pac-12 Champion, 4X NQ is one out of 8 in Arizona state history to become a 4X All American. 103-20 record overall at an 83 percent win rate. A favorable #4 preseason rank from flowrestling and #2 from wrestlestat.

#6 Ridge Lovett-

Had to put Lovett here with a 5th place match loss to Parco at nationals, but why is there so much animosity against him? We get he hasn’t had the greatest finishes at the last two nationals but the most recent was super close. 1-0 Decision against Caleb Henson in the semi’s deserves some kind of respect, a lot of other preseason ranks barely have him on their list which is wild. He also racked two wins against #2 Austin Gomez, which are big wins as well, he should almost be higher on our list. Two losses to Parco says otherwise, but Lovett does have a 22-9 record against like opponents where Parco is 19-11. Still not enough to determine whether he’s capable of a revenge win this year, Lovett will have to find a way to beat him. Yet at the same time, he’s capable of making a title run if he can avoid Parco in the bracket. 2X AA and 4X NQ with a 75-19 record overall at a 79 percent win rate. A preseason rank #5 from flowrestling and #4 from wrestlestat.

#7. Anthony Echemendia-

With a controversial history long forgotten in his tenure with Ohio State, Iowa state will get another full season from him and most noteworthy, a head to head with Kyle Parco. You could almost say by any measure that a win is guaranteed being that Iowa’s back up Caleb Rathjen has beaten him before where Ridge Lovett has beaten Rathjen. We could almost say that Tom Brands has Echemendia figured out, dishing losses to him from Iowa along with Rathjen are Real Woods and Jaydin Eierman. With a long history against Iowa, he’ll have to find a new strategy against Parco in the Cy-Hawk dual. Along with a move from 41 could prove difficult to get into the higher matches at nationals this year. 29-7 record last season at an 80 percent win rate. A preseason rank #7 from flowrestling and #8 from wrestlestat.

#8. Jackson Arrington-

Probably our most controversial pick on any list to date, we have a lot of faith in this dark horse but one main reason to pick him. Even though he’s lost to Caleb Henson three times, he pushed him Sv-1 4-1 in the ACC tourney last year and that’s enough to barely crack the list. It’s hard not to put Lachlan McNeil here finishing nationals in 4th at 41 or even Chance Lamer who’s capable of a higher push after the round of 12 two years in a row.

Exciting years ahead for 149 with a lot of young blood but 8 AA’s returning this weight could be considered wide open. Others that we haven’t mentioned in Chance Lamer, Dylan D’Emilio moving up from 41, Jaden Abas who’s another round of 12 guy could easily move up to this list as well. Out of everything at this weight, the most we could hope for is a rematch with SVN and Henson to end the debate at the top.

Located Off Bear Gap Road in Tallulah Falls Georgia, Minnehaha Falls is a stunning 100-foot cascade nestled in the heart of Rabun County. For more information, click here.

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Hike and Explore The falls are accessible via a moderate 1-mile round-trip hike from the parking area. The trail winds through lush forests and scenic overlooks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the trail, you’ll cross two bridges and encounter scenic stopping points.

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Points of Interest and Tips – Picnic areas and scenic overlooks – Swimming holes (use caution) – Photography opportunities abound – Restrooms and parking available – Leashed dogs allowed

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Plan Your Visit Before heading out: – Check trail conditions and weather forecasts – Wear comfortable hiking shoes – Bring water, snacks and a camera

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141 is a super tough weight class with anyone of 3 different wrestlers being capable of winning the NCAA title this year. Even outside of those 3 Brock Hardy is another high level wrestler capable of winning it all, and surging Sergio Lemley also has championship caliber wins on his record. Welcome to our preseason podium picks at 141

#1. Andrew Alirez

Returning with full dedication to this year after taking last season off for freestyle, has come back to find his medal kept warm by Jesse Mendez. These two are a complete toss up, but if you love recent results then Mendez is your guy, beating Alirez in beat the streets with freestyle rules in June is not enough. We don’t place a lot of stock in freestyle so we took a look at common opponents record where Mendez is still dominant 6-1 where Alirez went 5-1, but Mendez losing to #3 Beau Bartlett (Penn State) set the tone. The accolades are all there, National champion, Dan Hodge Trophy Finalist, 2X All American, 2X Big 12 Champion and 4X qualifier. 72-10 record overall at an 87 percent win rate. A preseason rank #1 from flowrestling and a disrespectful #3 from wrestlestat. he is our favorite to take the title.

#2. Jesse Mendez

Mendez can’t be any less than #2, obviously returning champion and seeks to repeat with everyone drooling over what a folkstyle match will look like with these two. On paper there’s nobody better, even Alirez. There’s still a chance Bartlett can beat him again, highly unlikely, but really puts him at #2 is an uncanny loss to #12 Cole Matthews. Yes understandably guys at the top do get upset, but the top 3 are always judged by their ability to be perfect. We can talk all we want but any of the top 3 can take a title this year either way. 48-11 record overall at an 81 percent win rate. A preseason rank #2 from flowrestling and #1 from wrestlestat.

