Big Ten 2022-23 Wrestling Preview
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
With the holiday season upon us there’s three things we know for certain: death, taxes and Big Ten Wrestling.
Now that the non-conference meets are coming to a close, there’s a much better understanding how things may shake up in the Big Ten. Here’s a preview of what to expect in 2023.
Keep an ‘eye’ on Iowa
Iowa wrestling has been dominant since the dawn of time, but this past season has been a bit of a reload for Iowa.
The Hawkeyes lost tons of talent due to seniors graduating. With the losses of Austin DeSanto, Jaydin Eierman, Alex Marinelli, Michael Kemerer and Caleb Young, Iowa’s No.2 recruiting class has big shoes to fill at a handful of weight classes.
Iowa’s latest three-point decision win against Iowa State has shown that the No. 2 team in the country is still vulnerable while their young wrestlers are getting acclimated to the NCAA. If it wasn’t for three Iowa major decisions, the Hawkeyes would’ve tied with the Cyclones.
Stanford transfer and two-time All-American Real Woods adds some much-needed juice at 141 lbs. for Iowa.
With all the uncertainty surrounding the Hawkeyes’ program heading into 2023, one thing that is for certain is that Spencer Lee is still the guy to beat at 125.
Never Count out Rutgers
No. 17 Rutgers moves to 5-1 after defeating Drexel at the Garden State grapple.
The Scarlet Knights look like a gritty team whose battle tested to compete in the conference. If a few things went in Rutgers favor, there’s a chance the Scarlet Knights could’ve taken a win against No. 4 Arizona State.
Sammy Alvarez at 141 lbs. and Brian Soldano at 184 lbs. are turning into staple wrestlers at their respective weight classes. Alavrez had an impressive victory against Arizona State’s Jesse Vasquez, and Soldano defeated Anthony Montalvo by fall. Alavrez and Soldano are both undefeated (4-0) this season.
Soldano has taken the starting spot at 184 lbs. from talented sophomore John Poznanski. If Soldano keeps this up, expect Poznanski to either transfer or change weight classes for Rutgers.
Head coach Scott Goodale describes the competition at 184 as a “good problem” to have.
Wisconsin’s Austin Gomez takes the next step
Wisconsin acquired Iowa State transfer Austin Gomez at the beginning of last season.
Last year Gomez had a 23-4 record and won the Big 10 at 149 pounds. This season, he’s off to a great start with a 6-1 record.
The highlight of 2022 for Austin Gomez wasn’t winning the Big Ten, but instead defeating Cornell’s Yianni Diakomihalis. Gomez’s victory against Diakomihalis marks the second time the prodigy from Cornell has ever been beaten.
Gomez initiated a four-point move that caught Diakomihalis off guard, Gomez then took control from the second period on in an impressive 9-3 victory.
The All-American from Wisconsin may reach new heights as he continues his quest for a national championship.
Penn State in prime position to take Big 10 and national championship.
With Iowa being so young, and Michigan not being able to get over the conference hump, it looks like Penn State’s year yet again.
Penn State has all weight classes besides 125 and 157 completely figured out. Terrell Barraclough has been hanging in there at 157 pounds with a 5-2 record, but he will have to compete with redshirt freshman Levi Haines in future years to come.
Redshirt freshman Gary Steen has held down the fort at 125 lbs. for the Nittany Lions with a 4-3 record. But 125 lbs. is typically Spencer Lee's title to lose anyway.
No. 2 Roman Bravo-Young at 133 lbs., No. 6 Beau Bartlett at 141 lbs., No. 1 Carter Starrocci at 174 lbs., No. 1 Aaron Brooks at 184 lbs. No. 1 Max Dean at 197 lbs. and No. 2 Greg Kerkvliet at 285 lbs. makes up by far the best starting lineup in the country.
Antonio Fondacaro is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email adf5400@psu.edu.
