Grades:
125: B+. I thought Kysen was aggressive most of the match and was in deep a couple of times. The WVU kid is going to be an NCAA qualifier and will get better as he improves his gas tank, but it was good to see Kysen stay after it and get the W. He still struggles finishing on longer kids, and I think he should've hunted the single a bit more, but I am happy with the result.
133: A. The kid Frost wrestled wasn't very good, but man Frost is a hammer. He reminds me of a more athletic/talented Ian Parker. Heavy hands, very technically sound, and a hell of a gas tank. I liked the potential of the Frost boys, but didn't expect either to be AA contenders their 2nd year in the program. Diamonds in the rough of the stellar 2022 class.
141: A for effort. Sam gave Titus his all and battled for just learning he would be going earlier that day. He was in deep a couple of times and showed some slick moves. Next step in development is learning how to finish those, but he battled.
149: A-. Beating a top 10 kid is always A worthy, but I thought Casey gave Watters a bit too much respect in the first period. Once Casey decided the last minute to hunt the low single, he started getting to Watters legs at will. Watters is good, but as Casey continues to work his way back into the lineup, I expect him to keep getting better and better. I am hoping he can separate a bit from Watters in Tulsa.
157: B+. Good first match back from the concussion for Cody. Got off to a slow start in the first (and I think we all held our collective breaths when he got the tooth in the head), but he picked it up the 2nd and 3rd periods. Giving up the takedown was a bit sloppy, but he redeemed himself with getting the escape and takedown for the major in the closing of the 3rd period. I wish he would fire off his high crotch more often as when he does, he generally scores. I will say that Cody continues to be a guy that no top seed will want to face in KC.
165: A-. Dominant win over a top 10 kid. Would've been an A without giving up the takedown in the 3rd, but David was really just trying to score and got a bit sloppy. Really excited for the O'Toole matchup in a couple weeks. Hopefully we have close to a sellout for that, because David deserves it for all that he has given to this program. Can't believe we only have 2 more times to watch him in Hilton, and I have a feeling he will make the most of it.
174: A. His confidence is continuing to increase and he remains one of the most dangerous wrestlers on the team. I am excited to see how MJ continues to develop, and he seems to be peaking at the right time.
184: B-. Good effort out of Tate, just made a couple of freshman mistakes against a 5th year senior. I know he was a bit dinged up earlier this year, so he missed some crucial practice time for development. He will have a tough match against Keck if Will is still out, but he still has all the tools to develop into a really nice 184 for us next year.
197: C. Julien is what he is. He has given a lot to the program over his time here, and I am thankful he was a Cyclone. Life comes at you fast, and sometimes other aspects take priority. With Helgeson and Nando banged up, we just have to see what Broderson can give us these last few weeks.
Hwt: A-. Gave up his first takedown since the 1st period of the very first dual in a very similar sloppy way, but he corrected his mistake on the next takedown. Yonger can't be fun to wrestle with 2 legs, but when you are hobbled and essentially down to 1 leg, it isn't a fair fight. Props to the WVU hwt for gutting it out.
Hopefully we get Ech back for UNI and Feldkamp for Mizzou. This season has gone by fast and this team seems to be peaking at the right time. Hopefully we can get great crowds for these last 2 duals and get a good contingent of Clones to Tulsa for Big 12s then KC for nationals. This feels like the first team since KD got here that has a real chance at a top 5 finish. Going to be a fun February and March!