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2023-24 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Kansas City
The 2023-24 men’s college wrestling season culminates this week with the NCAA Division I wrestling championships in Kansas City. A total of 330 wrestlers will compete with the goal of achieving All-American status or being crowned the national champion in their respective weight classes.
1. Carter Starocci’s Quest for a Fourth Title
Nittany Lion Carter Starocci aims for his fourth NCAA Championship at 174 pounds. However, concerns about his health arise following an injury during the last dual of the year. Starocci’s 64-match win streak ended, and he enters the tournament as the 9th seed. He could potentially face tough opponents like 1-seed Mekhi Lewis and 4-seed Shane Griffith.
2. Returning Champions
Seven former NCAA champions, including Mekhi Lewis, David Carr, Shane Griffith, Carter Starocci, Aaron Brooks, Keegan O’Toole, and Vito Arujau, are looking to add another title to their legacy. If Brooks and Starocci secure their fourth titles, they will join an exclusive group of five-time champions.
3. Potential Underdog Stories
The tournament often highlights unexpected wrestlers who go on remarkable runs. Athletes like Anthony Noto, Nasir Bailey, Cole Matthews, and Ryder Rogotzke could become this year’s dark horse contenders and add excitement to the competition.
4. Unpredictability at 125 lbs
The 125-pound weight class has seen various wrestlers ranked No.1 throughout the season, making it anyone’s game. With wrestlers like Braeden Davis and Matt Ramos in contention, the weight class promises intense and unpredictable matches.
5. Penn State’s Pursuit of Domination
Penn State, under coach Cael Sanderson, eyes its 11th national team title and looks to break records with an all-weight qualification. With potential challenges from teams like NC State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa State, the battle for second and third place intensifies.
Weight-Class Highlights
125 lbs
The 125-pound weight class boasts a mix of newcomers and experienced contenders. Freshman Braeden Davis, Matt Ramos, and Jakob Camacho are among the wrestlers to watch at this weight.
133 lbs
Ryan Crookham and Daton Fix headline the 133-pound category with impressive records and past achievements. The bracket promises intense competition and potential upsets.
141 lbs
Jesse Mendez and Sergio Lemley lead the 141-pound division after notable performances in previous tournaments. Cole Matthews adds to the excitement with key victories over top seeds.
149 lbs
Ridge Lovett aims to secure Nebraska’s first national title since 2011 at the 149-pound weight class. With contenders like Kyle Parco and Austin Gomez, the matches promise excitement and high stakes.
157 lbs
Penn State’s Levi Haines and Arizona State’s Jacori Teemer stand out in the 157-pound category with a tough lineup of competitors. The bracket poses intriguing matchups and potential surprises.
165 lbs
Junior Keegan O’Toole looks to secure his third-straight title in the 165-pound division, facing tough competition from David Carr and Mitchell Mesenbrink. The weight class promises intense rivalries and exciting matchups.
174 lbs
The 174-pound weight class features defending champion Carter Starocci, Mekhi Lewis, and Shane Griffith, setting the stage for thrilling battles. Peyton Mocco also aims to make his mark from a lower seed position.
184 lbs
Parker Keckeisen leads the 184-pound division with an impressive record and high bonus percentage. TJ Stewart poses a challenge as the ACC titleholder, ensuring fierce competition in this category.
197 lbs
Aaron Brooks seeks his fourth title in the 197-pound weight class, facing competition from Trent Hidlay. The matchup between Brooks and Hidlay promises an intense showdown with both wrestlers boasting exceptional records and achievements.
Heavyweight Division
Greg Kerkvliet and Yonger Bastida headline the heavyweight division, setting the stage for a dramatic clash. Both wrestlers are undefeated and look to secure the national title, promising an epic finale to the championships.
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