2012 – 285 lbs. Preview

 285 Corsello vs Bouressa (7)

Qualifiers (seeds listed, returning All-Americans in bold, qualifiers in italics)
Brackets

  • 1 Hesson (Mt. Union)
  • 2 Johnson (Augsburg)
  • 3 Zitone (Centenary)
  • 4 Anderson (Whitewater)
  • 5 Fank (Wartburg)
  • 6 Mayer (La Crosse)
  • 7 Renas (Olivet)
  • 8 Bouressa (Concordia MN)
  • Brooks (Elmhurst)
  • Giaramita (Cortland)
  • Herman (Luther)
  • Mahon (Ithaca)
  • Poplaski (Gettysburg)
  • Saliba (York)
  • Walsh (Bridgewater St.)

Hesson surprised many last year after fighting back from an early loss to finish in 5th place while avenging that early loss in the 5th place match. This year, he has not been able to sneak up on anyone and brings an undefeated record into the tournament. It is not a soft record, as he has wins over the #4 and #6 seeds as well as a win over Giaramita of Cortland. He is the favorite, but he will not go unchallenged. The weight is deep with big and athletic wrestlers, many of whom could put together a good tournament and win.

Johnson was a freshman All-American last year and is undefeated against DIII with wins over four of the competitors here. Mayer was also an All-American but has numerous losses this season. Bourressa was a semifinalist a year ago on his way to 4th place, but he is just 5-4 this year with no marquee wins.

Beyond the four All-Americans, Zitone and Mahon qualified last year but failed to place. Zitone is undefeated so far with wins over Mahon, Saliba, and Mayer. Anderson of Whitewater was an NJCAA All-American and is one of three qualifiers for the Warhawks from Rockton-Hononegah HS in Illinois. Saliba has a good record this year and is making his first trip. One to watch is Walsh from Bridgewater State. He is an Ohio State transfer who started wrestling in January and could surprise someone in an early round.