Fi: University Preview
Christian Pyles


Some of the best young wrestlers in our country will be headed to Akron with their sites on a University World Team berth. Check out all the weights biggest contenders below. We’ll give you some insight on some matchups of note, some technical analysis as well as predictions.

Note: Registration was not yet finished, so there could be some late additions that weren't included in the preview. 


57KG Contenders
Nahshon Garrett
David Terao
Joey Dance
James Nicholson
Conor Youtsey

Not as deep as some of the fields but the talent that’s here is legit. Nahshon was made for freestyle. He bullies guys on the mat with his motion, heavy hands and attacks. Guys will struggle to hold center against Nahshon. Combine that with his amazing attacks and finishes I think he’ll be great here. Joey Dance brings an extremely high level of experience and skill to the table here. Having made a Junior World Team as well as his share of Fargo success, we will see Joey as a tough out here. Finding consistent and sustained offense will be key for Dance who is defensively excellent, but can struggle to find points off of his own offense. Guys that pressure in will have to watch for all his slides and ducks. He’s incredible from there. Could we see Terao v. Garrett again? Last time these two met it was in the EIWA finals where an extremely frustrated Nahshon chased Terao around the mat. I think Terao’s crazy style may hurt him here. However, he’s a high flyer, and those big throws he loves could be huge points as exposure, not control is the name of the game here. Then there’s James Nicholson, the ODU AA has experience on his side but how sharp he will be remains to be seen. He had a fair showing at the US Open, but the competition is fierce here.

Ultimately this one comes down to Nahshon v. Joey. They had a pretty fun folkstyle meeting this year, and I wouldn’t expect it to be any different for freestyle. I think Nahshon has too much offense over a period of 6 minutes and has a 1 or 2 td advantage here.

CP’s Predictions
1. Nahshon Garrett
2. Joey Dance
3. James Nicholson
4. David Terao
5. Conor Youtsey


61KG Contenders
BJ Futrell
Darrius Little
Mark Grey
Jimmy Gulibon
Dom Malone
Topher Carton
Dennis Gustafson
Eric Spjut
Josh Martinez
Sam Brancale
Kevin Norstrem
Brian Crutchmer
Eric Montoya
Kevon Powell
Rosi Bruno

So yeah, we’ve got a host of talent here. There’s some really cool storylines apart from the usual, “Who’s going to win?” discussion. What sort of development will we see from PSU’s Gulibon? Does he needs to improve for PSU to remain on top? How good will Kevin Norstrem be for VT next year at 133? Is Eric Montoya a lightweight solution for Nebraska next year?

All that along with the fact that we’ve got BJ Futrell, Mark Grey as well as Darrius Little in the field. I think those three are potentially a cut above the field. BJ is obviously a prohibitive favorite, and why wouldn’t he be? He’s a horse at 61, with amazing strength and mat savvy to boot. We saw his attacks and ducks on full display at the Open. He shouldn’t be terribly challenged here at University’s. I think his best competition could be from Mark Grey. Grey, who has World Team experience himself, could pose a threat to Futrell, albeit a slight one. Darrius Little is a talent but can be a bit predictable offensively. I think people are ready for his double from space as well as his ducks. However, he will still succeed against the majority of the field. Against the upper echelon guys, I think he could struggle.

I’m going Futrell, no doubt.

CP’s Predictions
1. BJ Futrell
2. Mark Grey
3. Darrius Little
4. Jimmy Gulibon
5. Josh Martinez


65KG Contenders
Jason Tsirtsis
Evan Henderson
Anthony Abidin
Sam Speno
Tyson Dippery
Mike Mangrum
Anthony Ashnault
Quinton Murphy
Steven Keith
Joey Lazor
Zach Horan

Another nice mix of solid competition and much like 61, I think this one has a clear favorite. National Champion Jason Tsirtsis has a style that really fits freestyle. He’s extremely tough to score on and move around, his attacks are crisp, clean and have fundamental finishes. He’s also very experienced as a freestyler having been on the Junior World Team last year.

I think Mike Mangrum is a very interesting addition. How much he’s been training, I can’t say for sure. He could present problems for Tsirtsis athletically, but he’ll have to wrestle wide open and mix it up. That could spiral out of control against a guy like Tsirtsis, but if he wrestles conservatively, Tsirtsis will pick him apart.

Evan Henderson is to be feared in Folkstyle, but it remains to be seen how much his scrambling and brutal top game will translate into freestyle. He can cradle you from anywhere. Ask Hunter Stieber.

