2014 Southern Scuffle Preview
Christian Pyles

Happy New Year! What a way to get 2014 started than with the toughest wrestling tournament of the entire regular season. We’ve got top teams in attendance including #1, #2 and #4. The action gets going on New Years Day, Wednesday and the party won’t stop until Thursday evening.

Penn State comes into this tournament as the top ranked team, but will have their hands very full as they attempt to take on Minnesota and Oklahoma State without the two Altons. This wasn’t a problem a year ago when English and Vollrath stepped up to the plate and the Lions were able to come home with a title. This will be a bit tougher as this years Minnesota team is loaded and clicking.

I’ll give you a weight by weight breakdown of who’s there, who’s the favorite and what to expect.

125 Contenders:

#2 Nahshon Garrett-Cornell
#3 Nico Megaludis-PSU
#6 Josh Martinez-Air Force
#7 Corey Keener-CMU
#9 David Terao-American
#11 Anthony Zanetta-Pittsburgh
#15 Nathan Kraisser-UNC
#17 Evan Silver-Stanford
#18 Earl Hall-ISU
UR-Eddie Klimara-Oklahoma State

9 ranked guys here but all eyes go on the top 2 seeds and the potential Nico v. Nahshon rematch.

I don’t see much standing in their way either. I’m not sure how the seeds are going to work out yet, but this field is really full of upside. Josh Martinez is technically very impressive, he’s aggressive and does a great job getting to legs and is pesky on top. Keener has risen on the strength of a few wins, but will definitely face his biggest tests of the year here. I think he takes a step back here. David Terao has been battle tested as anyone having faced 10 ranked guys already. Zanetta having consistency issues is nothing new and I expect him to have an inconsistent tournament as well. He could notch a big win, but I think there’s some real talent behind him. Kraisser has been struggling mightily. I don’t know what’s changed for him, but until I see the Kraisser from last year, I’m not predicting much success.

Earl Hall is my break out guy for this tournament. He’s got it all. Great leg attacks, a solid motor, elite positioning and big time moves. His ranking is a product of his schedule more than his wrestling. I think he’s coming and will shake things up at this tournament. Is he ready for a big time upset? Probably not to Nico or Nahshon, but anyone else is in play.
Check out why I'm so high on Earl Hall here:

Watch more videos on Flowrestling

I am not ready to predict against Nahshon after the one sided win he had over Nico this year. Nahshon is a guy who’s arrow is still pointing up. He continues to make strides and improve. Nico, while elite, is very much the same guy he’s always been. I would expect a nice adjustment from Megaludis and him finding a way to get to legs and slow the match down to an extent. Ultimately, Garrett is the better guy who continues to improve and grow.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Nahshon Garrett
2. Nico Megaludis
3. Earl Hall
4. Josh Martinez
5. David Terao


133 Contenders:

#5 Jon Morrison-Oklahoma State
#7 David Thorn-Minnesota
#8 Ryan Mango-Stanford
#11 Mark Grey-Cornell
#13 Shelton Mack-Pittsburgh
#14 Jimmy Gulibon-PSU
#15 Joe Roth-CMU
#16 Nick Soto-UTC
#19 Colton Rasche-Navy
UR Mackenzie McGuire-Kent State
UR George DiCamillo-UVA(Redshirting)
UR Jordan Conaway-PSU(Currently Back up)

While a lot of the 133 talent is currently competing at Midlands, we’ve still got 9 currently ranked guys (really 11 rankable guys with DiCamillo and Conaway in the field).

There’s a number of story lines coming into this weight: Will Ryan Mango respond after being handled by Nick Soto (and will there be a rematch)? How will the PSU duo respond? Are Gulibon’s struggles a product of an injury and a brutal schedule? Is he just not ready? Can Jon Morrison hold serve here for the Cowboys? Is David Thorn ready for his first win over a ranked wrestler this year?

I think Morrison is a pretty under the radar guy. He’s continued to improve throughout the years. His re-attacks continue to improve, and in general he is just a tough guy to score on. I’d love to see he and Mango scrap because of such a tremendous style contrast. Thorn is a very solid guy and wrestled Morrison close in their dual and has to be feeling better and more energetic at 133.

