The nation’s biggest and baddest wrestling conference annually produces some of the finest wrestlers Division I has to offer. Placing all eleven conference members in the Top 25, the Big Ten led all conferences in qualifiers (70), All-Americans (28) individual National Champions (4) and National Finalists (9). Their 28 All-Americans accounted for 35% of the medal haul or exactly double that of the next closest conference, the Big XII (14 AA’s, 17.5 %). Expect similar results this year as 19 of the 28 AA’s return.

Before we turn our attention to the up-coming season, we’ll take a look back at the data and performances from last season.

2008-09 Postseason Awards
Coach of the Year: Tom Brands, Iowa
Wrestler of the Year: Jake Herbert, Northwestern
Freshman of the Year: Andrew Howe, Wisconsin
Outstanding Wrestler of the Championship: Brent Metcalf, Iowa

Big Ten Conference Tournament
125: Angel Escobedo (IU) dec. Brandon Precin (NU) 3-2
133: Franklin Gomez (MSU) dec. Reece Humphrey (tOSU) 7-4 OT
141: Kellen Russell (Mich) dec. Zach Tanelli (WI) 6-4 OT
149: Brett Metcalf (Iowa) fall Bubba Jenkins (PSU) 4:52
157: Michael Poeta (ILL) dec. Jason Welch (NU) 8-2
165: Andrew Howe (WI) dec. Ryan Morningstar (Iowa) 2-1 OT
174: Steve Luke (Mich) dec. Quentin Wright (PSU) 12-5
184: Jake Herbert (NU) dec. Phil Keddy (Iowa) 8-1
197: Tyrell Todd (Mich) dec. Dallas Herbst (WI) 5-4
Hwt: Dan Erickson (Iowa) dec. Kyle Massey (WI) 10-2

Big Ten at NCAA’s
Final Team Standings
1. Iowa 96.5
2. Ohio State 92
3. Iowa State 84.5
4. Nebraska 78.5
5. Cornell 73.5
6. Edinboro 72
7. Missouri 70
8. Illinois 55
9. Wisconsin 53
10. Maryland 47.5
11. Michigan 47
13. Northwestern 46
15. Minnesota 35
17. Penn State 31
23. Purdue 24.5
24. Indiana 24
25. Michigan St. 23

Big Ten All-Americans

National Champions
Franklin Gomez, 133, Michigan St.*
Jeff Jaggers, 141, Ohio St.
Steve Luke, 174, Michigan
Jake Herbert, 184, Northwestern

National Runners-Up
Reece Humphrey, 133, Ohio St.*
Brett Metcalf, 149, Iowa*
Mike Poeta, 157, Illinois
Andrew Howe, 165, Wisconsin*
Mike Pucillo, 184, Ohio St.*

Thirds
Brandon Precin, 125, Northwestern*
Jayson Ness, 133, Minnesota*
Kyle Ruschell, 149, Wisconsin
Ryan Morningstar, 165, Iowa*

Fourths
Zach Tanelli, 141, Wisconsin
Lance Palmer, 149, Ohio St.*
Phil Keddy, 184, Iowa*
Tyrel Todd, 197, Michigan
Dan Erickson, HWT, Iowa*

Fifths
Angel Escobedo, 125, Indiana*
Jimmy Kennedy, 133, Illinois*
Jake Patacsil, 149, Purdue

Sixths
Zach Sanders, 125, Minnesota*
Quentin Wright, 174, Penn St.*

Sevenths
Dan Dennis, 133, Iowa*
Kellen Russell, 141, Michigan*
Jon Wise, HWT, Illinois

Eighths
Frank Molinaro, 141, Penn St.*
Tyler Safratowich, 157, Minnesota*

*Underclassmen/Returning

2009-2010 Team Capsules

Illinois Fighting Illini 13-2, 6-2

The Illini had a fine season last year finishing eighth in the country and as runners-up to Iowa at The Big Ten Championships. Gone are line-up mainstays and All-Americans Mike Poeta and Jon Wise. But Coach Hefferenan has been bringing in talented recruiting classes. As a freshman 184lber, Jordan Blanton, showed a lot of promise, finishing 4th at the conference tournament. He and round of twelve competitor, John Dergo (174), will swap weights. A great deal of the Illini’s success could depend on how he and blue-chippers Sam White and Conrad Polz develop. There is speculation out of the Illinois camp that All-American 133lber Jimmy Kennedy will redshirt this season.