As a fan, I’m excited to watch Quinton Murphy. The dude wrestled like 50 matches as a redshirt; it was amazing. I think he’s going to be tough next year for Clarion. He may be a step behind, but he’s someone you should have an eye on. Anthony Ashnault is a force here as well. He may not be on the level of Tsirtsis, but I think his style translates well here, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he played spolier to a few guys.

Joey Lazor is another guy with a shaky style. I’m interested to see how he adapts to freestyle.

In the end the safe and smart money is on Tsirtsis. He’s the complete package. I’d be quite surprised to see him anywhere but first when all is said and done.

CP’s Predictions
1. Jason Tsirtsis
2. Michael Mangrum
3. Anthony Ashnault
4. Evan Henderson
5. Joey Lazor


70KG Contenders
Adam Hall
Derek St. John
James Green
Josh Demas
Nick Brascetta
Zach Beitz
Markus Schiedel
Steve Santos
Anthony Collica
Dylan Cottrell
Alex Cisneros
Chad Walsh
CJ Cobb
Ian Miller
Jake Sueflohn

Good gracious. Where to start? They need a separate day for this field so I can just watch all the matches. Start to finish there will be intrigue surrounding this weight.

Always love watching James Green. He doesn’t get enough love for his defense with go behinds and re-attacks. He gets put in a box because of his doubles, but his game has so many more layers than that. He’s the class of this weight and that’s saying something.

National Champ Derek St. John enters the field. He hasn’t been the most active freestyler, so I’m interested to see the scramble-happy 57 tone down certain aspects of his game. He always has that single, and he’s great at controlling the mat, but I think he struggles to match score for score with some of the best guys here.

Adam Hall is among the more experienced guys here having been involved with the Senior circuit for some time. Very controlling wrestler with a good tank. What he lacks in physical gifts he’s always made up with grit.

My lasting memory of Ian Miller from last year was him absolutely embarrassing Derek St. John. I truly think he was making things up. And they worked. He’s a blast to watch, and I think he could play spoiler here for sure.

There’s a number of storylines even though some of these guys may not contend. Zach Beitz may be the guy for PSU. He looked good in spot duty at 149. Is he ready to take the spot and place? Anthony Collica is kissing 141 goodbye I would suppose. Perhaps transitioning to 157? Here’s a preview for how he stacks up. Josh Demas took the year off from Folkstyle to get healthy. He’ll be a key part of the Buckeyes success next year if he gets a starting job. They need production from him. Coach Koll says Cisneros is the guy at 141 for Cornell next year. He was a highly coveted guy coming out of high school, but hasn’t had the results as of yet. Is he ready for the big time next year? Nick Brascetta had an up and down Redshirt season, what will he look like up at 154?

At the end of the day, I’m taking Green. He’s the best guy here. He’ll need to stay off his back, but I think he’s a great pick here. He won this tournament last year at 66. I think he transitions great up a weight and takes it. Too much offense.

CP’s Predictions
1. James Green
2. Adam Hall
3. Ian Miller
4. Derek St. John
5. Josh Demas


74KG Contenders
Taylor Massa
Nestor Taffur
Tyler Caldwell
Brian Murphy
Austin Wilson
Tristan Warner
Taylor Simaz

I think the finals are set for this one. At least in my mind. Taylor Massa is a monster in freestyle and Tyler Caldwell is a 4 time AA and 2 time finalist. They’re a cut above. While Caldwell’s style may not get you excited, he’s going to find ways to win and control ties. #JustWinBaby Taylor Massa is tough positionally as well. I’m excited for this potential final as both are so positionally disciplined.

Nestor Taffur up a weight is interesting. I think size could be an issue here, but I could be wrong. Taffur can let it fly when he wants to. He’ll need to throw caution to the wind if he wants to go deep. Brian Murphy could run into his teammate. Murphy needs more offense to make noise here.

I got Caldwell and his experience over Massa. I don’t feel great about it, but I think he’s the guy to beat here.

CP’s Predictions
1. Tyler Caldwell
2. Taylor Massa
3. Nestor Taffur
4. Brian Murphy
5. Austin Wilson


80KG Contenders
Alex Meyer
Kyle Crutchmer
Caleb Marsh
Zack Epperly
Corey Mock
Micah Barnes
Tyler Askey

A few hammers at 80, starting with Kyle Crutchmer, someone I love to watch. Lots of offense, but was stuck behind Perry this year at 174 and battled admirably up a weight for Oklahoma State. Presumably he should be the guy for them next year.

He could do some damage. Alex Meyer may be a back up, but he’s one of the best back ups in the country. He’d start for about all but 12-15 schools in D1. He could be the guy to beat here.

