2018 NCAA Preview: 157 lbs.
Logan Thomsen was a runner-up at 157 last season
Mat Talk Online DIII Championships Guide
- Ryan Epps, Augsburg
- Logan Thomsen, Wartburg
- Zach Wilhelm, Stevens
- Mark Choinski, Oshkosh
- Cole Erickson, Coe
- Raymond Jazikoff, NYU
- Kyle Hatch, Wabash
- Egan Berta, North Central
Greg Chery, Cortland
Kevin Edwards, Messiah
Tyler Gazaway, Roger Williams
Eric Hutchinson, York
Tyler Marsh, WPI
Michael McIntire, Mount Union
Gavin Nelson, Ohio Northern
Dominick Reyes, Johns Hopkins
Seth Vosters, Eau Claire
Kaidon Winters, RIT
Logan Thomsen transferred from Iowa to Wartburg last season and made it all the way to the NCAA finals where he lost a close match to defending champion Bobby Dierna of Cortland. This year, Thomsen is the highest returning finisher and is one of four returning runners-up in DIII. He has just one loss this year to Augsburg’s Ryan Epps. Thomsen defeated Epps at the National Duals but lost a few weeks later in the Battle of the ‘Burgs. Epps also has just one loss to Thomsen on the year. He, like Thomsen, won his regional by defeating a returning All-American in the finals. Epps topped last year’s 6th place finisher Mark Choinski of Oshkosh 6-3, while Thomsen got his second win of the year over last year’s 6th place finisher at 149 Cole Erickson of Coe with an 8-0 major decision.
Zach Wilhelm of Stevens was an All-American with a 7th place finish last season at 149. His only loss at 157 so far is to Epps in the Cornell finals back in January. The Centennial Conference wrestler of the year has over 150 career wins and looks for a second podium finish. The aforementioned Choinski is 19-1 with the loss to Epps in the regional final, though that match was his first this season against a wrestler who will be in this tournament. He did notch a win over 2017 All-American Steve Bonsall of Chicago early in the year. Erickson of Coe started the year at 149 but went up to 157 after Christmas. He lost twice to Thomsen and once to Kalkbrenner of Dubuque at 157, but he topped Kalkbrenner in the regional semifinals to earn a return trip to the championships. Also returning to the championships is Northeast Regional champion Ray Jazikoff of NYU. He was a 2016 qualifier before missing out next year, and the NYU all-time victories leader is looking for his first All-American award.