Preview – 184 lbs.

184 lbs.

2011 Seeds
1. Moenkedick, Concordia
2. Engelland, UW-Stevens Point
3. Denver, TCNJ
4. Ward, Johnson & Wales
5. Azinger, Wartburg
6. Martocello, York
7. Rau, Elmhurst
8. Baxter, St. John’s

Returning All-Americans
Moenkedick, Concordia, 1st in 2010, 2nd in 2009
Engelland, UW-Stevens Point, 4th in 2010, 5th in 2009
Denver, TCNJ, 7th in 2010
Ward, Johnson & Wales, 2nd in 2010
Azinger, Wartburg, 6th at 174 in 2010
Baxter, St. John’s, 7th in 2009
Rehn, Coe, 7th at 174 in 2010

It is rarely this simple. The defending champion MOenkedick is undefeated against Division III and has defeated the #2 seed. That #2 seed Engelland has only lost one match this year, and it was to the #1 seed. No guessing about level of competition or comparing common opponents. One guy beat everyone, and the other guy beat everyone except that guy. Moenkedick followed a runner-up finish in 2009 with a championship performance out of the #3 seed in 2010. Now, he looks for a third trip to the finals and a second championship. He has wins this year against six other entries at this weight. Ben Engelland is also looking for his third All-American award and has defeated a number of the wrestlers in this event, most notably his brother Sam in the WIAC finals.

Ward, a finalist a year ago, again brings his arsenal of match ending moves to the tournament as the #4 seed. He recorded a pair of falls against higher seeds last year to make the finals. He did lose a match this year to 2009 All-American Baxter of St. John’s who is back this year after missing most of last season. Denver was an All-American last year for TCNJ, and he had put together an unblemished DIII season before unexpectedly losing to Martocello of York, a wrestler he had already beaten twice this year, in the Metro final. The weight is deep, with wrestlers like Wheaton champ Rhoads, Wheaton runner-up Marble, and 174 lb. All-American Rehn among the unseeded.

Prediction: Moenkedick has proven himself to be the best wrestler at this weight all year, and there is no good reason to choose anyone else here.