NCAA Preview: 165
Weight Class Preview: 165
Qualifiers by Weight
165 may be the deepest weight class in the tournament, which explains why it was also the biggest until Dahlheimer of Lycoming was forced to pull out. The top seed Palmer is a formidable competitor, but he hasn’t been without some close calls this year including a last second takedown to beat Zempel of Messiah. That said, he’s a pretty clear favorite and has been ranked #1 all year long. He was 3rd here last year (splitting with Bradshaw) and has placed in the Midlands before. He could, however have to face Zempel again in the quarterfinals
Burkle is undefeated in the #2 slot and is another solid competitor who is very good defensively, a trait that leads to NCAA success. He has solid wins over four of the other entrants here, but he’ll have a tough road to the finals, just like anyone in this weight. Russo has missed a lot of time with a injuries, but surprised some to come back for the OAC tournament where he cruised. His only loss was 13-12 in a match where he sustained the injury but couldn’t hold on for the win. He was 6th last year. Hoover is a transfer to Maranatha who steamrolled the field at the Great Lakes Region, pinning the #6 seed Youel in the first period. Hoover has a win by fall wrestling unattached at the Midlands over former D1 champ Lackey. Youel is hard nosed and has the will to win, and he also dealt Hoover his only official loss back in November.
The higher seeds should be careful not to overlook the three time All-American Bradshaw. He split with Palmer last year and has always shown up ready for the NCAA tournament. Bogardus has wrestled close with Bradshaw and beaten Zempel twice. Zempel has wrestled a monster schedule with 13 matches against national qualifiers, notably hammering Cruickshank 21-3. Cruickshank was a qualifier at 184 last year, and had Palmer on his back in an early season dual, but he is just 18-13.
There is no easy road to the second day at 165, and there could be a lot of upsets along the way.