The Biggest 2nd Session University Freestyle Upsets

The Biggest 2nd Session University Freestyle Upsets

There were plenty of surprises in the second session of the University Freestyle Nationals. We recap the biggest upsets from here in Akron, Ohio.

Jun 3, 2017 by Andrew Spey
The Biggest 2nd Session University Freestyle Upsets
Day 1 of the University Freestyle Nationals saw some enormous championship brackets whittled down from over 100 wrestlers in several cases down to the to the final eight in each division.

We covered the biggest university freestyle (and cadet) upsets from the morning session already. Now we'll cover the rest of the surprises from the second session here in Akron, Ohio.

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57kg Louie Hayes, Cavalier WC DEC Connor Schram, Stanford - California RTC 3-2

Louie Hayes had a very respectable redshirt freshman campaign, winning 18 matches and providing some much needed depth for the Virginia Cavaliers, who graduated two of their starting lower weights last season. Connor Schram, on the other hand, has demonstrated himself to be a proven commodity, making three NCAA tournaments in three attempts and earning an All-American honor in his sophomore season. Hayes, however, was able to edge Schram in a closely fought battle and earn a trip to the quarterfinals.

You can watch the match here.

61kg Jake Rubio, Sooner Wresting Club DEC Markus Simmons, C-RTC 6-4

Iowa State has high hopes for Markus Simmons. The second year freshman spot started for the Cyclones last year and will be expected to contribute even more going forward as Iowa State lose both their starting 125 and 133 pounders to graduation. Oklahoma's Jake Rubio is a quality opponent, but was the underdog in this matchup, and had to come back from a four point deficit in the second period to notch the victory.

You can watch the match here.

70kg Mike Van Brill, Rutgers DEC Kevin Jack, Wolfpack Wrestling Club 11-8

Kevin Jack was one of the most decorated wrestlers to enter the University tournament, with a fifth, bloodround, and third place finish in three trips to the NCAAs. Jack also wrestled the previous three years at 141 pounds, jumping up 13 pounds for this tournament. Few expected Rutgers' backup 141 pounder Mike Van Brill to also bump up and beat the guy who has so far vexed Anthony Ashnault at every meeting. Ashnault being Rutgers' starting 141 pounder and three-time All-American. But Van Brill persevered and sent Jack into the consolation bracket sooner than the No. 3 seed expected.

Watch the match here.

70kg Matthew Zovistoski, App State RTC DEC Jason Tsirtsis, Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club 9-6

Jason Tsirtsis has not wrestled up to this 2014 NCAA Championship level in some time, though many thought he would find his groove again after moving to Arizona State and training with Zeke Jones and his growing stable of hammers. Matthew Zovistoski had a quality season last year, qualifying for the NCAA tournament representing Appalachian State. Zovistoski was still the decided underdog in their round of 16 matchup with Tsirtsis, but Zov proved his doubters wrong and punched his ticket to the quarters in dramatic fashion.

Watch the match here.


125kg Cory Daniels, Tar Heel Wrestling Club DEC Billy Miller, Edinboro Regional Training Center 8-5

Billy Miller has admirably anchored the Edinboro lineup the last two years, winning a match at the NCAAs in both his freshman and sophomore years. One of Miller's NCAA wins came at the expense of North Carolina's Cory Daniels last March in St. Louis. This time, however, the Tar Hell exacted revenge, and sent the Fighting Scot to the wrestlebacks in a scintillating round of 16 match.