#3. Beau Bartlett

Really trying not to have a bias and place him at #4 we regrettably agree with the experts for Beau Bartlett, while very tactical, a loss to Brock Hardy 7-3 by decision in January is a huge eyesore that we haven’t forgotten when talking about perfection within the top 3. Is Beau Bartlett a better paper warrior than Hardy? Of course, but a loss is a loss. Either way he still has yet to get a national title, to counter has won gold in Greco Roman, but needs to have a phenomenal year to win it all. 74-18 record overall at an 80 percent win rate. A preseason rank #3 from flowrestling and a #2 from wrestlestat.

#4. Cael Happel

Now get your tomatoes ready to throw, we have Cael Happel here because of his performance against Hardy. It is difficult to put him here based on head to head stats against Ryan Jack (NC State) but keep your insults in a holster, his record against like opponents with Hardy are 22-11. Hardy is 22-15 against like opponents. 61-29 record overall at an 67 percent win rate. A preseason rank #6 from flowrestling and a #7 from wrestlestat.

#5. Brock Hardy

Unanimously voted #4 across the board, Brock Hardy can hang with the top 3, having a close NCAA tourney loss to Mendez 6-2 still hasn’t gotten a shot at Alirez which we would like to see. But we have to shake up the status quo and bring up the fact that Hardy has lost to Happel twice, eye opening enough to move him a little further back. It is not out of the realm for him to end up in the semis just like Happel interdependent on the bracket layout. 61-20 record overall at an 75 percent win rate. A preseason rank #4 from flowrestling and a #4 from wrestlestat.

#6. Ryan Jack

Any preseason ranking list could put Ryan Jack at #4 and/or #5, finally grabbed his first AA last year and had a breakout year last year going 22-5 but falls behind Hardy on our list with a loss to him at the NCAA’s by fall and holding in 18-8 record against like opponents where Jack is 16-8. Hopefully we see a continuation of the rivalry with an even 500 and a tie breaker after that to end it. 66-22 record overall at an 75 percent win rate. A preseason rank #5 from flowrestling and a #6 from wrestlestat.

#7. Sergio Lemley

Sergio is our darkhorse title contender for the weight class. He has already proven he has the capability to beat the divisions best, as we saw last season when he took out NCAA finalist Read Woods as well as2x All-American Brock Hardy. Sergio did have a few strange loses during his true freshman season, but that is expected when making the jump to college competition. I expect big things from him this year.

#8. Vance Vombaur

Looking at who we have left, drawing straws would sort out the last two ranks but we’ll go with Vance Vombaur who hit podium last year, but putting him behind Ryan Jack is ideal having lost to him in the NCAA’s. Only by a point though, so it’s safe to say if this list was a current in real life ranking then Vombaur could challenge and overturn Jack, hard maybe. Could he beat any in the top 5? Highly unlikely but we always have an open door to be surprised. 37-18 record overall at an 67 percent win rate. A preseason rank #8 from flowrestling and a #12 from wrestlestat.

A Glimpse into History The Old Mill, located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is a historic treasure that showcases the state’s rich heritage. Built in 1820 as a gristmill, it has been beautifully restored and now serves as a park and museum. The Old Mill is located 3800 Lakeshore Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas, For more information, click here.

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Points of Interest and Activities Visitors can explore the mill’s original stone foundation, wooden beams, and period-specific furnishings. The surrounding park offers picturesque views, walking trails, and picnic areas. Guests can also take part in guided tours, educational programs, and special events.

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Admission and Hours Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. This is one of the photogenic locations in the entire state.

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Film and Cultural Significance The Old Mill gained fame as the filming location for the opening scene of Gone with the Wind (1939). This iconic landmark has also been featured in numerous other films, photographs, and paintings, solidifying its place in American cultural heritage.

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The Old Mill in Little Rock Arkansas is nestled in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in North Little Rock, this enchanting site showcases unique sculptures by Senor Dionicio Rodriguez, who masterfully crafted concrete to mimic wood, iron, and stone. The mill, is a beloved spot for photographers and history buffs, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill provides a peaceful escape into a beautifully preserved past.

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After a huge blow to the Wolverines in losing Cam Amine, some are asking, are they out this year? The team finishing 3rd in the NCAA’s seems like an unlikely repeat entering the 25 season, yet they have made some strategic moves bringing in Jacob Cardenas (Cornell) and Chase Saldate (Michigan State) and six freshman to help fill some of the void. Returning two AA’s and four NQ’s, Michigan will need to see big action at 33 and 97 to carry the team deep into the NCAA’s, let’s take a closer look. There is a lot to be excited about in Michigan, as they bring in a young and talented team. I’m pumped to see what Ragusin and Lemley can do this year. Both have the potential to make the finals, I could see Montanona reaching the podium as well.