I think Gulibon is the wildcard here. Going against the grain, I still think Gulibon is the best guy for PSU and I still think Gulibon will be very good. He’s flawed, he’s got areas of weakness, but he’s a real talent. I look for Cael to turn this around and I think it starts here.

There’s a lot of talent here, but I think Thorn and Morrison are my picks for the finals. When you look at Ryan Mango’s track record at 133, it’s not exactly a sterling resume. In fact when he began the 2011 season at 133 he was 17-5 with losses to Steven Keith, Zach Zehner, Schopp, Futrell and Carter. No those losses aren’t horrible, but I don’t think he’s the same guy at 133. He wrestled more than half of that year at 133 before cutting down at the end of the year. He also lost in the NCO finals last year to Mark Grey. He’s a talent, and has a great shot at placing, but he’s not the title contender many pegged him as coming into this year.

Could he beat Thorn here? Absolutely. I just am not going to get enamored with the big moves and ignore the results. Give me Thorn in an awesome semi.

Here's that Mango/Zehner match from a few years back:

Watch more video of Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational 2011 on flowrestling.org

In the final, I expect more of the same. If Thorn looks to open it up against Morrison, I think that plays right into his hands and he picks Thorn apart. Thorn will need to pick his spots against Jon and hope to steal it at the end. I love Morrison to win it here.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Jon Morrison
2. David Thorn
3. Ryan Mango
4. Mark Grey
5. Jimmy Gulibon (I still believe, Jimmy!)


141 Contenders:

#3 Chris Dardanes-Minnesota
#4 Zain Retherford-PSU
#5 Evan Henderson-UNC
#7 Luke Vaith-Hofstra
#8 Mike Nevinger-Cornell
#9 Chris Mecate-ODU
#13 Zach Horan-CMU
#19 Anthony Collica-Oklahoma State
#20 Edgar Bright-Pittsburgh
UR Ugi Khishingnyam

Oh baby. Super psyched for this weight. Really hoping we get a Retherford v. Henderson Semi. Two hammers on top, I am interested if Zain would take bottom, and conversely how Evan handles Zain’s superior neutral game. Dardanes better not look ahead, because his brothers old nemesis Mike Nevinger could be waiting for him in the semi. We have seen Dardanes struggle from bottom historically. If Chris needs to go under an elite rider like Nevinger, Henderson or Retherford, it could spell trouble.

I think Chris Mecate is an under the radar guy you need to keep your eye on. 10-3 this year but his losses are to Carter and Henderson. I have loved Edgar Bright ever since he’s been in high school. Probably the best guy to never win an Ohio state championship. He may be a year away yet, time will tell, but I think he beats a ranked opponent or two here. Bright is excellent on his feet and let’s not forget he pushed Retherford to the limit earlier this year with a 1 point match (1 week later, Zain beats Logan).

Cornell’s Mike Nevinger is looking to turn things around for his season. He’s been a slow starter historically, but came on at the Scuffle last year. He dropped a 5-0 loss to Shyheim Brown of Maryland earlier this year. If he’s healthy and clicking, he has potential to crash the finals if he’s on Dardanes side.

I’m going all in on Zain here. He’s shown a poise and maturity far beyond his years. I credit his high school career to a degree since he was so battle tested always entering the toughest tournaments out there. He’s been in the fire before, and while high school and college are two different animals, each year we see Freshman are more and more ready to go. A lot of Freshman lose their cool after giving up the takedown to Dziewa. He kept his head, stayed the course and won a tough match in a hostile environment. I think he separates from Henderson on his feet here to make the finals, where I think he can match Dardanes well enough on his feet and get his ride going on top.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Zain Retherford
2. Chris Dardanes
3. Ugi Khishingnyam
4. Evan Henderson
5. Mike Nevinger


149 Contenders:

#1 Nick Dardanes-Minnesota
#3 Drake Houdashelt-Missouri
#7 Josh Kindig-Oklahoma State
#8 Gus Sako-Virginia
#9 Chris Villalonga-Cornell
#11 Tywan Claxton-Ohio
#12 Scott Sakaguchi-Oregon State
#15 Dylan Cottrell-App State
#17 Cam Tessari-Hofstra
UR Zach Beitz

9 more ranked guys take the mat here at 149 pounds. #1 in the nation Nick Dardanes will have his hands full to keep his ranking. It’s hard to believe the same guy who lost twice to Mark Ballweg a year ago is now the favorite up a weight just a season later. His ranking is more a product of the chaos that has been going on at 149. Maple’s two losses, Houdashelt falls, Sakaguchi struggles. He’s been a peaceful stream of consistency compared with the choppy waters in our ocean at 149. So he’s the guy, but ultimately I don’t view him as a favorite to win this weight at NCAA’s.

