DII Rankings - Pre-Season

[ghouse]

These were submitted to the TWF webmaster about a week ago. I have attempted to go back and write a small summary for each weight over the past week so some information could be dated.

 

Disclaimer: Not all wrestlers have completed weight certification so I am taking a rough guess for some and even the weight certifications don’t guarantee much. Some of these wrestlers may not even compete this year and there may be some absent from the rankings now who may eventually appear. I will remove any wrestlers who have not completed their weight certification or are not competing by the second set of rankings. Feel free to e-mail me at garrett.house at gmail.com if you have pertinent information.

 

106 lbs

1. Elijah Oliver (CBHS) Freshman

2. Michael Murphy (Baylor) 8th Grade

3. James Westbrooks (McCallie) Freshman

4. Michael Echart (Father Ryan) Sophomore

5. Sam Bellet (MBA) Freshman

6.

 

Commentary: Good story lines possible here. 106 (or 103 in the old days) is always an interesting weight to predict. Oliver comes in with the most serious youth credentials. Murphy seems to be the most advanced wrestler of the rest. Echart may be the question here as word has it that he will be a pretty good sized 106 and not sure if Murphy and Westbrooks, who may both be a little on the small side, will be able to handle that.

 

113 lbs

1. Adam Connell (McCallie) Sophomore

2. John David Santi (CBHS) Junior

3. Cody Frazier (Father Ryan) Junior

4. Justin Becci (Brentwood Acad.) Freshman

5. Peter Zaleski (St. Benedict) Sophomore

6.

 

Commentary: Connell seems to be leader at this weight. Santi currently appears to be the front-runner for the CBHS job but there are several faces that may claim that spot. Santi gets the nod over Frazier based on common opponent last year of Eady who defeated Frazier but lost to Santi at state duals. Becci and Zaleski round out the other ranking spots as returning state placers.

 

120 lbs

1. Cole Holloway (Baylor) Freshman

2. Brandon Oliver (CBHS) Senior

3. Alex Elsea (McCallie) Junior

4. Collin McNally (Father Ryan) Junior

5. Ryan Owen (MBA) Junior

6.

 

Commentary: Holloway leads the way here. While he is yet to weight certify word has Holloway hitting a large growth spurt and moving here to follow his 8th grade state championship. Oliver gets the nod for second as a two-time placer at the same weight (previously 119) but Elsea has a fair claim for that spot as well. The match there should be an interesting battle of similar styles but Oliver gets the nod due to Elsea moving up a weight. McNally and Owen are former state placers with McNally’s coming at 112 and Owen’s at 103.

 

126 lbs

1. Zach Watson (Baylor) Senior

2. Tate Robinson (CBHS) Sophomore

3. Danny Maloney (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

4. Pierce Olson (BGA) Junior

5. Cayce Ortale (MBA) Senior

6. Matthes Boyd (McCallie) Junior

 

Commentary: This is probably the most anticipated weight in the state due to the possibility of the top two kids meeting. Watson takes the nod for in-state rankings due to a longer history in TN. Maloney stakes a strong claim to 3rd place if he does indeed hold at 126. Olson and Ortale both bring two state medals to this weight class with Olson claiming the top spot due to coming up less in weight than Ortale. Boyd holds down the sixth spot by virtue of his state medal at 119 last season. Thus far only Watson, Robinson, and Olson have weight certified with 126 as their minimum weights… the others may all be up in the air.

 

132 lbs

1. Brandon Brunner (Baylor) Junior

2. Tim Westbrooks (McCallie) Senior

3. Matt Johnson (CBHS) Senior

4. Mike Akers (Father Ryan) Junior

5. Matthew Davidson (MBA) Senior

6. Seth Sirgo (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

 

Commentary: Defending state champion Brandon Brunner holds down the top spot at 132. Looking to claim that spot for themselves are two seniors with three state medals each: Tim Westbrooks and Matt Johnson. Westbrooks holds the two spot after a strong win over Johnson during last year’s state duals while Johnson claimed the higher medal at state (3rd at 125 versus 4th at 130 for Westbrooks). Former state champion Mike Akers (103 - 2010) continues to climb the weight classes and occupies the fourth spot. Davidson and Sirgo are both returning medalists. Brunner is the only wrestler yet to complete weight certification.

