Five Things To Watch At The 2025 Midwest Classic

Division II wrestling’s marquee midseason individual tournament kicks off Saturday in Indianapolis, where 47 teams will compete in the Midwest Classic. 

The field is stacked with returning All-Americans at all 10 weights and several of the top teams in the country, including Lander, Central Oklahoma, Pitt-Johnstown and Gannon. 

The Midwest Classic should provide a clearer picture of how the competitors rank moving forward. Here are five things to watch this weekend in Indy. 

Lander Looks To Dominate

Lander is the team favorite in the loaded field with returning 165-pound NCAA champion David Hunsberger leading the way. Lander has firepower and depth with returning All-Americans Isham Peace (141) and Marvelous Rutledge (197).   

The Bearcats enter the weekend with an undefeated 10-0 record in dual action, including a victory over Division 1 Campbell. Lander coach R.C. LaHaye attributes his team’s success to hard work, 

“It's great effort, the guys have put in a lot of work, and they are excited to get out and compete,” he said.  “Hopefully we can keep it rolling and ride it through the Midwest Classic in December, the National Duals in January, and the postseason.”  

NCAA Tournament Preview At 125

All of the brackets at the Midwest Classic are tough, but the 125-pound bracket will include four returning All-Americans. Returning fourth-place finisher Trevon Gray of Pitt-Johnstown is the favorite, but Shane Corrigan (UW-Parkside), Anthony Anciente (Tiffin), and Colton Drousias (Glenville State) will provide stiff competition, making this the weight to watch. 

Other wrestlers who will challenge for the title at 125 will include: 

Isaiah Gamez (Adams State) 

Guy Clevenger (Central Oklahoma) 

Billy Smith (Findlay) 

Cole Hunt (Montevallo) 

Logan Sallot (Gannon)  

Can Banged-Up Central Oklahoma Compete? 

The Bronchos enter the Midwest Classic a little banged up, and they will be without four starters, including two-time returning national champion Gabe Johnson (157). For coach Todd Steidley, this tournament is a chance for his team to test its depth. 

"We've got some guys banged up, but thankfully we have pretty good depth,” he said. “It will be a great opportunity for some other guys to step in, and I'm excited to see what they can do. 

"It's a grueling tournament that really tests you, both mentally and physically. We'll see a lot of great teams and individuals that we don't normally get to compete against, so we're looking forward to that.”

Returning National Champions

Hunsberger is a two-time national champion at 165 pounds, and he is the favorite to take home a title at the Midwest Classic. He’s off to a 7-0 start to the season and looks to continue to build momentum towards a third national title. It won’t be a cakewalk in Indy as Hunsberger will have to get past returning All-American Nolan Gessler (Tiffin). 

The other returning national champion in the field is 174-pounder Cole Ritter of Maryville. Ritter is 8-3 on the season and undefeated when facing Division II competition. In 2024, Ritter was injured at the Midwest Classic and was unable to finish the tournament after his second match. Returning All-Americans Lawson Losee (Upper Iowa) and Josh Kenny (Grand Valley State) will be hoping to knock off Ritter. 

Wisconsin-Parkside Hopes to Defend Title

Wisconsin-Parkside is no stranger to success at the Midwest Classic as it won the tournament last year and finished as the runner-up in 2023.  

Leading the charge for the Rangers is returning All-American Shane Corrigan (125). Outside of Corrigan, the Rangers will send out Easton Worachek (157), Brody Hemauer (165), and Dajun Johnson (174).

“We’ve got some old guys on the team that are veterans that are proven on the mat, so consistency there, and then we have some young guys in the lineup, so it's good to see a good mix,” UW-Parkside coach Nick Becker said.