New Faces
Sammy White (133)
Tony Dallago (197)
Mario Gonzalez (197)

Key Departures
Mike Poeta (157)
Roger Smth-Bergsrud (165)
Jon Wise (Hwt)

On Redshirt
Jimmy Kennedy, 133
Tony Dallago, 197

Off Redshirt
Conrad Polz (165)

Projected Line-Up
125: So. B.J. Futrell, Park Forrest, IL
24-15
Big Ten, 6th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

133: R-Fr. Daryl Thomas. Edwardsville, IL
Or
Fr. Sammie White, Masillon, OH

141: Jr. Ryan Prater, Plainfield, IL
13-17
Big Ten, 7th
2-2 @ NCAA’s

149: So. Eric Terrezas, Wheaton, IL
Or
Jr. Grant Paswall, Bald Eagle, PA

157: So. Eric Terrezas, Wheaton, IL
Or
R-Fr. Kyle Dooley, Monticello, IL
Or
R-Fr. Brian Reynolds, Frankfort, IL

165: R-Fr. Conrad Polz, Orland Park, IL

174: So. Jordan Blanton, Richmond, IL
27-11
Big Ten, 4th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

184: Sr. John Dergo, Morris, IL
16-11
Big Ten, 4th
3-2 @ NCAA’s

197: Sr. Patrick Bond, Chesapeake, VA
17-15
Big Ten, 3rd
1-2 @ NCAA’s

HWT: R-Fr. Pat Walker, Lombard, IL

Outlook
Illinois might be a year or two away from making a big push. They lost one of their most steady and productive wrestlers in program history in Poeta, and are breaking in three new starters. But they have 6 solid guys who should be competitive in the conference. It’s difficult to gauge how they may do at NCAA’s. Bond has had an up-and-down career but certainly has the potential to be great in his final season. Dergo and Blanton are swapping weights. Futrell is solid, but most 125lb AA’s in the country (and Big Ten) return. The Illini could end up with 5 AAs or none at all. Overall, they look 20-ish.

Indiana Hoosiers 15-7-1, 2-5

Head Coach Duane Goldman has himself a scrappy bunch. With the recent success of their lightweights 125lbers Escobedo and Joe Dubuque have won NCAA titles), the spotlight often lands on them. What gets overlooked is the blue-collar guys they currently have in the middle. From 149 through 184, all returning starters have been to the big dance. If they continue to make strides, the program as a whole could experience significant success this season.

New Faces
Asst. Coach Joe Dubuque
Max Ortega (141)
Ryan Leblanc (165)
Tanner Kriss (197)

Key Departures
Andrae Hernandez (141)
Nick Walpole (149)

Projected Line-Up

125: R-Sr. Angel Escobedo, Griffith, IN
26-5
Big Ten Champion
NCAA, 5th

133: R-So. Matt Ortega, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
23-13

141: Fr. Max Ortega, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

149: R-Jr. Kurt Kinser, Bloomington, IN
19-10
Big Ten, 6th @ 157
NCAA Qualifier

157: R-Sr. Matt Coughlin, Evansville, IN
16-7
2008 AA (8th)

165: R-Jr. Paul Young, Bloomington, IN
29-14
1-2 @ NCAA’s

174: R-Sr. Trevor Perry, Davison, MI
29-17
Big Ten, 6th
3-2 @ NCAA’s

184: R-Jr. Eric Cameron, Cincinnati, OH
22-20
Big Ten, 6th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

197: R-So. Matt Powless, Newburgh, IN
20-14

HWT: Sr. Nate Everhart, Tinley Park, IL
26-17
Big Ten, 6th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

Outlook
A veteran, hard-working team, the Hoosiers looked primed for a fine season. If they get a boost from the youngsters from New Mexico at 33/41, it could be a special year. In fact, I’d bet Indiana, more than anyone else in the conference, makes the biggest jump in the Big Ten standings.