 

138 lbs

1. Kaleb Baker (CBHS) Junior

2. Alex Ward (McCallie) Senior

3. Daniel Bellet (MBA) Senior

4. Ryan Simpson (Father Ryan) Sophomore

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Defending state champion Baker leads the way at 138. Former state champion and runner-up last year to Watson, Alex Ward claims the second spot at 138 as he heads into his senior season. Ward has certified all the way down at 126 but competed at 138 at the Super 32 so this would appear to be an optimal weight for him. Four-time state medalist Daniel Bellet will be looking for an opportunity to make his first finals appearance. Ryan Simpson holds down the fourth spot as a returning state medalist.

 

145 lbs

1. Cole Moseley (Father Ryan) Senior

2. John Mark Bellet (MBA) Senior

3. Bryson Popp (Baylor) Junior

4. Cory Cobb (McCallie) Senior

5. Eli Goldstein (MUS) Senior

6. Luke Parrish (CBHS) Junior

 

Commentary: Cole Moseley occupies the top spot at 145 and will look to conclude his career with his fourth trip to the state finals and second state championships. Moseley has certified at 138 but word has him gaining quite a bit of weight and being a solid 145 at this point. Bellet claims the second spot as he will look for his first finals appearance in what should be his fourth state placing. Popp claims the third spot on the strength of last year’s fourth place finish at 145 and has certified with the ability to go as low as 138. Cobb has yet to weight certify and there is uncertainty about his wrestling after not competing in the state tournament last season. Goldstein claims the 5th spot after taking 5th last year while Luke Parrish holds down the sixth spot. Parrish does not have a state medal but was highly ranked last season and did defeat several state placers prior to injury at the state duals and is coming up quite a bit in weight.

 

152 lbs

1. Mark Marchetti (Father Ryan) Junior

2. Rashaan Gaulden (Brentwood Acad.) Soph.

3. Ben Kurtz (St. Benedict) Junior

4. Brandon Hataway (CBHS) Junior

5. Jake Standefer (Baylor) Senior

6.

 

Commentary: Marchetti of Father Ryan is the front-runner at this weight. Gaulden claims the second spot on the strength of two wins by fall over Kurtz in their meetings last year despite missing the state tournament last season. Kurtz claims the three spot on the strength of his 5th place finish at 145 last season but has also certified back at 145. Both Hataway and Standefer saw some starting action last season for their respective teams at multiple weights with Hataway having the most significant win over graduated three-time state medalist Collin Hinson (Briarcrest). The wild-card at this weight is Baylor’s Houston Clements who sustained an injury during football and word has it may be able to return by season’s end.

 

160 lbs

1. Michael Hooker (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Matthew Cate (Baylor) Senior

3. Daniel McClure (McCallie) Senior

4. Michael Isom (CBHS) Senior

5. Mason Mingus (FRA) Junior

6.

 

Commentary: This weight is led by two-time state champion Michael Hooker as he hails from his new home at Father Ryan. Hooker has certified back at his weight last season of 145 but I am assuming he continues his 2 weight class per year growth pattern and slots in at 160 for Father Ryan. Holding the second spot is one of the more consistent wrestlers in DII, Matthew Cate who is looking for his first state title. Slipping into the third spot is former state runner-up Daniel McClure of McCallie. However, McClure is yet to weight certify, likely due to his participation on the football field. Rounding out the rankings are two sixth place state medalists from last year Michael Isom (145) and Mason Mingus (152).

