Mizzou held their annual Black and Gold dual to kickoff the 2025 season this weekend. With most of the lineup projections already established, this was a good chance to preview the young wrestlers and see some competition for fans. There were some standouts that really impressed, while some with high expectations failed to meet them. The Tigers had a solid crowd for a wrestleoff event, and get started early with a road dual against a tough Northern Colorado squad next week.
- Starters established themselves.
There were a handful of weights where potential lineup battles were going to occur. We saw new starters wrestle off at 157 and heavyweight, while returning starters defended their spots at 141 and 149.
J Conway gave up the first takedown to a noticeably bulked up Joel Mylin, but was able to escape and lock up a cradle for a fall. Cole Gripka and Jarrett Stoner had an entertaining high action overtime match, where Gripka scrambled through a Stoner takedown attempt to win and take on Seth Nitzel. It was all Nitzel in that one, who was able to clearly separate in all three positions to claim the spot.
Josh Edmond took on Jace Roller first, where the two had some excellent scrambles. In Edmond fashion however he got a pancake in the third to cap the match off with a pin. There he took on a very game Easton Hilton, who’s timing and hips kept the score close. Similarly Logan Gioffre had to battle, this time against Carter McCallister who had an impressive day that I’ll dive into next.
- Gage Walker and Carter McCallister stand out.
While most of the returning starters looked good as expected, two young wrestlers had especially impressive days. Gage Walker was in a four man bracket at 125, and came out on top in relatively dominant fashion.
He took on NJCAA All-American and college veteran Luqman Masud first and showed an excellent ability to get to legs, riding tough on top, and getting out from bottom. Walker followed that up with a major decision over Mack Mauger, a prospect I was especially high on at 125, and again was dominant with takedowns and a turn….