125- Nolan Wertanen- this will be the year for Wertanen to really show up and establish a presence at the 25 for this team. Redshirting in 23, a better year in 24, carries a 9-7 overall record with a 56 percent win rate, he has improved over the last two years. A national qualification and a couple wins over higher ranked opponents would offer some deep credibility to this weight

133- Dylan Ragusin- Signed and sealed, there’s no one else to challenge this position for Michigan, pretty set in stone. More than just carrying bonus points this year, he probably wants to move beyond the mid top ten limitations that all of the preseason rankings have listed him as. Is he up to the task to get in the conversation with Crookham, Ayala and get revenge on Bailey from a 5-0 loss in the NCAA’s last year? A pretty illustrious career going 74-27 overall with a 73 percent win rate says so.

141- Sergio Lemley- Once again, pretty set in stone being one of the four NQ’s to return, Lesley has had some feature moments. Knocking off #4 Brock Hardy in the quarterfinals at the Big Ten’s avenging a dual loss earlier on. Also Majored our very own #1 Real Woods 14-2 the year prior tells us he’s dexterous enough to make a deeper run than a 1-2 last year at the NCAA’s. Posting an 18-9 overall with a 66 percent win rate, hopeful to crack the top 5.

149- Dylan Gilcher- little bit of a gap here at 49, four listed freshman so this is open to debate but Gilcher carrying experience at the CKLV and Midlands is the likely option. 10-8 record overall, Michigan fans hopeful for a cracking of the top 20 with a preseason rank at #35 coming off a redshirt year.

157- Chase Saldate- searching for a 5th straight NQ, the irony of filling the shoes of Lewan Will who beat him at the NCAA’s is looking to erase the past. Getting beyond a rivalry with #13 Johnny Lovett where Saldate is up 2-1 head to head and ranked #16. Wins against #6 Ryder Downey and #4 Jacori Teemer could but him in a championship situation.

165- Beau Montanona- An interesting case where flo and intermat can’t seem to agree on a preseason rank at all, how can you not rank this guy? Flo has a fat NR where intermat places him at #12, absolutely wild considering he’s beaten top 10 opponents. Last season taking out Michigan State’s #10 Caleb Fish and #18 Maxx Mayfield (Northwestern) placing 3rd at Midlands proves he deserves a top 20 rank. Holding a 14-6 record in his redsirt year, a 70 percent win rate, we are expecting an experience building year followed up next year with something big

174- Joseph Walker- Will have to swim through some heavy water to make podium this year, how many times have we talked about 74 and how loaded it is? Joseph walker is sitting at #38 with wrestlestat, they may be sleeping on him a little as he did take down #21 Donnell Washington (Indiana) but hasn’t really had a breakout season since 2022. He has a real opportunity in his final year of eligibility to help Ragusin and Cardenas this year.

184- Jaden Bullock- a little more hope here with Jaden Bullock, seems to have battled in the low teen rankings for a while dominating a rivalry with #19 ranked Brian Soldano (Rutgers) 3-0 all time, also up one match with #12 Dylan Fishback (NC State) who’s two ranks this preseason higher than himself. Bullock has had moments of greatness taking out #8 Gavin Hoffman (Ohio State) at the CKLV last year, along with payback to #16 Ryder Rogotzke (Ohio State) in the Big Tens. If he can pull off an upset against Edmond Ruth and stay consistent against Nelson Brands he could podium this year. Showcasing a 35-25 record overall at 58 percent, he needs a breakout year this year.

197- Jacob Cardenas- There is not a scenario outside of injury where Cardenas doesn’t start for Michigan, a true cornerstone piece here. 2X AA, 3X NQ and 2X 92 kg medalist his biggest challenge will be Stephen Buchanan, meeting his fate at the NCAA’s last year 9-4 by decision there’s probably a desire to remedy this. Buchanan preseason ranked #1 and Cardenas at #2, this would have been a a beautiful match for the NWCA this year, but we can’t always get what we want. With Cornell he went 70-22 at 76 percent, Michigan can’t ask for much more for a 97 in 2025.

285- Josh Heindselman- Josh is another exciting pick up from the transfer portal. Spending most of his career at Oklahoma. He has a career record of 82-46 and is already a 4x NCAA qualifier. He enters the season ranked 10th in the country. It would’t take much for him to out perform his preseason rank and reach the podium.

With Ragusin and Cardenas at the front, they could use some breakouts at the middleweights to carry the 25 and HWT for team points, if things go good they could probably place somewhere between 7th-10th place, pretty good considering losing Cam Amine, we’ll just say that things could be a lot worse for Michigan.