 

170 lbs

1. Spencer Craig (Baylor) Senior

2. Barrett Walthall (CBHS) Junior

3. Elliot Berz (McCallie) Senior

4. Seth Nolan (Father Ryan) Senior

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Spencer Craig of Baylor is the top returner at this weight, having finished runner-up at 160 last season. Barrett Walthall will be looking to have closed the gap from his two losses to Craig last season in order to improve on his 3rd place finish last year. Keeping the mix interesting at this weight is Elliot Berz who wrestled Walthall to a one point match at state duals at 160 before moving all the way up to 189 and missing the podium. Seth Nolan holds down the last spot by the virtue of his 6th place finish at 171 last season. All ranked wrestlers other than Nolan, who certified down to 152, qualified for a minimum weight class of 160.

 

182 lbs

1. TJ Holmes (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Matt Bodine (Baylor) Senior

3. Corbin McOlgin (CBHS) Junior

4.

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Returning state champion TJ Holmes looks to be the claimant to the 182lb throne. Bodine and McOlgin were both 4th place finishers last season with Bodine’s medal coming at 171 and McOlgin’s coming at 215. This is one of the first weights where the change in weight classes may be showing in the depth of the talent pool.

 

195 lbs

1. Ricky Fisher (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Jeff Lamer (St. Benedict) Senior

3. Nic Bullard (Baylor) Senior

4. Tyler Ragsdale (BGA) Senior

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Ricky Fisher will look to add a gold medal to his silver and bronze from the previous two years at 215. Lamer is a returning two-time state medalist (3rd & 4th both at 189) who will be looking for his first trip to the state finals. Bullard will return for Baylor after finishing 5th last season at 189. Ragsdale returns after finishing 6th last year at 189.

 

220 lbs

1. Amos Mason (Brentwood Acad.) Junior

2. Casey Cook (McCallie) Junior

3. Bryan Starnes (Baylor) Senior

4.

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Mason leads a weight where none of the ranked wrestlers are yet to complete weight certification leaving their wrestling in question. Mason is the defending 215 state champion. Cook was 5th at 189 last season. Starnes held down 215 last season for Baylor much of the year before John Mackey moved down at the state individual tournament.

 

HWT

1. Barrett Gouger (Baylor) Senior

2. Ty Youngblood (McCallie) Senior

3. William Baron (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

4. Sam Thomas (CBHS) Senior

5. Jay Robertson (MBA) Sophomore

6.

 

Commentary: The top three wrestlers at this weight class are yet to complete their weight certification and with Gouger and Baron both having football scholarships waiting for them next year it will be interesting to see who shows up at this weight class. Youngblood has not signed a college football offer to my knowledge. Thomas gets the 4th place spot based on a fall of Robertson at last season’s state duals. Robertson finished 6th at heavyweight last season. Thomas is the only ranked wrestler to complete his weight certificiation.

Edited November 27, 2011 by ghouse

[memphissoccerpimp22]

Watson and Robinson is going to be the best match if they both stay at that weight..tj Holmes will take 182 easily as long as nobody else drops to that weight and 195 will be interesting.... Should be another great year...looking forward to seeing Oliver wrestle at cbhs ....his brother Eric shouldve went there instead of germantown...

[bozo]

.looking forward to seeing Oliver wrestle at cbhs ....his brother Eric shouldve went there instead of germantown...

Why would you say that?

[bear cat brown]

Just got off the phone with my man in Vegas and he admits that the 126 match is a great anticipated battle... The early line is Watson -8.

 

 

Bcb iii

[memphissoccerpimp22]

Bear Watson is good but dnt think he will beat Tate by that many I'm gonna have to go with young stud on this one

[bear cat brown]

Bear Watson is good but dnt think he will beat Tate by that many I'm gonna have to go with young stud on this one

 

Does any one else hear that noise......cha Ching ... My wallet just got fatter....

 

bcb iii

[lamer189]

These were submitted to the TWF webmaster about a week ago. I have attempted to go back and write a small summary for each weight over the past week so some information could be dated.

 

Disclaimer: Not all wrestlers have completed weight certification so I am taking a rough guess for some and even the weight certifications don’t guarantee much. Some of these wrestlers may not even compete this year and there may be some absent from the rankings now who may eventually appear. I will remove any wrestlers who have not completed their weight certification or are not competing by the second set of rankings. Feel free to e-mail me at garrett.house at gmail.com if you have pertinent information.

