Tomorrow, we kick off the NCAA National Championships. All the action will be on the ESPN Networks (ESNP3, ESPNU, and ESPN). Here is a look at our opening round match-ups...
125 pounds - Joe DeAngelo will take on Christian Cullinan of Central Michigan. Cullinan is a redshirt senior with a 21-7 record. He has been ranked in the top ten most of the season but had a disappointing MAC Tournament so is unseeded. He finished 3rd at the Midlands Championships and 2nd at the Michigan State Open this season. He is big for the weight class as he has wrestled at 133 and 141 pounds in his collegiate career. He is a good rider on top and throws a leg in. On his feet, he likes to attack a high crotch.
133 pounds - Sam Speno matches up with Derek Steeley of Binghamton in the first round. Steeley is a senior who is 15-12 on the season. Steeley is coming off of a runner-up finish at the CAA Championships. Steeley is a three-year starter for Binghamton after wrestling for a season at Neosho Community College. Steeley is a talented and dangerous wrestler. He has the ability to put his opponent of their back from almost anywhere with his flexibility and funk. He is difficult to score on and has good leg attacks.
165 Pounds - Nijel Jones takes on the #9 seeded Josh Veltre of Bloomsburg. This will mark their second meeting of the season as Veltre beat Jones 6-4 at the early season Keystone Classic. Veltre holds a 32-5 record and has not lost since November. Jones is looking to snap Veltre's 25 watch win streak. Veltre is a redshirt junior that won both the PSAC and EWL Titles this season. Veltre is solid and steady as he stays in good position and is good in all positions.
Honest & courageous = good luck - Shamrock!
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