Iowa Hawkeyes 24-0, 8-0

Oh those Iowa Hawkeyes! World-beaters. Wrestling Icon. Defender of the light. Tom Brands squad has been on quite an impressive roll; winning National Duals, the Big Ten Dual and Tournament Championships and the past two NCAA titles. The only 2 starters they loseCharlie Falck, who, as a #5 seed went 3-2 and failed to place and Alex Tsirtsis. In other words, they aren’t losing many team points there. The only caveat to this season is, when it’s over, it may be over for a while; their line-up consists of 8 seniors. Also of note, HWT Dan Ereckson will be out for the first semester after having surgery to repair a torn bicep.

New Faces
Tony Ramos (125)
Dylan Carew (149)
Derek St. John (157/165)
Ethan Lofthouse (174)

Off Redshirt
Matt McDonough (125)
Nate Moore (133)
Mark Ballweg (133/141)
Grant Gambrall (174/184)

Key Departures
Charlie Falck (125)
Alex Tsirtsis (141)

Projected Line-Up

125: R-Fr. Matt McDonough, Marion, IA
22-8 as RS
Or
So. J.J. Krutsinger, Evansdale, IA
12-8
Or
R-Fr. Nate Moore, Iowa City, IA
23-4 as RS

133: Sr. Dan Dennis, Ingleside, IL
31-6
Big Ten, 5th
NCAA, 7th

141: Sr. Dan LeClere, Coggon, IA
9-2

149: Sr. Brent Metcalf, Davison, MI
37-1
Big Ten Champion
NCAA Runner-Up

157: R-Jr. Matt Ballweg, Waverly, IA
13-19
Or
R-Jr. Aaron Janssen, Emmetsburg, IA

165: R-Sr. Ryan Morningstar, Lisbon, IA
32-6
Big Ten Runner-Up
NCAA, 3rd

174: Sr. Jay Borschel, Marion, IA
30-5
Big Ten, 3rd
2-2 @ NCAA’s

184: R-Sr. Phil Keddy, Vernal, UT
34-5
Big Ten Runner-Up
NCAA, 4th

197: Sr. Chad Beatty, Wilton, IA
19-6
Big Ten, 4th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

HWT:
1st Semester: R-So. Blake Rasing, New Hampton, IA
2nd Semester: R-Sr. Dan Erekson, Eagle, ID
28-8
Big Ten Champion
NCAA, 4th

Outlook
The Hawkeyes return 9 starters from a team that won everything there was to win last season. Sure there are teams that are talented and re-loaded. And at points during the season, they may be pushed. That’s wrestling. The Hawkeyes won NCAA’s last year wrestling about as bad as they’re capable of in too-close-for-comfort fashion. Don’t expect that to happen again. The only way Brands’ boys don’t three-peat is if the bus driver gets lost on the way to Omaha. But then again, from Iowa City, they could probably run there.

Michigan Wolverines 10-8-1, 5-2-1

Two years ago, Kellen Russell burst onto the college wrestling scene earning, at one point, the #1 ranking, and going on to win the Big Ten tournament as a true freshman. Back then, Russell was part of a deep and talented line-up. After two straight seasons in which the Wolverines finished 3rd in the Big Ten and top 11 at NCAA’s, attrition due to graduation has hit the program.

Other than Russell, the starters returning to Coach McFarland’s line-up this season collectively posted just 1 victory in the winner’s side of the bracket at the Big Ten Championships last season.