 

106 lbs

1. Elijah Oliver (CBHS) Freshman

2. Michael Murphy (Baylor) 8th Grade

3. James Westbrooks (McCallie) Freshman

4. Michael Echart (Father Ryan) Sophomore

5. Sam Bellet (MBA) Freshman

6.

 

Commentary: Good story lines possible here. 106 (or 103 in the old days) is always an interesting weight to predict. Oliver comes in with the most serious youth credentials. Murphy seems to be the most advanced wrestler of the rest. Echart may be the question here as word has it that he will be a pretty good sized 106 and not sure if Murphy and Westbrooks, who may both be a little on the small side, will be able to handle that.

 

113 lbs

1. Adam Connell (McCallie) Sophomore

2. John David Santi (CBHS) Junior

3. Cody Frazier (Father Ryan) Junior

4. Justin Becci (Brentwood Acad.) Freshman

5. Peter Zaleski (St. Benedict) Sophomore

6.

 

Commentary: Connell seems to be leader at this weight. Santi currently appears to be the front-runner for the CBHS job but there are several faces that may claim that spot. Santi gets the nod over Frazier based on common opponent last year of Eady who defeated Frazier but lost to Santi at state duals. Becci and Zaleski round out the other ranking spots as returning state placers.

 

120 lbs

1. Cole Holloway (Baylor) Freshman

2. Brandon Oliver (CBHS) Senior

3. Alex Elsea (McCallie) Junior

4. Collin McNally (Father Ryan) Junior

5. Ryan Owen (MBA) Junior

6.

 

Commentary: Holloway leads the way here. While he is yet to weight certify word has Holloway hitting a large growth spurt and moving here to follow his 8th grade state championship. Oliver gets the nod for second as a two-time placer at the same weight (previously 119) but Elsea has a fair claim for that spot as well. The match there should be an interesting battle of similar styles but Oliver gets the nod due to Elsea moving up a weight. McNally and Owen are former state placers with McNally’s coming at 112 and Owen’s at 103.

 

126 lbs

1. Zach Watson (Baylor) Senior

2. Tate Robinson (CBHS) Sophomore

3. Danny Maloney (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

4. Pierce Olson (BGA) Junior

5. Cayce Ortale (MBA) Senior

6. Matthes Boyd (McCallie) Junior

 

Commentary: This is probably the most anticipated weight in the state due to the possibility of the top two kids meeting. Watson takes the nod for in-state rankings due to a longer history in TN. Maloney stakes a strong claim to 3rd place if he does indeed hold at 126. Olson and Ortale both bring two state medals to this weight class with Olson claiming the top spot due to coming up less in weight than Ortale. Boyd holds down the sixth spot by virtue of his state medal at 119 last season. Thus far only Watson, Robinson, and Olson have weight certified with 126 as their minimum weights… the others may all be up in the air.

 

132 lbs

1. Brandon Brunner (Baylor) Junior

2. Tim Westbrooks (McCallie) Senior

3. Matt Johnson (CBHS) Senior

4. Mike Akers (Father Ryan) Junior

5. Matthew Davidson (MBA) Senior

6. Seth Sirgo (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

 

Commentary: Defending state champion Brandon Brunner holds down the top spot at 132. Looking to claim that spot for themselves are two seniors with three state medals each: Tim Westbrooks and Matt Johnson. Westbrooks holds the two spot after a strong win over Johnson during last year’s state duals while Johnson claimed the higher medal at state (3rd at 125 versus 4th at 130 for Westbrooks). Former state champion Mike Akers (103 - 2010) continues to climb the weight classes and occupies the fourth spot. Davidson and Sirgo are both returning medalists. Brunner is the only wrestler yet to complete weight certification.

