174:

Depth Chart

Lorenzo De La Riva bested West Fargo’s Jesse Shearer on two occasions last season.  Once in the Green/Gold scrimmage, and once at the Road Runner Open.  The Road Runner Open was a 4-2 sudden victory decision, so the matches have been close, and I think we can expect Shearer to make a hard push for this spot again this winter.  That said, De La Riva qualified for nationals last season after a strong finish to the year, and showed he is capable of putting up wins in the Big 12 and nationally.  The California product enters the season ranked nineteenth by Flowrestling.  Shearer was a solid 13-6 in a backup role last season.  This match will be loaded with intrigue if the two meet at the Green/Gold scrimmage.

184:

Depth Chart

Not since Hayden Zillmer made the podium at NCAA’s five years ago has NDSU had a qualifying level wrestler at 184. This year, expect a competition between Otomo, Pottinger, and redshirt freshman Cressell.  Otomo finished the season as the starter last season, going 0-2 at the Big 12 tournament.  Cressell and Otomo matched up twice last year, with Otomo winning 9-4 (SV) and 6-3.  Cressell posted a respectable 12-8 record as a redshirt last season.  As a true freshman last year, Pottinger was a respectable 14-10 and fell to Otomo 6-2 in their lone matchup.

The future of this weight may lie in the hands of true freshman Gary Wokojance.  Wokojance is a four-time state qualifier in Ohio and finished his senior season with a 51-1 record, losing only in the state semifinals.  Wokojance was also an NHSCA junior national champion.