Top Wrestlers Shine at 61st Annual Midlands Championships
The 61st Annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships will take place on December 29-30, 2023, in Evanston, Illinois. This prestigious tournament promises to showcase some of the top wrestlers from various levels, including NCAA, NAIA, and club competitors.
Championship Schedule
The tournament will unfold across two days, with several sessions planned. Here’s the complete schedule:
- Monday, December 29:
- 9:30 a.m. – First Session: Championship Rounds 1 & 2, Wrestlebacks
- 7:00 p.m. – Second Session: Quarterfinals, Wrestlebacks
- Tuesday, December 30:
- 9:30 a.m. – Third Session: Semifinals, Consolation, Women’s Division Begins
- 4:00 p.m. – Fourth Session: Men’s 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th place matches, Women’s Division Finals
Men’s Folkstyle Ranked Wrestlers
Several ranked competitors will be in attendance, adding to the tournament’s competitive edge across various weight classes:
| Weight Class | Wrestler | Rank | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 Pounds | Koda Holeman | #17 | Cal Poly |
| 133 Pounds | Dylan Shawver | #14 | Rutgers |
| 141 Pounds | Zeth Romney | #6 | Cal Poly |
| 149 Pounds | Collin Gaj | #15 | Virginia Tech |
| 157 Pounds | Mason Shrader | #25 | Central Michigan |
| 165 Pounds | Ryan Burton | #17 | Virginia Tech |
| 174 Pounds | Myles Takats | #15 | Bucknell |
| 184 Pounds | Shane Cartegena-Walsh | #18 | Rutgers |
| 197 Pounds | Remy Cotton | #16 | Rutgers |
| 285 Pounds | Hunter Catka | #24 | Rutgers |
Women’s Freestyle Competitors
The women’s division includes notable returning champions and emerging talents. A highlight will be Lexi Janiak, the defending national champion:
- Lexi Janiak (Aurora) – Competing at 131 pounds with a potential match against Aubre Krazer (Lehigh).
- Claire DiGugno – Another returning champion making her season debut at 138 pounds.
- Competitors from top colleges such as Life University, ranking first in NAIA, and North Central, ranking fourth in NCAA, will participate.
| Weight Class | Wrestler | Rank | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103 Pounds | Maddie Avila | NCAA #5 | North Central |
| 110 Pounds | Emma Jones | NAIA #2 | Indiana Tech |
| 138 Pounds | Claire DiCugno | N/A | North Central |
| 145 Pounds | Riley Hanrahan | HS #1 | Black River Falls |
| 160 Pounds | Bo Geibe | NAIA #6 | Indiana Tech |
Conclusion
The upcoming Midlands Championships feature an impressive lineup of wrestlers across various categories. Fans can look forward to exciting matches and emerging talents at this renowned event.
