NSWCA Class C Tournament Rankings
1. Aquinas
By far the deepest team in Class C. Lead by State Champion Chris Nickolite and finalists Hunter Vandenberg and Jakob Kavan. They could potentially earn state medals a at least 9 weights.
2. O’Neill
O’Neill returns three huge point scorers this season. All three have the potential to reach the finals and score huge points for the Eagles. John Alden, Ty Rainforth, and Brady Thompson will all score huge points in Omaha. There are several other pieces that can also add important points.
3. Milford
Milford brings a deep team back this season with 7 returning state qualifiers. They will build off of their two state medalists Thomas Vance and Eli Vondra. They will need the other talented wrestlers on their roster to take the next step to push make the push into the top 3.
4. Central City
Central City brings back three top end point scorers in State Champions Drew Garfield and Cole Kunz. They will also return state medalist Tristan Burbach. With two other returning state qualifiers in Jaramie Elton and Bryce Sutton, there is potential for a top 5 finish.
5. Valentine
Valentine will make a surge back into the mix for a top 5 finish this year. They will welcome back several wrestlers that were injured down the stretch last season. They will be lead by seniors Gunner Battershaw and Tobin Olson. They will also welcome in transfer Will Sprenger to the team. Sprenger was a state runner up in North Dakota a year ago.
6. Battle Creek
The Braves will be a very deep team from top to bottom which will make them a dangerous team in tournaments as well as duals. State medalist Dhalas Zlomke will lead the team as well as Kase Thompson, Boston Reeves, Korbyn Battershaw, and super talented Freshman Ryan Stusse. Several other Battle Creek wrestlers will also be very important to the team success.
7. David City
David City will return five state qualifiers this season. Leading the way will be state runner-up Tre Daro. They will once again be very tough in the lighter weights with the likes of Zach Bongers, Simon Schindler, and Ethan Underwood. Don’t count David City out from making a surge into the top 5. This is a program that knows how to win.
8. Crofton/Bloomfield
Crofton/Bloomfield will return 41.5 state points this season. Leading the way will be Jared Janssen and Robbie Fisher. Both bought home hardware from Omaha last February. If the other three returning state qualifiers can make a jump into the medals, they will have the potential to move up in the standings.
9. Bishop Neumann
Bishop Neumann could be ranked higher on this list and it would not surprise me to see them move up as the season goes on. They will rely on Aaron Ohnoutka and Cade Lierman to lead a very deep team that could have a breakout season. Trent Moudry and Sam Vrana were also state qualifiers a season ago.
10. Raymond Central
Raymond Central will bring back very talented wrestlers in Conner Kreikemier and Logan Bryce. They will also return qualifier Jacob Schultz. As with other teams on this list, they will need to have production from other guys on the team that have big potential.
1. Aquinas Catholic
2. O’Neill
3. Milford
4. Central City
5. Valentine
6. Battle Creek
7. David City
8. Crofton/Bloomfield
9. Bishop Neumann
10. Raymond Central
NSWCA Class C Dual Rankings
1. Aquinas Catholic
2. Milford
3. Battle Creek
4. O’Neill
5. Raymond Central
6. Crofton/Bloomfield
7. Valentine
8. Bishop Neumann
9. St. Paul
10. Minden