The question now is what can he do here. I think he’s going to have a challenge in the semi’s with someone who can really push him. Whether it’s a Sako, Sakaguchi or a Claxton, I think he’ll have someone who can really test him.

Houdashelt was looking like a world beater until he fell to Tywan Claxton. I think he brings a level of physicality and mat wrestling that can push anyone. Also, we would be remiss to ignore Kindig who beat Maple this year. I would be impressed with anyone able to predict the top 5 here given the inconsistent nature of this weight thus far. I’m going to err with the more consistent guys here and predict a Dardanes win here.

CP’s Predictions
1. Nick Dardanes
2. Gus Sako
3. Drake Houdashelt
4. Josh Kindig
5. Chris Villalonga


157 Contenders:

#2 Alex Dieringer-Oklahoma State
#4 Dylan Ness-Minnesota
#7 Kyle Bradley-Missouri
#10 Brian Realbuto-Cornell
#11-Blaise Butler-UVA
#12 RJ Pena-Oregon State
#13 Nestor Taffur-Boston
#14 Ian Miller-Kent State
#15 Tristan Warner-ODU
#18 Thomas Gantt-NC State
#20 Robert Burg-Navy
UR James Vollrath-PSU
UR Josh Kreimier-Air Force
UR Spartak Chino-Ohio

Moving up the line, we’ve got another loaded weight. 11 ranked guys and two guys that have been ranked coming into this year. Not to mention Vollrath would would definitely be ranked if he were the guy for PSU.

I was very impressed with the effort and gameplan Ness had against Dieringer. I thought Dieringer would be too much for Dylan positionally and Ness proved he could hang right with Dieringer. I love this weight and the talent it has. Butler, Realbuto, Miller, Pena are all must watch everytime they take the mat. They wrestle hard for 7 minutes and are looking for the big moves. Butler got injured wrestling Realbuto at CKLV, and if you didn’t catch that match, make sure you watch it below. Those are 4 upside guys with the talent to pull a big time upset and crash the finals. It is hard to imagine this weight getting more loaded, but it definitely would be if we had Dylan Alton in the mix.

I think Dieringer continues to roll here and expect another tight win over Ness. If Ness really opens up, I still think Dieringer has the capacity to widen the gap. Choosing 3-5 is tough. Bradley has beaten Green, St. John and others. Realbuto pushed Green more than he’s been pushed all year. Butler nearly had Realbuto beaten, and Miller has the big moves to end a match in an instant.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Alex Dieringer
2. Dylan Ness
3. Kyle Bradley
4. Brian Realbuto
5. Ian Miller

Be sure to check out the Realbuto and Butler semi here:

Watch more video of 2013 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invite on flowrestling.org

165 Contenders:

#1 David Taylor-PSU
#2 Tyler Caldwell-Oklahoma State
#3 Nick Sulzer-UVA
#6 Mike Moreno-ISU
#7 Corey Mock-UTC
#8 Zach Toal-Missouri
#14 Jim Wilson-Stanford
#16 Danny Zilverberg
#19 Casey Kent-Penn
#20 Joe Booth-Hofstra
UR Dylan Palacio-Cornell
UR Zack Strickland-App State

This is a race for 2nd. Taylor should run away with this one. I think there are quite a few legit options for the 2nd spot, and seeding (i.e. being opposite Taylor) will play a huge role in who get’s 2nd. Corey Mock has been very impressive this year. He’s unreal on top and very unconventional. He puts guys in situations he’s been in millions of times, that you’ve only been in maybe a handful times. Nick Sulzer, in my opinion, is the most improved wrestler I’ve seen all year. He’s gone from a gatekeeper top 7-12 guy to a legitimate finalist contender. He ran through a very solid CKLV field. His power and aggression is a notable improvement from a year ago. I think he can beat Caldwell in the semi’s. I like Mock to beat Moreno in the quarters before falling to Taylor. It really is the top 5 and then everyone else in my mind here.