Steve Luke and Tyrel Todd have graduated from a squad whose line-up was spotty even last season. The last two recruiting classes the staff has brought to Ann Arbor have been outstanding; down low, Sean Boyle and Eric Grajales are immediate upgrades. It will be interesting to see who they will redshirt. With the situation as it is, they may be well served to redshirt Russell and save him for future seasons. From previous classes, Ben Apland, Mark Weber, Coby Boyd, and Hunter Collins were prep standouts who may be called to duty this season.

New Faces
Sean Boyle (125)
Eric Grajales (133/141)
Brandon Zeerip (157/165)
Dan Yates (165)

Key Departures
Michael Watts (125)
Steve Luke (174)
Tyrel Todd (197)

Off Redshirt
Coby Boyd (157)
Hunter Collins (174)
Ben Apland (HWT)

Projected Line-Up

125: Fr. Sean Boyle, Lowell, MA

133: So. Zach Stevens, Monroe, MI
Or
Fr. Eric Grajales, Brandon, FL

141: Jr. Kellen Russell, High Bridge, NJ
31-4
Big Ten Champion
NCAA, 7th

149: So. Mark Weber, Goodrich, MI
15-12

157: R-Fr. Coby Boyd, St. Paris, OH

165: R-Jr. Aaron Hynes, Mt. Morris, MI
17-11 @ 157

174: R-So. Justin Zeerip, Fremont, MI
8-20 @ 165

184: R-Fr. Hunter Collins, Gilroy, CA
11-5 as RS

197: R-Jr. Anthony Biondo, Clinton Township, MI
18-15 @ 184
Big Ten, 5th
0-2 @ NCAA

HWT: R-Jr. Eddie Phillips, Woodland, MI
16-15
Or
R-Fr. Ben Apland, Woodridge, IL
16-8 as RS
Or
R-Jr. Chad Bleske, Washington, MI
8-4

Outlook
By Michigan Wrestling standards, it could be rough one for the Wolverines. It’s largely a rebuilding year with as many as 6 first-time starters. Although many of them had talented prep careers, getting your feet wet in the ultra-competitive Big Ten is a tough task. Their recruiting class the past two years has been remarkable, and the staff has proven they can turn elite recruits into All-Americans. Expect growing pains this season while building a future contender.

Michigan State Spartans 6-10, 1-7

The bad news was Coach Minkel’s team finished dead last at the Big Ten Conference Championships. The good news is, they were breaking in 6 new starters last year. Outside of their 165lber, Rex Kendle, the Spartans return everyone, including 2x defending conference champion, Franklin Gomez, the sole reason MSU was able to finish 25th at NCAA’s.

If they put their work in this summer, the Spartans could have a very good season. The Virginia Beach boys and Ian Hinton particularly showed promise as freshman. With another year of seasoning, expect them to contribute enough points to significantly improve their dual record and move up the standings come conference tourney time.

MSU also had a very solid recruiting class, including HWT Mike McClure, who could possible challenge for starting time immediately.

New Faces
Brenan Lyon (125)
Dan Osterman (133)
Josh Harper (141)
Mike McClure (HWT)

Key Departures
Rex Kendle (165)

Projected Line-Up

125: R-So. Eric Olanowski, Virginia Beach, VA
21-19
NCAA Qualifier

133: R-Sr. Franklin Gomez, Brandon, FL
27-2
Big Ten Champion
NCAA Champion

141: R-So. Collin Dozier, Virginia Beach, VA
15-17

149: R-So. David Cheza, Grand Blanc, MI
16-23

157: Jr. Anthony Jones, Jr. Highland Park, MI
24-15
NCAA Qualifier

165: Jr. Kyle Bounds, Vancouver, WA
Or
R. So. Ben Boudro, Richmond, MI
6-9

174: R-So. Ian Hinton, Mishawaka, IN
20-19
1-2 @ NCAA’s

184: R-Sr. Nick Palmieri, Mayfield, OH
9-10

197: R-So. Tyler Dickenson, Pewamo, MI
8-20

HWT: R-Sr. Alan O’Donnell, Clarksville, MI
16-18

Outlook
Having a bona fide stud in Gomez nearly guarantees a respectable amount of points in tournament formats. But one wrestler can only do so much in duals. A lot of what we can expect from the Spartans in ’09-’10 will be answered early. If their 6 sophomores prove they have made strides from their promising freshman campaigns, the Spartans could be vastly improved.

