Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational 2010 Preview

This year The 29th Annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational promises not to disappoint. This tournament is loaded and there really is no other way we can put it. There are 76 Top 20 wrestlers entered in the event. That number may vary some after weight-ins, but either way you, get the picture.

This event should give a pretty good snap shot of where people stand once the dust settles. We have heard that #1 Kyle Dake and #1 Kirk Smith will not be in the event. But even with that, this is one event you will want to keep tabs on this weekend.

2009 Team Results
1. 122.5 Ohio State
2. 121.5 Cornell
3. 109.5 Oklahoma
4. 97.5 Boise State
5. 94 Nebraska
6. 90.5 Indiana
7. 78.5 Cal Poly
8. 77.5 Oregon State
9. 73.5 Wisconsin
10. 71 Wyoming

125

Last Years Top 8

1. Angel Escobedo-IU
2. Anthony Robles-ASU
3. James Nicholson-ODU
4. Michael Martinez-WYO
5. Frank Perrilli-Cornell
6. Alan Bartelli-Boise St.
7. Ben Kjar-UV
8. Nikko Triggas-Ohio St.

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #4 Anthony Robles – Arizona State
• #6 Logan Steiber-Ohio State
• #8 Jarrod Patterson-Oklahoma
• #12 Ben Kjar-Utah Valley
• #14 Jarrod Garnett-VA Tech
• #15 Jason Lara-Oregon State
• #16 Aaron Kalil-Navy
• #19 Frank Perrelli-Cornell

We are all looking forward to seeing how Steiber does in his first big event and to make it even more interesting, he will have to navigate a talented field and most likely face off against #4 Robles, who has been on a tear as of late, racking up technical falls like they were nothing. Most people are expecting to see these two in the finals.

There are a few other guys that will be looking to make a statement as well. Patterson keeps impressing with win after win. He will most likely get a 3 seed and face off against Steiber in the semi-finals. Ben Kjar who we expect to get the 4th seed can not be over looked either.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Logan Steiber-Ohio St.
2. Anthony Robles-ASU
3. Jarrod Garnett-VT
4. Ben Kjar-UVU

133lbs.

Last Years Top 8

1. Boris Nocvochkov-Cal Poly
2. Mike Grey-Cornell
3. Tyler Graff-Wisconsin
4. Steve Mytych-Drexel
5. Kelly Kubec-Oregon St.
6. Dave Marble-Bucknell
7. Ben Ashmore-ASU
8. Flint Ray-UVU

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #2 Andrew Hochstrasser-Boise St.
• #3 Tyler Graff-Wisconsin
• #4 Scotti Sentes-CMU
• #6 Devin Carter-VT
• #7 Lou Ruggirello-Hofstra
• #8 Ian Paddock-Ohio State
• #9 Flint Ray-Utah Valley
• #13 Ben Ashmore-Arizona State
• #11 Kelly Kubec-Oregon State
• #14 BJ Futrell-Illinois
• #16 Joseph Stanzione-Cornell
• #20 Jordan Keller-Oklahoma
• (First event back) Filip Novochkov-Cal Poly

This weight is utterly loaded. Basically if you count Novochkov (who would be top 10 if he hadn’t been out of action) there are 13 of the top 20 guys entered into this event. This one should really clear things up for us. Many people are looking forward to seeing a Graff vs. Hochstrasser final. That could very well happen, but we would venture to guess that there are numerous other guys who will try and prevent that from happening.

“Hoch” has a loss to #1 Oliver but he is just getting back into things after missing all of last season. Graff has been dominate and is looking to win a National Title this year.

The fun should start in the quarters and maybe sooner for some of the guys. Scotti Sentes has looked great so far this year and has really adjusted to 133 this year. We are expecting to see him and Graff match-up in the semi-finals. Devin Carter has also been pretty impressive as a true freshman and has turned some heads.

We could go on and on with the depth at this weight, Ruggirello cannot be overlooked, either. To wrap things up we are expecting to see Novochkov make his season debut here. Filip, who flipped weights with his brother this year, has to be considered a serious contender. The question is, will he be at 100% in his first event of the season?

TOM’s Prediction

1. Tyler Graff-Wisconsin
2. Andrew Hochstrasser-Boise St.
3. Scotti Sentes-CMU
4. Filip Novochkov-Cal Poly

141

Last Years Top 8

1. Reece Humphrey-Ohio St.
2. Filip Novachkov-Cal Poly
3. Zack Bailey-Oklahoma
4. Kyle Dake-Cornell
5. Levi Jones-Boise St.
6. Chris Drouin-ASU
7. Chris Diaz-VT
8. Kenny Hashimoto-No. Colorado

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #1 Jimmy Kennedy-Illinois
• #2 Kellen Russell-Michigan
• #3 Zack Bailey-Oklahoma
• #5 Boris Novochkov-Cal Poly
• #6 Chriz Diaz-VA Tech
• #13 Levi Jones-Boise State
• #15 Cole Von Ohlen-Air Force

There has been much debate over who should be the #1 guy at this weight. Well this tournament should make it pretty clear with 5 of the top 6 entered. There really is not a clear-cut favorite here. Kennedy is very solid and Russell has always been impressive. Bailey has been ranked #1 by other publications and Novochkov is looking to make his case. Let’s not forget Diaz either who has been wrestling well.

