Five NCAA dual meets less than a month away

Jack Mueller will lead Virginia into their season opener against Maryland on November 1.

After a long layoff, college wrestling season is finally around the corner. Now that the World Championships have concluded, wrestling fans can shift their interests back to folkstyle and rooting for their favorite college teams. While the beginning of the season tends to include a lot programs easing into things with open tournaments, here are five matches kicking off the college wrestling schedule that are less than a month away.

November 1

The Battle of the Midway

Match 1: Fresno State vs. Army

Match 2: Wisconsin vs. Navy

The battle of the Midway is held on the USS Midway in San Diego, Calif. The event started in 2017, when the Fresno State wrestling team returned to Division 1 action. This is the first year the event will be hosting two duals.

The first match will feature Fresno State facing off with Army. Given that it is still football season, it is unlikely fans will see returning fifth-place All-American Josh Hokit compete for the Bulldogs. The 197 pounder does double-duty and is also a running back on the football team. Although when he comes back, it sounds likely he could be pushing two-time NCAA qualifier AJ Nevills for the heavyweight spot.

Army will be bringing a seasoned squad, with potentially five returning NCAA qualifiers. Leading the way will be two-time round of 12 finisher at 174 pounds Ben Harvey.

The second match will feature Wisconsin taking on Navy. Entering his second season as Head Coach, Chris Bono has turned Wisconsin into one of the hottest teams on the recruiting trail, landing numerous big-name recruits. Wisconsin will have a strong team with returning All-Americans Evan Wick at 165 pounds and Trent Hillger at 285 pounds, as well as South Dakota State transfer and 2018 National champion Seth Gross at 133 pounds.

While Navy could have their hands full in this match, they do return three NCAA qualifiers including round of 12 finisher Jared Prince at 149 pounds. Prince is currently ranked No. 9 by Flowrestling and would most likely wrestle No. 12 Cole Martin.

Minnesota vs. CSU Bakersfield

Another match to watch for on the first of November is Minnesota vs. CSU Bakersfield. Three-time NCAA qualifier Russel Rohlfing will lead the way at 149 pounds for Bakersfield. Dom Ducharme at 197 pounds is another Roadrunner wrestler to watch for, he went 1-2 at the NCAA Championships at 184 pounds last season.

Minnesota will roll out a talented squad featuring returning three returning All-Americans including Mitch McKee at 141 pounds, Devin Skatzka at 174 pounds and Gable Steveson at 285 pounds. Another wrestler to watch out for is redshirt freshman Brayton Lee entering the lineup at 149 pounds.

November 2

Maryland vs. Virginia

This will be Alex Clemsen’s first official match as Maryland’s Head Coach. The former University of Missouri Associate Head Coach assumed the role during the offseason. He will have his work cut out for him, as Maryland is not returning any NCAA qualifiers.

Virginia will be led by returning NCAA runner-up Jack Mueller at 125 pounds. The Cavaliers return three other 2019 NCAA qualifiers. Combined with some young talent coming off redshirt and wrestlers like Brian Courtney returning from injury at 141 pounds, Virginia is poised to be a strong team this year.

Missouri vs. Virginia Tech

This is one of the best matchups of the entire month. Last season, Missouri finished fifth in the country, while Virginia Tech came in at 11th. Both teams are missing studs due to Olympic Redshirts, with Missouri’s three-time All-American Jaydin Eierman out at 141 and Virginia Tech’s first National champion Mekhi Lewis missing the collegiate season at 165 pounds.

This will still be an excellent dual with Missouri rolling out 2018 All-American Grant Leeth at 141 pounds and 2019 All-American Brock Mueller at 149 pounds, and Virginia Tech putting three-time All-American David McFadden on the mat at 165 pounds.

Two years ago, Leeth earned All-American honors at 149 pounds, and after missing last season due to injury, is dropping down to 141. McFadden was a two-time All-American at 165 pounds before bumping to 174 pounds last season to earn his third All-American honors. With Lewis redshirting, he is moving back down to 165 this year.

While those may be the only All-Americans competing, both lineups have numerous NCAA qualifiers and redshirt freshman primed to make an impact. Mark your calendar because this is a can’t miss dual.