James Hackney
As the New Year rolls around, #3 Mizzou will be looking to defend their 2022 Southern Scuffle title. Last year the field was smaller due to some COVID issues, and Mizzou won despite missing Zach Elam. The Tigers had two champions and every starter placed in the top 5. The full lineup and then some are expected, with Mizzou expecting to bring 17 wrestlers. Noah Surtin is set to make his return to the lineup after missing time due to injury, and Harman/Hawks will both be entered to battle for the starting spot.
With one tournament under their belt already (Tiger Style Invite), the two day tournament should add a new challenge and opportunity for experience for the team. Not every ranked team is expected to have their full lineups (Iowa State and Virginia Tech confirmed). However, teams like Oklahoma State and Minnesota are bringing deep lineups similar to Mizzou. While last year was a weaker field, this year should bring many challenges.
Ranked teams expected: #3 Mizzou, #5 Iowa State, #12 Oklahoma State, #14 Virginia Tech, #18 Minnesota, #20 Stanford, #22 Purdue, #23 North Dakota State, #25 Northern Colorado, #26 Rider
125lbs: #14 Noah Surtin (4-2)
Last year Surtin placed 4th at this tournament, with both losses to Iowa’s Drake Ayala. This year there are opponents ranked higher like #4 Pat McKee (Minnesota), #10 Matt Ramos (Purdue), and #12 Trevor Mastrogiovanni. There is also likely to be #16 Stevo Poulin (Northern Colorado) and #29 Nico Provo (Stanford) as intriguing freshmen. Surtin is expected back, and per Coach Smith, this was always the plan for the return.
That’s a good sign that it wasn’t anything too serious, and Surtin will need to be on his A game in this tournament. He has suffered two tough losses this season, and there will be a number of lower ranked opponents looking to jump the rankings. If he is able to come out healthy and look more offensive than the last time we saw him, he could make a jump himself.
Prediction: 4th Place
