Gameday, or Matchday if you prefer. I'm excited for all the bouts, if for nothing else than to see where the guys are. It's a long way to peaking, that happens in mid-March, but we are now starting Big Ten play, the guys have an away match (meaning they're dealing with the rigors of travel), they're returning from a lengthy layoff, etc. Classes don't start till 1/9 so it's also a break from the challenges of keeping up with schoolwork.
125: How will Steen do against another tough opponent, this time #7 and returning AA Barnett. Tough road to hoe here, so just looking for improvement from the young Lion.
133: On paper, an easy win for RBY. I would think the bout score should be on the fringes of a Major Decision. Looking for a controlled bout with an amazing offensive move or two thrown in. Lamont's solid, but not in RBY's league.
141: From what I'd read Zargo is doubtful, so Bartlett will be a significant favorite against whomever he faces. Just keep doing what he's doing, solid in all positions. Bonus point win would be awesome.
149: Not expecting a win here, at least in the scorebook. What I mean is that regardless of the final score, this bout is a win for young Van Ness. He'll have a better feel for where he's at against the best at 149, which helps with his training for the next couple months.
157: Whether it is Barraclough or Haines, Model is tall and lanky and a tough out. Finishing takedowns quickly are key. This has the makings of an extremely close bout, though anything can happen on a wrestling mat.
165: I'll ditto what I said at 149. Facundo will know more about himself and where he's at after this bout, win or lose in the boxscore. Hamiti, to me, is one of those wrestlers from opponent's teams that I enjoy watching.
174 & 184: the Wisconsin wrestlers are both over-matched against the likes of Starocci and Brooks. Just look for an all-business approach from the Lions.
197: I expect a really close bout here. Amos has never lost a bout by bonus. What I hope to see is the Max Dean from his last match against Bastida and the multitude of bouts at the end of last season. Always in control, even when leading by 1 or 2 points. Give up no takedowns and get a couple of your own would be nice. A turn would be a bonus, but Amos is pretty stout.
285: I hope to see continued improvement from our big man. Two years ago or so, Kerkvliet won by 4, though we know the tough circumstances he was under in 2021. On paper this shouldn't be close and could be a bonus point win. I think we'll see a couple takedowns and some long rides from Kerkvliet.