I don’t feel crazy confident in my two upsets (Mock over Moreno and Sulzer over Caldwell), but I think those guys both surprise people.

CP’s Predictions:
1. David Taylor
2. Nick Sulzer
3. Tyler Caldwell
4. Corey Mock
5. Mike Moreno

Here's a flashback to 4 years ago when DT was a few pounds lighter but still crazy dominant.

Watch more videos on Flowrestling

174 Contenders:

#2 Chris Perry-Oklahoma State
#3 Matt Brown-PSU
#5 Logan Storley-Minnesota
#7 Cody Walters-Ohio
#8 Tyler Wilps-Pittsburgh
#10 Stephen Doty-UVA
#11 Turtogtokh Luvsandorj-Citadel
#13 Mat Miller-Navy
#14 Tanner Weatherman-ISU
#17 Mike Ottinger-CMU

I’ll be the first guy to admit I’ve underrated Chris Perry on multiple occasions, but it’s not going to happen again. I was very impressed with his performance against both Howe and Storley this year. I think he’s shown a tremendous leap in his neutral aggression (a very consistent gripe of mine towards him). He’s getting off lots of attacks, and he’s always been an adept finisher. The mat has always been an area of strength for him and that hasn’t gone away. I think he takes this tournament.

I’ve also been very impressed with Matt Brown. I figured he’d beat Evans, but he physically dominated him. I think he beats Storley in the semis, again. No disrespect to Cody Walters, but there’s quite a drop off after Storley. I do believe All American Walters to be the best of the rest, but vulnerable. We didn’t see him at Reno, so I am curious about his health.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Chris Perry
2. Matt Brown
3. Logan Storley
4. Cody Walters
5. Turtogtokh Luvsandorj


184 Contenders:

#1 Ed Ruth-PSU
#5 Kevin Steinhaus-Minnesota
#6 Max Thomusseit-Pittsburgh
#7 Gabe Dean-Cornell
#10 John Eblen-Missouri
#11 Boaz Beard-ISU
#13 Jon Fausey-UVA
#14 Lorenzo Thomas-Penn
#16 Sam Wheeler-Kent State
#18 Nolan Boyd-Oklahoma State
UR Alex Utley-UNC

I think we have the two best 184’s in the country in this field. Steinhaus looks to be fully healthy and ready for action. He clearly wasn’t himself at NCAA’s and it showed. I’ve loved Dean this year, and think he will be a star for Cornell, but I think he gets handled by Ruth again in the semi’s. Ruth pinned Dean at the Binghamton Open. Thomusseit could make things interesting for Steinhaus if they hit in the semi’s. Thomusseit is very strong and is tough on top. Ultimately I see the pace and motion of Steinhaus picking Max apart. I think the pecking order here is pretty well defined. I’m interested in seeing how the Oklahoma State saga at 184 continues to play out. Boyd seems to be the guy based on the Reno TOC, but the Cowboys could enter Rogers and Crutchmer if they felt so inclined.

In the final I think Ruth takes what he wants. Last time they wrestled it was a 5-3 win for Ruth in the Big 10 finals. We’ve seen that when Ruth wants to open it up, he can extend the lead on the best guys. Whatever Ruth is feeling is what we’ll get. If he’s happy to win close, he will. If he wants to get a major, that is certainly reasonable. As good as I believe Steinhaus to be, I don’t believe his narrow result was him having some sort of technical advantage that other guys haven’t had against Ruth. I simply think on that day Ed wasn’t willing to open up as much as we’ve seen.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Ed Ruth
2. Kevin Steinhaus
3. Gabe Dean
4. Max Thomusseit
5. Lorenzo Thomas


Here's Ed Ruth's run from 4 years ago when he announced his arrival to the college world.

