Previewing the 2015-16 Oklahoma State Wrestling Season: Part II

If you missed Part I, it was posted on Thursday.

165

I think we all know who the guy is here. Alex Dieringer returns for his senior season with the goal of becoming a three-time national champ. Dieringer is your typical OSU national champ who dominates in every faucet of the sport. Anything short of another national title will be a huge disappointment, but don’t count on that happening.

Alex Dieringer
Class: RS Senior
Hometown: Port Washington, Wisconsin

Compiled a 33-0 overall record on his way to a second national title in as many years. 28 of those wins had bonus points attached to them. Went 11-0 against ranked opponents. Won third consecutive Big 12 title, defeating Mike Moreno of Iowa State 14-4 in the finals. Taken down only TWICE all season. Won titles at the Southern Scuffle and Joe Parisi Open.

174

174 is the second half of another deadly back-to-back combo for the Pokes. Kyle Crutchmer returns at this weight after a breakout year in 2014-2015 that saw him finish fifth at the NCAA Championships. Look for Crutchmer to certainly be on the podium again, but this time a little bit higher.

Kyle Crutchmer
Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Racked up a 22-8 overall record on his way to earning All-American status at the NCAA Championships, where he went 4-2. Won his first Big 12 title, beating Tanner Weatherman of Iowa State in the finals. Finished third at the Joe Parisi Open and sixth at the Southern Scuffle. Look for Crutchmer to dominate at this weight, as he is the highest-placing returner.

184

This weight is another one where we could see multiple guys, but unlike the other weights, both wrestlers here are experienced. Both Nolan Boyd and Jordan Rogers have seen time as the Cowboy starter at this weight in the past, and both have the ability to get the job done. This could be a situation in which the starter could vary based on who has the better matchup against the other team’s guy.

Nolan Boyd
Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

Compiled a 26-9 overall record during the 2014-2015 campaign that saw him qualify for his second NCAA Championships tournament. 5-8 record against ranked opponents. Won his first Big 12 title, defeating Lelund Weatherspoon of Iowa State in the finals. Won the Reno Tournament of Champions, and was named Outstanding Wrestler. A taller guy who uses that leverage well against opponents.

Jordan Rogers
Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Spokane, Washington

Wracked up a 15-9 overall record during the 2014-2015 season. Finished second at the Joe Parisi Open. Finished fourth at the Reno Tournament of Champions, and eighth at the Southern Scuffle. A very technical wrestler with a lot of experience to draw on.

197

197 is another weight that is up in the air as of right now. Austin Schafer is a guy who has a lot of matches under his belt, and could provide valuable experience at the weight. RS freshman Preston Weigel is a talented young wrestler who redshirted last season. Schafer has looked impressive in the preseason tournaments, so look for him to begin the year as the starter.

Austin Schafer
Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

Compiled a 10-8 overall record during the 2014-2015 season. Won the Joe Parisi Open. Also competed in the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Southern Scuffle. Earned a third-place finish at the Big 12 Championships.

Preston Weigel
Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Russell. Kansas

Redshirted during the 2014-2015 season, but sat out most of the year due to injury. Went 5-2 overall. Won the Missouri Valley Open.

HWT

Returning All-American Austin Marsden will once again hold down the heavyweight position for the Cowboys. Marsden has become a force in this weight class, which is typically very valuable in close duals as the HWT match is usually the last to be wrestled. Look for Marsden to improve upon his NCAA Championship performance from last year, and once again stand on the podium in March.

Austin Marsden
Class: RS Senior
Hometown: Crystal Lake, Illinois

Compiled a 27-4 overall record during the 2014-2015 season, while going 13-2 in duals. Lost twice during the regular season, both times to number one-ranked wrestlers. Won titles at the Southern Scuffle and the Joe Parisi Open. Looked dominant throughout the season, but faltered early at the NCAA Championships. Should have a big year for the Cowboys, and contribute greatly to the team race come March.

Preseason Team Rankings

Flowrestling

No. 3 Oklahoma State

Intermat

No. 2 Oklahoma State (Tournament and Dual Meets)

Preseason Individual Rankings

Flowrestling

125 – Eddie Klimara (7th)

141 – Dean Heil (5th)

149 – Anthony Collica (9th)

165 – Alex Dieringer (1st)

174 – Kyle Crutchmer (3rd)

184 – Jordan Rogers (17th)

HWT – Austin Marsden (4th)

Intermat

125 – Eddie Klimara (7th)

141 – Dean Heil (1st)

149 – Anthony Collica (8th)

157 – Chance Marsteller (15th)

165 – Alex Dieringer (1st)

174 – Kyle Crutchmer (4th)

184 – Jordan Rogers (15th)

HWT – Austin Marsden (5th)