 

138 lbs

1. Kaleb Baker (CBHS) Junior

2. Alex Ward (McCallie) Senior

3. Daniel Bellet (MBA) Senior

4. Ryan Simpson (Father Ryan) Sophomore

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Defending state champion Baker leads the way at 138. Former state champion and runner-up last year to Watson, Alex Ward claims the second spot at 138 as he heads into his senior season. Ward has certified all the way down at 126 but competed at 138 at the Super 32 so this would appear to be an optimal weight for him. Four-time state medalist Daniel Bellet will be looking for an opportunity to make his first finals appearance. Ryan Simpson holds down the fourth spot as a returning state medalist.

 

145 lbs

1. Cole Moseley (Father Ryan) Senior

2. John Mark Bellet (MBA) Senior

3. Bryson Popp (Baylor) Junior

4. Cory Cobb (McCallie) Senior

5. Eli Goldstein (MUS) Senior

6. Luke Parrish (CBHS) Junior

 

Commentary: Cole Moseley occupies the top spot at 145 and will look to conclude his career with his fourth trip to the state finals and second state championships. Moseley has certified at 138 but word has him gaining quite a bit of weight and being a solid 145 at this point. Bellet claims the second spot as he will look for his first finals appearance in what should be his fourth state placing. Popp claims the third spot on the strength of last year’s fourth place finish at 145 and has certified with the ability to go as low as 138. Cobb has yet to weight certify and there is uncertainty about his wrestling after not competing in the state tournament last season. Goldstein claims the 5th spot after taking 5th last year while Luke Parrish holds down the sixth spot. Parrish does not have a state medal but was highly ranked last season and did defeat several state placers prior to injury at the state duals and is coming up quite a bit in weight.

 

152 lbs

1. Mark Marchetti (Father Ryan) Junior

2. Rashaan Gaulden (Brentwood Acad.) Soph.

3. Ben Kurtz (St. Benedict) Junior

4. Brandon Hataway (CBHS) Junior

5. Jake Standefer (Baylor) Senior

6.

 

Commentary: Marchetti of Father Ryan is the front-runner at this weight. Gaulden claims the second spot on the strength of two wins by fall over Kurtz in their meetings last year despite missing the state tournament last season. Kurtz claims the three spot on the strength of his 5th place finish at 145 last season but has also certified back at 145. Both Hataway and Standefer saw some starting action last season for their respective teams at multiple weights with Hataway having the most significant win over graduated three-time state medalist Collin Hinson (Briarcrest). The wild-card at this weight is Baylor’s Houston Clements who sustained an injury during football and word has it may be able to return by season’s end.

 

160 lbs

1. Michael Hooker (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Matthew Cate (Baylor) Senior

3. Daniel McClure (McCallie) Senior

4. Michael Isom (CBHS) Senior

5. Mason Mingus (FRA) Junior

6.

 

Commentary: This weight is led by two-time state champion Michael Hooker as he hails from his new home at Father Ryan. Hooker has certified back at his weight last season of 145 but I am assuming he continues his 2 weight class per year growth pattern and slots in at 160 for Father Ryan. Holding the second spot is one of the more consistent wrestlers in DII, Matthew Cate who is looking for his first state title. Slipping into the third spot is former state runner-up Daniel McClure of McCallie. However, McClure is yet to weight certify, likely due to his participation on the football field. Rounding out the rankings are two sixth place state medalists from last year Michael Isom (145) and Mason Mingus (152).

 

170 lbs

1. Spencer Craig (Baylor) Senior

2. Barrett Walthall (CBHS) Junior

3. Elliot Berz (McCallie) Senior

4. Seth Nolan (Father Ryan) Senior

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Spencer Craig of Baylor is the top returner at this weight, having finished runner-up at 160 last season. Barrett Walthall will be looking to have closed the gap from his two losses to Craig last season in order to improve on his 3rd place finish last year. Keeping the mix interesting at this weight is Elliot Berz who wrestled Walthall to a one point match at state duals at 160 before moving all the way up to 189 and missing the podium. Seth Nolan holds down the last spot by the virtue of his 6th place finish at 171 last season. All ranked wrestlers other than Nolan, who certified down to 152, qualified for a minimum weight class of 160.

 

182 lbs

1. TJ Holmes (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Matt Bodine (Baylor) Senior

3. Corbin McOlgin (CBHS) Junior

4.