Minnesota Golden Gophers 15-8, 5-4

The Gophers were preparing for the future last year while redshirting much of their top talent. Despite that, they still managed to take 5th and 14th at the conference and national tournaments, respectively. Not exactly up to the prideful Minnesota faithful, but not bad under the circumstances.

Coach J. Robinson annually brings great recruiting classes to Minnesota. And while veterans Jayson Ness and Dustin Schlatter will pace the team, the success of the program this year will depend on how the new guys produce. Blue Chippers Mason, Deichtler, and Yohn all had impressive seasons last year while not in the Gopher line-up.

New Faces
David Thorn (133)
Bart Reiter (141)
Danny Zilverberg (141)
Pat Smith (149)
Jake Deichtler (157/165)
Alec Ortiz (165/174)
Kevin Steinhaus (174)
Tony Nelson (197/HWT)
Jake Kettler (HWT)

Key Departures
Matt Mincey (149)
Tyler Safratowich (157)
Gordon Bierschenk (184)
Ryland Geiger (197)

Off Redshirt
Mario Mason (149)
Cody Yohn (174)

Projected Line-Up

125: R-So. Zach Sanders, Wabasha, MN
39-10
Big Ten, 4th
NCAA, 6th

133: R-Sr. Jayson Ness, Bloomington, MN
38-8
Big Ten, 4th
NCAA, 3rd

141: R-Jr. Mike Thorn, St. Michael, MN
29-17
Big Ten, 5th
NCAA Qualifier

149: R-Fr. Mario Mason, Moorestown, NJ
14-2 as RS

157: Fr. Jake Deichtler, Anoka, MN
2008 Olympian

165: R-Sr. Dustin Schlatter, Masillon, OH
3x All American

174: R-Jr. Scott Glasser, Bismark, ND
19-16
Or
R-Fr. Cody Yohn, Alamosa, CO
14-4 as RS

184: R-So. Sonny Yohn, Alamosa, CO
11-15

197: R-Jr. Joe Nord, Waconia, MN
Or
R-Jr Brent Eidenshenk, Detroit Lakes, MN
6-8

HWT: R-Jr. Ben Berhow, Hayward, MN
27-11
Big Ten, 4th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

Outlook
The Gophers will be back near the top of the Big Ten Standings. The loss of talented prospect, Ryland Geiger, leaves a question mark at 197 and lessens the likelihood of pushing Iowa, which would have been a tall order regardless. I see Minnesota as the #2-4 Big Ten team, with an NCAA finish of about 8th, depending upon the performance of their first-year starters, and the progress of Berhow and Thorn, who could contend for AA honors. This is a conservative estimate, as Ness and Schlatter are legitimate title threats, and the line-up could, on good day, result in as many as 7 All-Americans.

Northwestern Wildcats 15-7, 2-5

Coach Cysewski’s Wildcats made plenty of headlines last season as their big three paced them to an NCAA Top 15 finish. Jake Herbert was undefeated and captured the Hodge Trophy. Freshman Jason Welch won 26 matches and made the conference finals. Brandon Precin placed 2nd and 3rd respectively, at the Big Ten’s and NCAA’s.

That could all be a distant memory this season though. Herbert has graduated, Welch is redshirting and Precin may too. If he does, look for Levi Mele, a highly accomplished high school wrestler, to get back in the swing of competitive wrestling after completing a two-year Mormon mission.