Watch more video of 2010 Southern Scuffle on flowrestling.org

197 Contenders:

#1 Scott Schiller-Minnesota
#3 Kyven Gadson-ISU
#4 Taylor Meeks-Oregon State
#6 Morgan McIntosh-Penn State
#8 Daniel Mitchell-American
#10 J’den Cox-Missouri
#11 Blake Rosholt-Oklahoma State
#15 Phil Wellington-Ohio
#17 Frank Mattiace-Penn
UR Nick Bonaccorsi-Pitt
UR Connor Hartmann-Duke
UR Kevin Beazley-ODU
UR Jace Bennett-Cornell

Crazy, crazy weight. You guys know who I’ve been high on all year, and I’m sticking with my guy. 197 is as wide open as any weight in my mind. Schiller has been excellent this year, and is a fair pick to win any tournament he enters. He’s not the biggest guy, but he gets off lots of attacks and is an improved finisher. He finally got over the hump and beat Taylor Meeks. He’s not done improving it seems.

However, my guy is Morgan McIntosh. I love his offense, and think he’s got a lot of different ways to beat you. Seeding will play a big role in how this shakes out. I picked Morgan to win NCAA’s, so it’s hard to say you think a guy will win NCAA’s but won’t win the Scuffle. So I like him here, despite the draw.

Meeks is someone who didn’t look great at CKLV. To be honest, Oregon State as a whole seems to be struggling to an extent. Until I see that turnaround tournament, I’m going to be guarded in my prognostications of the Beavers. He fell to Daniel Mitchell at Vegas and we could see a rematch here as American will be sending their squad.

Kyven Gadson missed Vegas unfortunately but will presumably be back for the Scuffle. He hasn’t separated from guys the way I would have expected this year. He beat Brandon Palik by 1 in their dual and beat Iowa’s back up 184 Sammy Brooks 3-2. Some of that is stylistically just how Gadson wrestles. However, I think it could be an indication of problems down the line if it continues.

J’den Cox wanted to be a 4 time undefeated champ coming into this year. While that went up in flames when he fell to Ohio’s Phil Wellington, he is still an absolute force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see J’den scrap here and think he will be ready to break through and could pull a big upset or two here. In fact I’m expecting it.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Morgan McIntosh
2. Scott Schiller
3. J’den Cox
4. Taylor Meeks
5. Kyven Gadson


285 Contenders:

#1 Tony Nelson-Minnesota
#5 Nick Gwiazdowski-NC State
#10 Jeremy Johnson-Ohio
#12 Jimmy Lawson-PSU
#15 Austin Marsden-Oklahoma State
#18 Amarveer Dhesi-Oregon State
UR Blake Herrin-American
UR Ethan Hayes-UVA
UR Kevin Innis-Boston

Alright, the big boys are going to bring it home for us here. Coming into this year I was most excited to see what Nick Gwiazdowski would do here after a great redshirt year and a Freestyle season where he defeated Tony Nelson twice. Gwiaz fell to the apparently already elite Adam Coon at Vegas. I think Gwiaz is one of the most exciting heavies out there, but despite the Freestyle success he’s had against Nelson, I think it’s all Tony in Tennessee.

Jimmy Lawson has shown he’s an improved guy so far this year as he nearly put a cap on the PSU v. Iowa dual with an upset of Bobby Telford. Telford found a way to win, but the message was sent. Amar Dhesi cooled down a bit after his win over Mike McClure earlier this year. I still think he’s wildly talented, but needs to develop some different set ups for his leg attacks. He seems like he’s been a bit scouted and will need to continue to develop to climb the rankings. It’s still an adjustment for Dhesi who is still a novice to Folkstyle wrestling.

So I think Lawson and Dhesi have solid tournaments and maybe pull an upset somewhere along the line. I was pretty high on Austin Marsden coming into this year. However, so far I’ve been disappointed. Not predicting a breakout here.

CP’s Predictions:
1. Tony Nelson
2. Nick Gwiazdowski
3. Jimmy Lawson
4. Jeremy Johnson
5. Amarveer Dhesi

Team race: It is going to be crazy close. Not having the Alton’s hurts, but I think PSU pulls it out. Getting titles from Zain and McIntosh will be key in addition to getting great bonus performances. Minnesota has more depth and more guys that will push for placement. PSU has the upside title contenders that separate in tough tournaments.

CP’s Predictions:
1. PSU
2. Minnesota
3. Oklahoma State
4. Cornell
5. Missouri