Wrestling Blogs - Brandon Scott

I would be amiss if I didn't give a preview for my favorite style of wrestling!

121 - Sam Hazewinkel (Gator)

132 - Spenser Mango (USOEC)

145.5 - Jake Dietchler (MN Storm)

163 - TC Dantzler (Gator)

185.5 - Brad Ahearn (Army)

211.5 - RC Johnson (Sunkist Kids)

264.5 - Dremiel Byers (Army)

121 - Although I am going to miss the Hazewinkel vs Mango battles, this is what's really best for the country. Hazewinkel has a ton of international experience and actually defeated the Olympic Champion overseas. (I can't remember if it was University's or another tournament) Hazewinkel will not be challenged here for a while. A true student of the game, I am glad he didn't make the switch to freestyle as was rumored a couple of years ago. My heart wants to put Eric Grajales as a future challenger for this weight class, but I don't think he'll make the weight. Jimmy Chase has bright future and with the support of the Binghamton coaches, it sounds like he'll receive a LOT of Greco training.

132 - Spenser Mango is the man, and Betterman will be a continual third placer, too.... Teyon Ware! A dirty little rumor, yes, but I hope it does come to fruition. Ware and Haze are best buddies, and I think Ware moving to Greco gives Mango a challenge here. Here is where I plug in Eric Grajales, a Florida Boy who is an intense wrestler who loves to score.

145.5 - Jake Dietchler will cement himself as the nation's best at this weight class. Training at the USOTC year round, look for Dietchler to medal in his first year competing at the Worlds. Mark Rial, the last US wrestler to beat Dietchler will have a thing or two to say about that, however. Also, Jacob Curby, wrestling for the USOEC will have an impact at this weight as well. Coaches Ivanov and Gruenwald have proven that no one should overlook a wrestler coming out of that program

163 - I think Dantzler will give a go another year, two at max. He's an incredible athlete, you just wonder when age/injuries will finally catch up to him. He is obviously in a great situation, with a business that homes in Colorado Springs, so he trains daily at the USOTC. I think 3 years from now Harry Lester makes a comeback at this weight (remember, you heard it here first!). This weight class has a lot of talent as well. Jake Fisher, Andrew Bisek, Talan Knox and Marco Toledo are names to look for in the future.

185.5 - Brad Ahearn takes over at this weight. After defeating Brad Vering at Senior Nationals, I really thought Ahearn would become an Olympian. Unfortunately, breaking his hand at the University World Team Trials really affected his ability to wrestle at his best. No such luck for the nation this year. I'm not sure how much international wrestling Ahearn has done, but I certainly hope the Army program allows to him to get at least 25 international matches.

211.5 - With the retirement of Justin Ruiz, a greco young RC Johnson should take over at this weight class (26). I think his toughest challenge will come in the form of Robbie Smith and Justin Millard

264.5 - Dremiel Byers is another ageless wonder, to go with Mr. Dantzler. He hasn't lost any of the ability he showed in winning a World Title back in 2002. An inexplicable performance at the Olympics will be the motivating force behind Byers returning to the medal stand at the 2009 World Championships. Younger guns Timothy Taylor and Russ Davie will continue to push Byers, but I don't see Byers vacating his spot atop the ladder until after the 2012 Olympics.

High School Young Guns:

121 - Tyler Cox, Ryan Mango, Jimmy Chase

132 - Kyle Dake, Eric Grajales, Ellis Coleman

145.5 - Zach Clemente, Kendrick Sanders

185.5 - Brent Haynes