The University of Michigan wrestling team, ranked No. 13 nationally, is preparing to conclude its first-semester dual schedule with two non-conference matches this weekend. The Wolverines will face Columbia University in New York on Friday, followed by a home match against the University of Virginia on Sunday at Crisler Center.
Michigan currently has nine wrestlers ranked nationally in their respective weight classes, with six appearing in the top 15 according to InterMat. These include Dylan Ragusin (No. 9 at 141 pounds), Lachlan McNeil (No. 5 at 149), Dylan Gilcher (No. 15 at 165), Beau Mantanona (No. 13 at 174), Brock Mantanona (No. 7 at 184), and Taye Ghadiali (No. 5 at heavyweight).
Redshirt sophomore Dylan Gilcher holds a perfect record this season after moving up to the 165-pound weight class, securing wins over two top-15 opponents and debuting at No. 15 in the latest rankings. Redshirt freshman Brock Mantanona climbed into the top ten at his weight after defeating Nebraska’s sixth-ranked Silas Allred and now stands at No. 7 among 184-pounders.
Graduate student Taye Ghadiali has posted a strong start to his season with three wins by bonus points, including victories over ranked competitors from Arizona State and Missouri.
Columbia enters the contest with a split record this season and two wrestlers—Lorenzo Frezza and Nick Fine—ranked nationally by InterMat. Michigan maintains an undefeated record against Columbia, having won all five previous meetings.
Virginia comes into the weekend holding a winning record with notable victories over LIU and Kent State but suffered a close loss to Lehigh earlier this month. The Cavaliers have five wrestlers ranked nationally, including Colton Washleski and Nick Hamilton, both listed as No. 18 in their respective weight classes. Michigan leads the all-time series against Virginia by one match and has won the last three encounters.
Six athletes have made their debut for Michigan’s starting lineup so far this season, each earning a win during the team’s opening dual against VMI earlier this month.
Michigan will be without graduate student Dylan Ragusin for a short period as he continues recovering from an injury sustained last year. Ragusin is expected to compete later this season after moving up to the 141-pound division.
During Sunday’s home match against Virginia, Michigan will recognize members of its Cliff Keen Wrestling Club—including Jacob Cardenas, Adam Coon, Austin Gomez, Will Lewan, Alec Pantaleo, Mason Parris, and Real Woods—with an autograph session before competition begins.