We are excited to see how this one shakes out.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Jimmy Kennedy-Illinois
2. Kellen Russell-Michigan
3. Boris Novochkov-Cal Poly
4. Zack Bailey-Oklahoma

149

Last Years Top 8

1. Kyle Ruschell-Wisconsin
2. Lance Palmer-Ohio St.
3. Kyle Terry-Oklahoma
4. Jason Chamberlain-Boise St.
5. Kevin LeValley-Bucknell
6. Walter Peppelman-Harvard
7. RJ Pena-Oregon St.
8. Peter Yates-VT

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #4 Jason Chamberlain-Boise State
• #9 Corey Jantzen-Harvard
• #10 Brian Stephens-VA Tech
• #12 Ivan Lopouchanski-UNC Greensboro
• #14 Kurt Kinser-Indiana
• #15 Brandon Rader-West Virginia
• #17 Justin Accordino-Hofstra

In a weight that is loaded with middle ranked wrestlers we see Chamberlain as the favorite here. Jantzen had some high expectations this year and has been solid. But he did lose to a PSU back up a few weeks ago, so we are taking a reserved wait-and see-approach with him.

The guy we think may turn some heads is Lopouchanski. He has been pretty good this year and has only one loss to Stephens, who is also in this weight. The two of them have split this year. We would not be shocked to see Kinser or Rader make some noise either.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Jason Chamberlain-Boise St.
2. Ivan Lopouchanski-UNCG
3. Corey Jantzen-Harvard
4. Brian Stephens-VT

157

Last Years Top 8

1. JP O’Connor-Harvard
2. Adam Hall-Boise St.
3. Jesse Dong-VT
4. Justin Gaethje-No. Colorado
5. Chase Pami-Cal Poly
6. Bryce Saddoris-Navy
7. Shane Vernon-Oklahoma
8. Colton Salazar-Purdue

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #3 Bubba Jenkins-Arizona State
• #4 Adam Hall-Boise State
• #5 Colt Sponseller-Ohio State
• #6 Paul Young-Indiana
• #12 Peter Yates-VA Tech
• #13 Matt Lester-Oklahoma
• #16 Barrett Abel-Cal Poly
• #17 DJ Meagher-Cornell
• #18 Walter Pebbleman-Harvard
• #19 Colton Salazar-Purdue

Most are hoping to see the re-match of the All-Star Classic in Jenkins vs. Hall. That could happen, and many want to see if Bubba can do it again. If he can, we think many of the doubts people have of Bubba may be silenced.

Sponseller may cause that match-up to not happen. He has been good this year and is down a weight class. We are interested to see how he does in his first big test of the year. Another wrestler who is down a weight from last season and wrestling well is Young. He just grabbed a Big Ten Wrestler of the Week honor and is making the most out of his move down.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Bubba Jenkins-ASU
2. Colt Sponseller-Ohio St.
3. Adam Hall-Boise St.
4. Paul Young-IU

165

Last Years Top 8

1. Andrew Howe-Wisconsin
2. Colt Sponseller
3. Shane Onufer-Wyoming
4. Andy Rendos-Bucknell
5. Paul Young-Indiana
6. PJ Gillespie-Hofstra
7. John Martin-Cannon-American
8. Oscar Huntley-Navy

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #1 Andrew Howe-Wisconsin
• #4 Justin Kerber-Cornell
• #5 PJ Gillespie-Hofstra
• #10 Mike Miller-Central Michigan
• #14 Conrad Polz-Illinois
• #17 Ryan Desroches-Cal Poly
• #19 Chase Nelson-Oklahoma

We do not think many will argue that Howe is the clear favorite in this one. He will see his biggest tests of the year this weekend, but we expect him to come through it in pretty good shape. Kerber is nobody to overlook and will be important for Cornell in the team race. Gillespie is also looking to solidify himself as a top contender at 165 this year. Miller comes off injury and a loss last week, but we think with another week under his belt he will make some strides in the right direction. Finally keep your eyes on Desroches from Poly. They are doing some good things there and we would not be surprised to see him cause a stir.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Andrew Howe-Wisconsin
2. Justin Kerber-Cornell
3. Mike Miller-CMU
4. Ryan Desroches-Cal Poly

174lbs.

