Qualifiers (returning All-American in bold, qualifier in italics)
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Even though 149 does not have a returning champ in the bracket, Valek of Augsburg is a two-time returning runner-up at the weight who will be very tough to beat. He is undefeated on the year, though it did take some last minute heroics to pull ahead and win in the regional final. A quartet of returning All-Americans should prove to be his toughest test with Dattolo, Andrews, and Locke all back at this weight while 2x 141 runner-up Stierly is at 149 this season. Stierly is just 8-1, however, while Dattolo is 30-0. Andrews has only lost to Dattolo in DIII, while Locke was upset in the IIAC final by Wood of Loras for his only DIII loss.
Outside of the returning placewinners, all three returning qualifiers were at 157 last year, and all three went 0-2 in the NCAA Championships. Sarbacker won the WIAC, Willey won the NEWA, and Warcynski slipped in as the third place finisher in the IIAC. Also in from the IIAC is Waggenhoffer of Wartburg. He finished 6th there, but was one of the alternates and got into the tournament as one of the extra 10 qualifiers.
Wood and Quiros are making their first trip to the tournament, and any one of them could place after putting together nice seasons. Quiros had Valek on the ropes. Wood put together a nice tournament to win the IIAC while upsetting Locke.
The season so far suggests Valek will finally win in his third trip to the finals, but there are other guys close enough to him to make that result anything but a foregone conclusion.
Pretty sure Brady was a qualifier last year as a freshman. Got the wild card i believe last year
Fixed. Thanks for that.
Sarbacker is another Warhawk returning to the tourney and ready to make his mark at his true weight! Let’s go Cade!
I would like to see Stierly and Valek meet in the Semis…Both wrestlers two-time finalist. I say winner of that takes the crown. This will be a fun weight to watch
What about Hauser he lost 3-2 to andrews (should have been awarded a TD at the end) and lost in OT to Stierly, He will make some noise on the Big Stage!
Just want to give a special shout out to Anthony Dattolo, Zak Andrews, and all the seniors at every weight, thank you all for keeping the love for this demanding sport alive. I wish all of you best of luck in your futures, and good luck this weekend. Without all the fanfare of D-1, you guys are the true heart and soul of our beloved sport. Best wishes !
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