InterMat: Inside info from the N.W.C.A
brought to you byBrute Wrestling
 |
 |
Quick hitsDefending National Champion: Jake Rosholt, Oklahoma State The Mid-American Conference is well represented with two of its 19 bids coming in as the top two seeds at 197 pounds. Central Michigan sophomore Wynn Michalak has been a dominant figure this season, while Buffalo’s Kyle Cerminara has been solid, but just a step below Michalak. Michalak, the top seed, overtook the nation’s top ranking after beating third-seeded B.J. Padden of Nebraska and defending national champion and fourth seeded Jake Rosholt of Oklahoma State back in January at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. While Michalak does have one loss this season, to Oklahoma’s Joel Flaggert, he’s still the nation’s top gun at the weight. Cerminara’s only two losses are to Michalak and the 2004 All-American also claimed a crown at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. Cerminara hasn’t seen the competition that wrestlers in the Big 10 and Big 12 see week in, week out, but being in Buffalo, the Bulls schedule is still somewhat limited. The MAC isn’t bad and Cerminara’s out to prove not only does he deserve his ranking, but he deserves some respect. Padden’s beaten Rosholt the last two times and hasn’t met Cerminara, a potential semifinal opponent. Flaggert, who placed fourth last year after coming in unseeded, isn’t sneaking up on anyone this year, drawing the fifth seed. Another unseeded All-American from a year ago, Penn State’s Phil Davis, comes in at #6. A very unorthodox and pseudo-tactical wrestler, Davis wins and he’s not afraid to go for the home run. He’s also got a bit of funk in his arsenal, scoring a big fall with a leg cradle over Hofstra’s Chris Skretkowicz in last year’s round of 12. Cornell’s Jerry Rinadli might not be the most exciting wrestler to watch, but he does get the job done. The EIWA runner-up is seeded seventh. Arizona State’s Ryan Bader didn’t place last year after finishing fourth as a sophomore. That year, Bader was seeded fourth … this year, he’s seeded eighth. Illinois’ Tyrone Byrd, like Rinaldi, isn’t the most exciting to watch, but he’s had a good season regardless, coming in as the ninth seed. Northwestern’s Matt Delguyd draws the 10 th seed while Nebraska transfer and New Jersey native Ryan Goodman of N.C. State comes in at #11. A dangerous draw comes at #12 with Boise State’s Casey Phelps, how has split matches with Padden this season. The Bad Draw ...A pretty deep weight with several kids that could pose problems anywhere in the bracket, either championship or consolation. A weight that often is known for one and two-point matches, that shouldn’t change too much this year. Dan Erekson, Iowa: The true freshman from Idaho is one reason Indiana’s Brady Richardson isn’t competing at the NCAA’s this year. Erekson’s got just enough funk combined with a powerful offense that makes this freshman bad news from the get go. Matt Cassidy, Lehigh: One of two EIWA champions that didn’t draw a seed, Cassidy has had troubles beating opponents that, on paper, he should have beaten, but he wrestled well at the conference tournament and that momentum could pick him up a win or two where he otherwise would be just crossed off the bracket. Jon Oplinger, Drexel: A Northampton, Pa. native that has a powerful double-leg and is always looking to score. Tough draw for anyone. Jeff Foust, Missouri: Finally made it to the nationals and he’s got something to prove. Adam Wright, Old Dominion: Second appearance in the tournament for the CAA champion. A great athlete with a good mix of technique is a problem matchup for those that haven’t seen him before. Seeds: 2005 Medal Match Results |
Resources:
- Sponsors:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Featured Camps:
-
|