New Faces
Asst. Coach Matt Storniolo
Levi Mele (125)
Marcus Shrewsbury (184/197)

Off Redshirt
Brian Roddy (174)

On Redshirt
Jason Welch (157)

Key Departures
Jake Herbert (184)

Projected Line-up

125: Sr. Brandon Precin, Orland Park, IL
33-4
Big Ten Runner-Up
NCAA, 3rd
Or
Fr. Levi Mele, Vernal, Utah

133: R-Sr. Eric Metzler, Luxemburg, WI
32-39 career record

141: R-Jr. Keith Sulzer, Cleveland, OH
20-14
Big Ten, 6th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

149: R-Jr. Andrew Nadhir, Bloomfield Hills, MI
14-12
Big Ten, 6th

157: R-Sr. Dominic Marella, Roselle, IL
5-16
Or
R-Jr. Kyle Bertin, Cleveland, OH
5-8

165: R-So. Robert Kellogg, Sioux City, IA
12-14
Or
R-Sr. Dominic Marella, Roselle, IL

174: R-Fr. Brian Roddy, Cleveland, OH
13-8 as RS

184: Jr. Aaron Jones, Macomb, IL
11-12

197: R-So. Josh Schoen, Homer Glen, IL
6-20

HWT: R-So. Ben Kuhar, Cleveland, OH
5-12

Outlook
It will probably be a rough one for Northwestern this year from a team perspective. Even with their big 3 of last year, the rest of the line-up was thin; amazingly, they still only managed 8th at the conference tourney. With, most likely, just two senior starters, their team is pretty young. Sulzer has the ability to AA. And it will be interesting to watch the development of Roddy and Kellogg. You want someone to keep an eye on? Watch Nadhir at 149 who beat Ohio State’s Lance Palmer and lost just 2-1 to Bubba Jenkins at Big Ten’s.

Ohio State Buckeyes 16-2, 7-1

Two weeks made a world of difference for Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes last season. After only managing a sixth place finish at Big Ten’s, Ohio State nearly parlayed a bad couple of rounds by Iowa into an NCAA title, finishing as Runners-up, just 4.5 points behind them at the national tournament.

New Faces
Ian Paddock (133)
Colin Palmer (141/149)
Nick Heflin (174/184)

Off Redshirt
C.J. Magrum (174)

Key Departures
Jeff Jaggers (141)
Jason Johnstone (157)

Projected Line-up

125: Jr. Nikko Triggas, Campolindo, CA
22-17
NCAA Qualifier

133: Fr. Ian Paddock, Warsaw, NY

141: R-Sr. Reece Humphrey, Indianapolis, IN
30-4
Big Ten Runner-Up
National Runner-Up

149: Sr. Lance Palmer, Cleveland, OH
31-5
Big Ten, 3rd
NCAA, 4th

157: R-So. Sean Nemec, Cleveland, OH
26-6

165: Jr. Colt Sponseller, Glenmont, OH
32-8
Big Ten, 4th
2-2 @ NCAA’s

174: Sr. Dave Rella, Akron, OH
21-15
Big Ten, 5th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

184: Sr. Mike Pucillo, Cuyahoga, OH
23-2
Big Ten, 3rd
NCAA Runner-Up

197: R-Fr. C.J. Magrum, Oak Harbor, OH
17-6 as RS

HWT: R-Sr. Corey Morrison, Shaker Heights, OH
20-15
1-2 @ NCAA’s

Outlook
Colt Sponseller had just 3 losses (and several impressive wins) before he lost an overtime match to Iowa’s Ryan Morningstar in the Big Ten semi’s. If he can put it together during the post season this year, it could bode very well for the Buckeyes. Pucillo and Humphrey (who is moving up a weight) were both in the NCAA finals last year, so they can hardly improve upon their team point output. And, while incoming freshman, Ian Paddock (133) is certainly talented, it’s unlikely that he will be able to duplicate the output of Humphrey or Jaggers.

