James Hackney
Mizzou held their annual Black and Gold dual to kickoff the 2024 season this weekend. The event saw brackets at open weights 133 and 149, and an important weight change with a returning All-American. Brock Mauller is going up to 157 and took out redshirt freshman Cam Steed in a close match. Last year starters Noah Surtin, Peyton Mocco, and Zach Elam impressed with bonus point wins. Overall the Tigers looked prepared, in shape, and ready for the season to start.
- New rulesets
There were multiple rule changes during this offseason, but two had significant impacts on today’s matches. The three point takedowns will be a gamechanger for many Mizzou wrestlers. Zeke Seltzer, Josh Edmond, and Noah Surtin showed an ability to separate even more offensively. Across the country, expect more bonus points with these takedowns.
The other rule change that had an impact was the emphasis on the top man working to turn. In multiple matches there were stalling calls on the top wrestler for just riding and not attempting turns. It will be interesting to see how this changes throughout the season and how it changes matches, but rewarding offense is always an improvement.
- The 133lb starter battle likely isn’t over
This spot was decided with a four man bracket of Trey Crawford, Zeke Seltzer, Korbin Shepherd, and Peyton Moore. The first match between Crawford and Shepherd was razor close, with both wrestlers ending up in upper body positions with underhooks. The real difference maker was the top position for Crawford…
