Where to Watch: January 3rd, 6PM on ESPN+
The Tigers start their six home dual streak with a big match against Cornell. This will be the return of the “Beauty and the Beast” event with gymnastics and wrestling competing simultaneously. The gymnastics team will be hosting Ball State, Illinois State, and Southeast Missouri State.
Cornell is an interesting team, as they’ve only had two duals early in the season. Part of that is their lineup, where they were missing a handful of starters until second semester due to Ivy League eligibility rules. Now that they’re back, the Big Red team is looking to hit the new year running. Last year’s NCAA’s runner-up, they have a team with a number of All-American contenders.
Meanwhile the Tigers are coming into this dual with more questions than answers. With Logan Gioffre competing at 157 at the Soldier Salute, it looks like Zeke Seltzer is the current starter. Cam Steed was injured at Collegiate Duals, with no timetable on his return. Rocky Elam still hasn’t competed this season, with rumors swirling about his season. Seth Nitzel was also injured before the Cougar Clash, with no known return time. There is a path to victory in this one for the Tigers, but it would take a lot going right for them.
125lbs: #30 Gage Walker (7-4) vs #12 Greg Diakomihalis (9-1)
The younger brother of Yianni Diakiomihalis, this is Greg’s first time as the starter in his senior year. He has a number of solid wins throughout his career, but some odd losses as well. This season his only loss is a medical forfeit and is undefeated otherwise. Diakomihalis did beat Binghamton’s Carson Wagner 9-6, while Walker won 8-2.
This is a very winnable match for Walker, who continues to make incremental improvements match to match. With his solid mat game, if he can get a takedown in this match I think he can get the upset. Diakomihalis is a great scrambler, but Walker has been able to hang and win positions with other accomplished wrestlers. If Mizzou wants a chance in the dual, they’ll need to pull an upset in this one.