“Mock MATNESS” Deep Dive: 184 lbs.
This is where we take a closer look at individual weight classes. The Brackets have been released for the 2024 NCAA Div. 1 Wrestling Championships and “Mock MATNESS” has now turned into legit Bracket Predictions! The 184 lbs. weight class lost a few superstars last year. However, one of its finalists remains. Can anyone knock off the undefeated, Blue Collar, towel-tapping #1 seed? We shall see.
1st Round: Dylan Fishback, (perhaps the most unfortunate name in wrestling) has a tough matchup against Layne Malczewski. The Michigan State product has a record and seed that can be deceiving since he wrestles in the Big Ten. Either way, we will allow Fishback to advance (for now). We also have a couple of Servicemen going to War early on. David Key (Navy) acting as the Aircraft Carrier can’t seem to swat the pesky Fighter Jet, Sam Wolf (Air Force) off his back. Wolf wins 5-4 with riding time.
Reece Heller wins a thriller against Ryder Rogotzke
Colton Hawks over Kane
Feldkamp UPSETS (in name only) Nate Dugan
2nd Round: Chris Foca brings his best effort and it’s enough to UPSET #3 seed Dustin Plott until an overturned call on the mat, removes a last-second takedown and Plott wins 4-2. Thomas Stewart Jr. rides a hot streak from the ACC Tournament to knock Dylan Fishback “out of water” and into the Consolation “Pool.” See what I did there? 😉 🎣 😏
Weekend at Bernie’s Truax survives a scare against Hawks to advance.
“KECK” over “KAMP”
Bennett Berge takes down “The Jet” Sam Wolf
Quarterfinals: Isaiah Salazar looks good and strong Friday Morning in dominating fashion against Thomas Stewart Jr. Could everything fall into place for the Junior from Minnesota? Dustin Plott got a healthy lead early in his match against “Feel the Bern” Truax, however, the senior transfer to Penn State pulls the “W” out of the hat. Some call it “Penn State Magic”.
Parker Keckeisen cruises over Berge by Technical Fall.
Lenny Pinto survives the bloody battle against Trey Munoz in a slight UPSET.
Semifinals: Despite having the best Socks/Shoes combo in ALL of College Wrestling, Lenny Pinto falls to Parker Keckeisen 12-5. Keck’s pace was matched by the beat up “Ford” Pinto through (2) periods but the pace only got greater in the 3rd and Lenny couldn’t hang. Valiant effort though from one of WrestleMATNESS’s favorite Huskers.
Salazar again too much for Truax. 5-2
Finals: Parker Keikeisen left no doubt that 2024 is HIS year. Going undefeated throughout the whole season and not really allowing anyone to taste a possible victory against him. Probably the least entertaining of all the Finals matches, “KECK” controlled from the starting whistle. Parker should be considered for both the OW and Hodge Trophy but he may come up just short in both. Congratulations to ANOTHER 184 lbs. Champion to come out of the University of Northern Iowa (184 U)!