To be sure, if there’s one team that can push the Hawkeyes, it’s tOSU, who finished runners-up to them the last two years. It appears they will be 1-2 for a third.

Penn State Nittany Lions 8-12-2, 1-6-2

Last year’s 17th place showing at NCAA’s wasn’t enough to satisfy Nittany Lion fans, and more importantly, the Penn State administration. Enter Cael Sanderson and staff who look to get the program back on track.

The plan appears to be to redshirt most of their talent and build for future seasons. However, the line-up will still feature several All-American contenders. Molinaro placed last year and Cyler Sanderson, the season before. Brad Pataky and Dan Vallimont were on the verge of medaling last year as well.

New Faces
Head Coach, Cael Sanderson
Asst. Coach, Cody Sanderson
Asst. Coach, Casey Cunningham
Cyler Sanderson (157)
David Taylor (149)
Jake Kemerer (165)
Ed Ruth (184)
Luke Macchiaroli (197/HWT)

Off Redshirt
James English (149)

On Redshirt
Bubba Jenkins (149)
Quentin Wright (174/184)

Key Departures
Jake Strayer (133)

Projected Line-up

125: R-Sr. Brad Pataky, Clearfield, PA
32-11
Big Ten, 4th
3-2 @ NCAA’s

133: R-Fr. Jack Chidester, Malvern, PA
8-8 as RS
Or
R-So. Tyler Saltsman, Concord, NH
3-2

141: R-So. Frank Molinaro, Barnegat, NJ
23-19
NCAA, 8th

149: R-Fr. James English, York, PA

157: Sr. Cyler Sanderson, Heber City, UT (Iowa St.)
Big 12, 4th
2-2 @ NCAA’s

165: R-Sr. Dan Vallimont, Lake Hopatcong, NJ
24-12
Big Ten,
3-2 @ NCAA’s

174: R-Sr. David Erwin, Urbana, OH
3-0 (injured)
23-10 in 08-09

184: R-So. David Crowell, Easton, PA

197: R-So. Clay Steadman, McKean, PA

HWT: R-So. Cameron Wade, Twinsburg, OH
16-14
Big Ten, 6th

Outlook
While Penn St. isn’t likely to challenge for a conference title, they could still put up respectable numbers amidst the regime change. Their dual record will probably still be sub-par, but with 4-5 legitimate All-American candidates, their team score could be surprising to a fan base that was prepared to accept a down year in exchange for future success. HWT, Cam Wade, will win some NCAA matches and guys like Steadman and Crowell will be solid starters. Expect around from 6th/7th at Big Ten’s and as good or better than their showing at NCAA’s last year when they only had just 2 AAs.

Purdue Boilermakers 12-7-1, 1-6-1

Purdue ended up near the bottom of the Big Ten in both duals and at the conference tournament, but was deep enough to end up as a Top 25 team at nationals, thanks, in large part, to Jake Patacsil’s All-American run. Patacsil is now gone, everyone else is back and the staff has brought in a talented recruiting class.
As a freshman, Matt Fields had a rather promising season at 125. He starts off a line-up that should be competitive, as they return 3 starters that have won matches at NCAA’s.

New Faces
Camden Eppert (125)
Cashe Quiroga (125/133)
Steve Sanderfer (141)
Kendrick Sanders (149)

On Redshirt
A.J. Kissel (184)

Key Departures
Jake Patacsil (149)

Projected Line-up

125: R-So. Matt Fields, Whiteland, IN
11-6
Or
Fr. Cashe Quiroga, Indianapolis, IN

133: R-Jr. Akif Eren, Perrysburg, OH
8-14
Or
Fr. Cashe Quiroga, Indianapolis, IN

141: R-Jr. Juan Archuleta, Hesperia, CA
15-13

149: R-Sr. Nick Bertucci, Berwyn, IL
10-6
Or
Fr. Kendrick Sanders, Homestead, FL

157: R-Jr. Colton Salazar, Midway, UT
16-14
Big Ten, 4th
2-2 @ NCAA’s

165: R-Sr. Jason Martin, Williamsburg, IN
16-7

174: Jr. Luke Manuel, Nevada City, CA
26-15 (at 165)
Big Ten, 5th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

