Rollins, Palmer lead Beavers at 125, 133 pounds
This is the first in a five-part series previewing the 2014-15 Oregon State wrestling team. Today we look at the 125- and 133-pound weight classes.
The season’s first two tournaments will help Oregon State’s coaches determine the starting lineup at the 123- and 133-pound weight classes. Competitive battles have raged in practice trying to determine who gets the nod.
The Beavers return experience in both classifications. Senior Pat Rollins (125) went 2-1 at the Pacific-12 Conference tournament and placed third. Junior Joey Palmer (133) also placed third at Pac-12s and advanced to NCAAs, where he was eliminated after successive losses.
There are challengers in both weight classes, however, and the issue might not be decided until after the Mike Clock Open at Forest Grove on Nov. 9 and the Roadrunner Classic at Fresno on Nov. 16.
“We have a chance to be really strong” in the lowest weight classes, OSU coach Jim Zalesky said. “Those first two tournaments will have a really big impact on the coaches’ decision.
“If two guys step up, it will be easy. But if it’s close,” there are redshirting options at both classifications. “We want our best team out there.”
Rollins was 13-20 in 2014 but finished on the upswing after earning the starting spot when Palmer shifted up to 133 in February. Rollins won his final three matches, two by major decision.
“Pat has been in and out of the lineup the last three years,” Zalesky said. “He wrestled a good Pac-12 tournament but wasn’t good enough to qualify for NCAAs. He has experience.”
Redshirt freshman Ronnie Stevens was 5-6 with one pin competing unattached. Freshmen Ronnie Bresser of Henley High in Klamath Falls and Kegan Calkins of Illinois powerhouse Montini Catholic also figure in the equation.
“Those four guys will be vying for the spot,” Zalesky said. “It’s going to be competitive; someone is going to come in and grab it. It depends on who steps up in those first two tournaments.”
Palmer flourished at 133 after moving up a weight class and unseating Drew Val Anrooy, who has since transferred to Luther College in Iowa. Palmer was 8-4 at 133 (18-12 overall), with three pins, a technical fall and a major decision.
He is ranked 29th by the Associated Wrestling Press and 18th by The Open Mat in their preseason polls
“Palmer looks to be the leader, but we have [redshirt freshman] Jack Hathaway too,” Zalesky said. “It’s going to be a tough wrestle-off, very competitive. It will be up in the air because they both compete well.
“Jack did very well nationally in high school and had a pretty good redshirt year,” going 20-11 with 12 pins, two major decisions and a technical fall. “Part of [getting so many pins] was the competition, but he’s tough on top, he attacks and is a pinner. Oregon State fans love that kind of style.”
“They are both hungry and they both want to be at that spot, which is good.”
The annual intrasquad match is set for Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. OSU’s first dual is Nov. 13 against Southern Oregon at Gill Coliseum; a victory would be the 1,000th in school history and the 100th in Zalesky’s tenure at OSU.
For more information on the OSU wrestling team, follow the club’s official Twitter account at Twitter.com/OSU_Wrestling or by Facebook at Facebook.com/OregonStateWrestling.
125
RETURNEES: Sr. Pat Rollins (13-20); RFr. Ronnie Stevens (5-6).
NEWCOMERS: Fr. Ronnie Bresser; Fr. Kegan Calkins.
133
RETURNEES: Jr. Joey Palmer (18-12), NCAA qualifier); RFr. Jack Hathaway (20-11).
NEWCOMERS: None.
LOST: Drew Van Anrooy (17-18).