Top Potential Matches at the 2024 Clarion Open
Top Potential Matches at the 2024 Clarion Open
The 2024 Clarion Open is going down on Sunday, November 3rd. Here are the matchups you don't want to miss!
With the 2024-25 NCAA season kicking off, the 2024 Clarion Open is one of the best opportunities to scratch your college wrestling itch and features plenty of elite NCAA DI action this weekend. Between two top ten teams with #5 Ohio State and #7 Michigan sending their full lineups along with a strong contingent of other teams making their way to Clarion, you're not going to want to miss this season opener. Before the action gets underway, check out some of the top potential matchups that could happen at the Clarion Open.
2024 Clarion Open
Clarion Open
Location: Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium, Clarion, PA
Date: 11/03/24 Start Time: 9:00 AM ET
Top Potential Matchups
125: #16 Brendan McCrone, Ohio State vs. Vinny Kilkeary, Ohio State
Brendan McCrone was the guy for Ohio State last season and finished the season 20-13 and 1-2 at the NCAA tournament while picking up several high level wins against elite competition. Vinny Kilkeary was in redshirt for the Buckeyes last season but was the #34 overall recruit out of the Class of 2023 Big Board and made strides throughout his redshirt year including making the U20 US Open finals. We did not see these two meet up in Ohio State's wrestleoffs a week ago and this matchup could decide the 125 starter for the Buckeyes moving forward if these two were to hit.
133: Ben Davino, Ohio State vs. #13 Nic Bouzakis, Ohio State/ #4 Dylan Ragusin, Michigan
Ben Davino is one of the top true freshman in the country as he was #3 on the Class of 2024 Big Board and will face his biggest test yet this weekend. Davino did not meet up with Nic Bouzakis last week in Ohio State's wrestleoffs as Bouzakis was competing in Albania at the U23 World Championships, but Davino still impressed as he came away with an 11-1 major decision over a very tough Andre Gonzales. Bouzakis was 25-11 for Ohio State last year and finished in the round of 16 at NCAAs. The matchup between these two could serve as a wrestleoff for Ohio State if they were to meet up. Dylan Ragusin is a veteran and was 28-4 last season and finished fifth on the podium at NCAAs. I'm excited to see Davino in action and if he were to run the gauntlet this weekend he would immediately cement himself as a title contender in the 133-pound field.
141: #2 Jesse Mendez, Ohio State vs. #7 Sergio Lemley, Michigan/ Luke Stanich, Lehigh
After making the jump up from 133 pounds where he was an All-American as a true freshman, Jesse Mendez was one of the most impressive guys all of last year on his way to the 141-pound NCAA crown. Sergio Lemley had himself a very impactful true freshman campaign last year with several wins over All-Americans before falling short at the NCAA tournament. We did not see these two meet last year in what has been a long awaited matchup between two absolute goers. Throw returning All-American Luke Stanich up two weight classes into the mix and that makes for an amazing 141-pound bracket.
157: #9 Paddy Gallagher, Ohio State vs. #17 Chase Saldate, Michigan
Paddy Gallagher finished in the round of 16 at NCAAs in 2023 as a redshirt freshman and was having a very strong season last year before suffering a season ending injury in January. Chase Saldate has been right there his entire career as a four-time NCAA qualifier but is still seeking All-American status going into his final season after making the transfer from Michigan State to Michigan this postseason. These two met in the 2023 season with Gallagher coming away with the 5-4 decision, but I'm excited to see the adjustments both guys have made over the last two years in a matchup that we could see several times throughout the season.
184: #15 Jaden Bullock, Michigan vs. #17 Ryder Rogotzke, Ohio State (unattached)
These two met twice last season and they were two VERY different matches. Rogotzke came away with the 21-0 technical fall win in the dual while Bullock won 8-7 at Big Tens. Rogotzke is already known for his ability to throw caution at the wind and be in some wild matches and I'm interested to see the potential rubber match between these two this weekend.
197: #8 Michael Beard, Lehigh vs. #18 Luke Geog, Ohio State
Michael Beard is a two-time All-American for both Lehigh a season ago and Penn State back in 2021. Luke Geog was a national qualifier last year for Ohio State. Beard has been known for his neutral dominance with his collar tie and ankle pick series but can struggle underneath of guys, while Geog is very strong in the top position and can slow guys down. I believe the mat could decide this matchup and am excited to see who comes out on top.
285: #3 Nick Feldman, Ohio State vs. #8 Nathan Taylor, Lehigh
Nick Feldman finished off a great freshman campaign last season with a fifth-place finish at NCAAs. Nathan Taylor has been excellent his whole career but finished just shy of All-American status last year, falling in sudden victory in the round of 12. These two have not hit so far in their careers and I believe it could be a great style matchup between two of the best heavyweights in the country.