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Returning state champion TJ Holmes looks to be the claimant to the 182lb throne. Bodine and McOlgin were both 4th place finishers last season with Bodine’s medal coming at 171 and McOlgin’s coming at 215. This is one of the first weights where the change in weight classes may be showing in the depth of the talent pool.

 

195 lbs

1. Ricky Fisher (Father Ryan) Senior

2. Jeff Lamer (St. Benedict) Senior

3. Nic Bullard (Baylor) Senior

4. Tyler Ragsdale (BGA) Senior

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Ricky Fisher will look to add a gold medal to his silver and bronze from the previous two years at 215. Lamer is a returning two-time state medalist (3rd & 4th both at 189) who will be looking for his first trip to the state finals. Bullard will return for Baylor after finishing 5th last season at 189. Ragsdale returns after finishing 6th last year at 189.

 

220 lbs

1. Amos Mason (Brentwood Acad.) Junior

2. Casey Cook (McCallie) Junior

3. Bryan Starnes (Baylor) Senior

4.

5.

6.

 

Commentary: Mason leads a weight where none of the ranked wrestlers are yet to complete weight certification leaving their wrestling in question. Mason is the defending 215 state champion. Cook was 5th at 189 last season. Starnes held down 215 last season for Baylor much of the year before John Mackey moved down at the state individual tournament.

 

HWT

1. Barrett Gouger (Baylor) Senior

2. Ty Youngblood (McCallie) Senior

3. William Baron (Brentwood Acad.) Senior

4. Sam Thomas (CBHS) Senior

5. Jay Robertson (MBA) Sophomore

6.

 

Commentary: The top three wrestlers at this weight class are yet to complete their weight certification and with Gouger and Baron both having football scholarships waiting for them next year it will be interesting to see who shows up at this weight class. Youngblood has not signed a college football offer to my knowledge. Thomas gets the 4th place spot based on a fall of Robertson at last season’s state duals. Robertson finished 6th at heavyweight last season. Thomas is the only ranked wrestler to complete his weight certificiation.

 

To my knowledge, Cook did not place or even wrestle 189 last year. the 5th place at 189 was Bullard as you stated above. Maybe you ment 215?

[nashwrestling]

To my knowledge, Cook did not place or even wrestle 189 last year. the 5th place at 189 was Bullard as you stated above. Maybe you ment 215?

 

If you expect to have any credibility when correcting someone that is twenty years older than you, you have to at least spell what you are trying to say correctly. "ment" is not a word my friend. I think you were meaning the word 'meant'... come on kid, don't they teach you anything at SBA?

 

Might as well say I agree with my friend BCB while I'm at it... sorry Mr. Pimp as Bear cat would say. Watson by 5+...Watson wins by 5 if he has a bad match. If he wrestles his best, which is very likely for a big match like this, I would agree and say 8.

[memphissoccerpimp22]

Nash u maybe right I'm just giving Tate more credit then what most people give him... I do think it'll be a great match if it happens

[REGIONX]

Let it be known I have returned. Region X is gone and I have not. I will not change my name to adopt a new affiliation. I will call like i see it.

Pimp I think they is a question on the board for you. If you want to be a participant on the board, take full part.

BCB, ring the bell you are the only one that should have that honor

[memphissoccerpimp22]

Why would you say that?

More exposure in bigger competiton that cbhs goes too...

[nashwrestling]

Just curious:

Anyone know what the story is with Cole Holloway or Houston Clements? If you take these two studs out of Baylor's lineup they could really be hurting. Anyone know when they are expected to comeback or if they are expected to comeback at all?

 

Also, I have not had the privilege to watch Oliver (CBHS) at 106 to compete yet. Is he as good as advertised? Someone besides CBHS affiliate care to comment?

 

Final comment:

Taking into account that Holloway, Clements, and possibly Gouger (committed for football) could all not be wrestling this year... Does this make the home town boys of FATHER RYAN the new favorite this year? How do we match up against the Brothers?

 

GO IRISH!!!