2019 NCAA Preview: 174 lbs.
- Darden Schurg, Wabash
- Jairod James, Mount Union
- Kyle Briggs, Wartburg
- Daniel Kilroy, TCNJ
- A.J. Aeberli, Coast Guard
- Ben Sarasin, Chicago
- Tanner Vassar, Augsburg
- Jake Voss, Coe
Blake Rosenbaum, Ferrum
Brian Shermeyer, Messiah
Chibueze Chukwuezi, Ithaca
Colin Kowalski, Gettysburg
Haydn Kinjorski, Olivet
Jacob Krakow, Loras
Jarrit Shinhoster, Whitewater
Jordan Juliano, Centenary
Malik Settles, New England
Michael Gargano, Johnson & Wales
It looks like a two man race at 174 with Darden Schurg and Jairod James on course for a finals matchup. The two wrestled the first week of the season with Wabash’s Schurg topping defending NCAA champion James 4-3 at the Michigan State Open. Neither has had too much trouble with DIII competition so far this year. They would have had a rematch at the regional final, but Schurg forfeited to James, postponing a potential match until this weekend.
There are three other All-Americans in the bracket. Fourth seeded Daniel Kilroy of TCNJ was 8th in 2017 and in the round of 12 last year. Tanner Vassar of Augsburg and Jake Voss of Coe wrestled for 7th last year at this weight with Vassar coming out on top. Vassar had to beat last year’s 6th place finisher to get 3rd at the regional and earn his spot. Voss defeated fellow qualifier Jacob Krakow of Loras in the regional semifinal to grab his spot in the tournament.
Kyle Briggs of Wartburg spent last season behind 3x All-American Eric DeVos but has shined this season. He has just one DIII loss to Schurg and wins over Vassar and Voss. A.J. Aeberli, Colin Kowalski, and Malik Settles all qualified last year, though Kowalski was at 165. Blake Rosenbaum of Ferrum placed 4th in his region in both 2017 and 2018, but he finally qualified with a regional championship this season.