Corey Mock is a blast to watch, but he’s a folkstyler based on the stuff he excels at on the mat (ride the crap out of you). Micah Barnes has had some success at Nebraska but hasn’t landed in the starting lineup yet. Caleb Marsh is dangerous as well. Zack Epperly had a great redshirt year for the Hokies. I think he does well here.

CP’s Predictions
1. Kyle Crutchmer
2. Alex Meyer
3. Zack Epperly
4. Corey Mock
5. Micah Barnes


86KG Contenders
Chris Perry
Lorenzo Thomas
Pat Downey
Enock Francois
Austin Gabel
Domenic Abounader
Max Thommusseit
Richard Perry
Matt McCutcheon
Ben Bennett
Nathaniel Brown
Taylor Meeks

Alright, we’re ramping back up! National Champ Chris Perry. I’m pumped honestly. He’s been a great freestyler in the past, but he hasn’t been as focused on it since he went to Oklahoma State. Now he’s graduated and ready to make some World Teams. He won’t be the biggest 86 (189 lbs) but he’s competed with bigger guys before. Strength isn’t his game anyways. Technique, savvy and a ridiculous competitive fire is what makes Perry great. I think his greatest challenge could come from two different guys.

If Downey is in Junior World Silver form, he’s going to be a problem. However, I don’t know where Downey has been or how much he’s been training. So he’s a wild card in every sense of the word.

Watching Nathaniel Brown at the US Open I feel like he’s someone poised for a breakout year. Not only here at University’s but next year at NCAA’s. You heard it here.

Taylor Meeks had a puzzling year for me. No clue what to expect, but I’m excited to watch him compete. Matt McCutcheon could very well be the guy for PSU next year. He’ll be put to the test this week. How will he hold up? Enock Francois is a veteran who could pose problems for some of the younger guys.

Then there’s guys like Domenic Abounader and Richard Perry. I love Abounader and was thoroughly impressed with him this year, but he could be a bit green for this spot. Perry is a veteran, but he needs to remain offensive if he wants to make any noise. Lorenzo Thomas is a blast, but that dude is a leg passin’ fool. He’ll need to tone it down here. Ben Bennett could break through and crash the finals. Wouldn’t surprise me.

Until further notice, I’m done picking against Chris Perry. I’ll take him this week, but it won’t be a runaway, and he’s assuredly vulnerable to a few guys.

CP’s Predictions
1. Chris Perry
2. Nathaniel Brown
3. Pat Downey
4. Ben Bennett
5. Domenic Abounader


97KG Contenders
Chad Hanke
Andrew Campolattano
Conner Hartmann
Austin Schafer
Frank Mattiace
Jeremy Fahler

Still waiting for J’den Cox to register (sad face). He said he’d be here earlier this month. Things change though. Maybe Fila Juniors!? (Cox v. Snyder Redux possibility). I really like Chad Hanke. Recall he won the challenge tournament a few years ago for the Senior trials! That run included a win over Dustin Kilgore. Yes he fell and fell hard to Varner, but who didn’t? The rest of the guys are really works in progress in my mind and have interesting stories behind them.

Camp looked good at the Northeast Regional in the footage I saw. Hartmann is looking to keep things rolling after a fantastic season for Duke.

Austin Schafer will be the man for Oklahoma State at 197 next year. I like Schafer and think he could do well for them next year.

CP’s Predictions
1. Chad Hanke
2. Andrew Campolattano
3. Austin Schafer
4. Conner Hartmann
5. Frank Mattiace


125KG Contenders
Tyrell Fortune
Adam Coon
Connor Medbery
Austin Marsden
Joe Stolfi
Justin Grant

A few really tough big boys here! Big Adam Coon looked great at Fila Juniors. He’s such a force in freestyle. So psyched to see Tyrell Fortune entered! He’s got to be the favorite here as a real threat on the senior level. Hopefully this doesn’t mean we’ll see the big throwing Fortune at senior trials, as he’s a key guy for the future for the US there. Fortune is an amazing thrower and an evolving leg attacker. Powerful and positionally disciplined, you’ll be hard pressed to find a hole in his game.

Marsden is coming off a great showing at NCAA’s and he’s always been a skilled freestyler. Connor Medbery came up just short again at NCAA’s. Another good freestyler who seems to let it fly a bit more in freestyle than in folk. Stolfi and Grant are both probably a cut behind, but both can score points.
Ultimately I am not picking against Coon. Such an amazing combination of strength and power, I think he’s going to do great here. He’ll be tested in the finals, whoever he faces!

CP’s Predictions
1. Tyrell Fortune
2. Adam Coon
3. Austin Marsden
4. Connor Medbery
5. Justin Grant