184: R-Jr. David Pisarcik, Valencia, PA
9-4
Or
R-Sr. Nick Corpe, Granger, IN
11-13

197: R-Jr. Logan Brown, Bradford, OH
30-15
Big Ten, 5th
1-2 @ NCAA’s

HWT: R-Jr. Roger Vukobratovich, Cedar Lake, IN
10-4

Outlook
The coaching staff believes that Eren will perform better up a weight at 133. If that’s true, or if Quiroga starts there, Purdue will run a pretty solid line-up onto the mat. The red-shirting of Kissel will be a detriment as he could have been the difference in some duals, and would have made an imposing trifecta from 74 through 97. Still, the Boilermakers should improve their dual record and come close to their 23rd place showing at NCAA’s last year.

Wisconsin Badgers 9-8, 3-5

The Badgers had a great NCAA Tournament last March. Barry Davis’ squad finished 9th in the country, a mark that actually, could have been slightly better. Both Dallas Herbst and Kyle Massey were on the verge of placing.
This season, the Badgers must replace 3 graduated seniors and Ben Jordan who is taking a redshirt. This is where the talent that Coach Davis has been procuring pays dividends. The last two recruiting classes were very impressive. Three freshman will start and Wisconsin also gets back Brandvold (197) off redshirt.

New Faces
Asst. Coach, Jared Frayer
John Prezzia (141)
Kalvin York (157)
Brendan Ard (174)
Derrick Borlie (184)
Cole Tobin (HWT)

Off Redshirt
Trevor Brandvold (197)

On Redshirt
Ben Jordan (157)

Key Departures
Zach Tanelli (141)
Dallas Herbst (197)
Kyle Massey (HWT)

Projected Line-up

125: R-Sr. Drew Hammen, Random Lake, WI
5-21

133: R-Fr. Tyler Graff, Loveland, CO
18-2 as RS

141: R-Fr. Cole Schmitt, New Glarus, WI
20-7 as RS
Or
R-Fr. Trey Bertram, Woodbury, MN
9-8 as RS

149: R-Sr. Kyle Ruschell, Crittenden, KY
32-8
Big Ten, 5th
NCAA, 3rd

157: R-So. Kendall Vogel, Westfield, WI
3-4 as RS
Or
R-Fr. Brad Nardick, Northbrook, IL
9-10 as RS

165: So. Andrew Howe, Cedar Lake, IN
30-5
Big Ten Champ
NCAA Runner-Up

174: So. Travis Rutt, New Prague, MN
17-18

184: Fr. Derrick Borlie, Winchester, VA

197: R-Jr. Trevor Brandvold, River Falls, WI
18-5 as RS
Big Ten, 4th in 2008
2-2 @ NCAA’s 2008

HWT: R-Jr. Eric Bugenhagen, Franklin, WI
8-18 (@ 184)

Outlook
The Badgers season will largely depend on their young guys; Borlie, Graff, and Schmitt were prep standouts. While the wrestling world knows what it has in Howe, it will be interesting to see how fellow sophomore Travis Rutt progresses. Overall, it looks like they may be a more balanced team, top-to-bottom, than last season. Their dual record could increase, however, expect a slight regression from their #9 finish at nationals last season. Howe and Ruschell gives them quantifiable points, but can the young guys make up the NCAA wins that Tanelli, Massey, and Herbst gave them?

TOM’s Big Ten Preseason Ranking
1. Iowa
2. Ohio St.
3. Minnesota
4. Wisconsin
5. Indiana
6. Illinois
7. Penn St.
8. Michigan
9. Michigan St.
10. Northwestern
11. Purdue

By Willie Saylor – willie@theopenmat.com