Virginia Tech finished 2nd in the ACC behind NC State last year. But they leapt the Wolfpack at NCAAs to finish 8th.
So are the Hokies a top 10 team again this year? Let's look. . .
Who's Returning & Leaving?
Only two Hokies are gone:
- Korbin Myers (6th at 133)
- Nathan Traxler (qualifier at hwt)
That means Tech is returning 6 NCAA qualifiers, including 4 former placers and an NCAA Champ. Here's a look at past placement:
- Sam Latona (6th in 2021)
- Bryce Andonian (3rd in 2022)
- Mekhi Lewis (1st, 2nd)
- Hunter Bolen (7th in 2021)
3 Wrestle-Offs to Watch
Latona and Andonian are both bumping up a weight, so that makes the lineup shift. Here are 3 wrestle-offs to watch. . .
125. Eddie Ventresca vs. Cooper Flynn
Ventresca is a top 100 recruit of 2020 and a NJ state champ. Flynn is a top 20 recruit of 2021, a 2x MIAA champ, and a preps champ.
149. Caleb Henson vs. Kylan Montgomery
The #16 recruit of 2022, Henson, has won Super 32, Who's #1, GA state championships, and even last year's Southeast Open. Montgomery is a 2x IL state placer who already has a year of college experience.
165. Drew Nicholson vs. Connor Brady
Both guys at 165 are NCAA qualifiers. Nicholson is transferring from Chattanooga while Brady is bumping up from 157.
2023 Lineup Preview
Here's how I expect the team to look in 2023:
- 125. Ventresca / Flynn
- 133. Sam Latona (NQ)
- 141. Collin Gerardi (NQ)
- 149. Henson / Montgomery
- 157. Bryce Andonian (3rd at 149)
- 165. Nicholson (NQ) / Brady (NQ)
- 174. Mekhi Lewis (2nd)
- 184. Hunter Bolen (NQ)
- 197. Dakota "Junkyard Dog" Howard
- 285. Hunter Catka
What to Expect
Based on a simulation of Virginia Tech's schedule, I project the Hokies to finish 7-4 in duals.
Their tough schedule will prepare them for NCAAs, and I expect to see four All-Americans, including a National Champ. If that happens, they can finish top 10.
Question for you: Who wins the dual meet between Virginia Tech and NC State?
Josiah Hritsko Wrestling Fan & Founder of Fanco Wrestling
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