NCAA wrestling is finally back and with that we had a couple unexpected results in the first week of matches. Some big some small but a crazy first week nonetheless.
Anthony Sobotker vs Sammy Alvarez
Let us just start right off the bat with the biggest upset of the week in unranked Anthony Sobotker of Binghamton pinning number 11 ranked Sammy Alvarez of Rutgers. Sobotker ended up locking up a headlock and just ripped it, it payed off very well in the end as he got the pin over Alvarez.
Joe Manchio vs Sam Latona
Sam Latona had a lot of hype around him last year as he was a dominant force for Virginia Tech at 125 pounds and many expected him to be the guy across from Spencer Lee in the NCAA Finals. The Ivy league as a whole shut down wrestling last season meaning Columbia was not able to wrestle at all. What a way to come back from that with a big win for Joe Manchio.
Tony Madrigal At The Michigan State Open
This was an absolutely incredible tournament run from Oklahoma’s Tony Madrigal en route to a first place finish. In the quarterfinals he defeated Michigan’s Dylan Ragusin by a score of 4-3 to start things off. In the semifinals he matched up against his toughest opponent of the tournament in Lucas Byrd of Illinois and ended up just barely coming away with that win by a score of 3-1 in sudden victory. In the finals he faced All American from Michigan State Rayvon Foley and he indeed did win this match by score of 4-3 capping off an insanely impressive tournament run.
Lucas Davison vs Luke Luffman
This match in most peoples eyes should have went in favor of Luffman but Davison showed up big time and dominated the match 10-4 and went on to win the title at the Michigan State Open. Check out where he is ranked in our top 8 in the heavyweight division currently. He definitely has a lot of promise heading forward in his college career and many are looking forward to what he can accomplish this season.
Nick Feldman vs Zachary Khighton-Ward
I do not really know where to classify this but one of the most insane wins I have seen in my time watching college wrestling. Nick Feldman currently wrestles for Malvern Prep in PA and has accomplished more than 99% of people do at that level including defending his title two times at WNO and more. He decided to register unrostered at the Clarion Open saying he saw a ranked opponent and he wants to get these college level matches. That is exactly what he did as he took out Zachary Khighton-Ward a 2x NCAA Qualifier 10-3 in the quarterfinals of the Clarion Open.
Jake Woodley vs Pat Brucki
This may not be too big of an upset rankings wise however that being said this was the year a lot of people thought that it was Brucki’s time to finally get on top of that podium. Jake Woodley ended up defeating the Wolverine 4-2 in sudden victory in the finals of the Michigan State Open. I do not really think this means too much at this point in the season and both of them should be on their ways to solid performances at the NCAA Tournament this season.
Featured Article
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