Last Years Top 8

1. Mack Lewnes-Cornell
2. Stephen Dwyer-Nebraska
3. Luke Manual-Purdue
4. Jeff James-Oklahoma
5. Ryan Patrovich-Hofstra
6. Justin Zeerip-Michigan
7. David Rella-Ohio St.
8. Luke Rebertus-Navy

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #1 Mack Lewnes-Cornell
• #5 Jordan Blanton-Illinois
• #6 Ben Bennett-Central Michigan
• #7 Tyler Caldwell-Oklahoma
• #9 Colby Covington-Oregon State
• #13 Luke Manuel-Purdue
• #15 Ryan Patrovich-Hofstra
• #19 Ben Jordan-Wisconsin

Another weight where there is a pretty clear favorite. Lewnes has been rock solid and is looking to cap his career off as a National Champion. After Lewnes, this thing is wide open. Blanton is solid and should be in the mix. Bennett is good and will look to make the finals and face Lewnes for the 3rd time already this season. Caldwell may surprise some as well. The guy we really like is Covington. He ended the year wrestling well last season and we think he will have a big tournament here.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Mack Lewnes-Cornell
2. Colby Covington-Oregon St.
3. Ben Bennett-CMU
4. Luke Manuel-Purdue

184lbs

Last Year Top 8

1. Kirk Smith-Boise St.
2. John Dergo-Illinois
3. Joe LeBlanc-WYO
4. Mike Pucillo-Ohio St.
5. Steve Bosak-Cornell
6. Matt Ryan-WVU
7. Andrew Saunders-UNCG
8. Andrew Buck-Navy

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #3 Steve Bosak-Cornell
• #4 AJ Kissel-Purdue
• #6 Travis Rutt-Wisconsin
• #10 Tommy Spellman-VA Tech
• #11 Luke Rebertus-Navy
• #17 Andrew Saunders- UNC Greensboro
• #18 Brice Arand-Oregon State

We do not see a clear favorite here. On paper you could say that Bosak is the favorite, and he very well may be. He has not lost this year and we all know he is solid. Kissel has also been very good this year and should be right there at the end. We are expecting to see Rutt carve his place out as a top contender though. Rutt just keeps getting better every year and we do not see him taking a step back here.

Keep a look out for Spellman and Rebertus as well. Both are solid wresters that could play the spoiler role.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Travis Rutt-Wisconsin
2. Steve Bosak-Cornell
3. AJ Kissel-Purdue
4. Luke Rebertus-Navy

197lbs.

Last Years Top 8

1. Craig Brester-Nebraska
2. Eric Lapotsky-Oklahoma
3. Cam Simaz-Cornell
4. Chad Hanke-Oregon St.
5. Logan Brown-Purdue
6. Anthony Biondo-Michigan
7. Tyler Smith-Rider
8. Matt Powless-IU

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #2 Cam Simaz-Cornell
• #3 Trevor Brandvold-Wisconsin
• #9 Logan Brown-Purdue
• #13 Anthony Biondo-Michigan
• #17 Riley Orozco-CS Bakersfield
• #18 Matt Powless-Indiana
• #20 Matt Casperson-Boise State

We are expecting to see a Brandvold vs. Simaz final. If you have noticed so far we are seeing the team race coming down to Wisconsin and Cornell. Its hard to say who is the favorite if these two meet up. We are leaning towards Brandvold, but do not hold us to that one.

Logan Brown has been solid this year and should be in the mix. Biondo has not started the season as well as he may have liked, but a big tournament here could put him right back in the discussion. He is more then capable, so we suggest you do not overlook him in this one.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Trevor Brandvold-Wisconsin
2. Cam Simaz-Cornell
3. Anthony Biondo-Michigan
4. Logan Brown-Purdue

285

Last Years Top 8

1. Nate Everhart-IU
2. Tucker Lane-Nebraska
3. Nathan Fernandez-Oklahoma
4. Mitch Monterio-Cal Poly
5. Ed Bordes-Rider
6. Erik Nye-ASU
7. Clayton Jack-Oregon St.
8. Kyle Frey-Drexel

This Year’s Ranked Wrestlers

• #5 Jarod Trice-Central Michigan
• #9 Clayton Jack-Oregon State
• #12 Eric Bugenhagen-Wisconsin
• #14 Nathan Fernandez-Oklahoma
• #15 Atticus Disney-Cal Poly
• #17 Rick Alcala-Indiana
• #18 David Marone-VA Tech
• #19 David Morgan-CS Bakersfield

A few weeks ago we would have said that Trice was the clear favorite here. But not so much now. Trice will have to navigate a pretty solid field of big men. Jack is solid and has been wrestling pretty well. His only loss was a 2-1 decision to Bradley. Bugenhagen is a solid guy that will pose problems to anyone he faces. Fernandez is always a problem for guys but has been largely inconsistent in the past. He seems to be a boom-or-bust kind of guy.

Two guys we suggest watching in this one are Atticus Disney and Rick Alcala. Disney is 5-0 with 4 pins and a technical fall. We would not be surprised at all to see him win this one. Alcala is 10-1 and should be right there as well.

TOM’s Prediction

1. Jarod Trice-CMU
2. Clayton Jack-Oregon St.
3. Atticus Disney-Cal Poly
4. Eric Bugenhagen-Wisconsin

Top 5 Team Predictions

1. Wisconsin
2. Cornell
3. Boise St.
4. Oklahoma
5. Central Michigan