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JCU Wrestling Media Day
Gavin Hunter

Men's Wrestling Preview: Blue Streaks Hoping to Add Names to All-American Wall

| By: JCUSID

The Blue Streaks have high hopes for the season ahead

After a successful 2024 season, a rested and reloaded Blue Streaks men's wrestling squad has high aspirations for 2025.

Following the grand opening of the Korb Family Wrestling Room and the unveiling of the National Champions and All-Americans wall, there is tremendous momentum building for the men's program heading into the new year.

"I think the simple message, 'The wall is not done,' says it all," noted head coach Mark Hawald, who enters his 11th season at the helm.
With tradition in mind, there's no doubt the team's sights are set on national success. "We are looking to build on the fine history here at John Carroll and create the next generation of All-Americans and National Champions," said Hawald.

Last season, the Blue Streaks finished an impressive 13-5 overall, including a strong 5-2 conference record. Their lone NCAA qualifier was sophomore Wills Bronson, who is expected to take another big leap this year.

Graduating just two starters—Jesse Kanatzar and Daniel Devera—the Blue Streaks feature a mix of experienced upperclassmen and a promising group of underclassmen.

Unfortunately for the Blue Streaks, the departures of Kanatzar and Devera leave a void that will be difficult to fill. During his career, Kanatzar became just the 13th wrestler in program history to notch 100 career victories. Devera, a former NCAA Division III National Championships qualifier, was a four-year starter.

Aiden Ashburn returns for his final season as a highly decorated senior. A native of Westlake, Ashburn is looking to get back to the national stage. After finishing 27-11 last year, his season came to an end at the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament. Looking to punch his ticket back to the NCAA Division III National Championships for the second time in his career, Ashburn will serve as a quiet yet impactful leader through his work ethic.

Wills Bronson enters his junior season fresh off a breakout sophomore campaign. Competing at 184 pounds, the Memphis, Tennessee native finished 22-9 last year. After placing second at the NCAA Division III Region V Championships, Wills qualified for the DIII National Championships for the first time in his career.

"Wills has grown as a wrestler and a person. We are seeing more and more wrestlers emerge as leaders and they are working together to improve our culture and meet our goals," said Hawald.

Alongside those two, senior leaders Thomas Lunt (285) and Ty Daugherty (133) are expected to make an impact. Lunt placed sixth at the Regional Championships last year, while Daugherty has compiled a 44-35 record across two full seasons.

Keep an eye on juniors Bear Horgan (184) and Kyle Bizjak (149). A Mentor High School product, Horgan is aiming for a bounce-back 2025 campaign. Bizjak placed seventh at the Regional Championships last season and is coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons.

Perhaps the most intriguing group on the team is the sophomore class. Brett Stanley (125), Frank Gallo (165), and Jacob Holtz (285) each contributed as first years last season and are primed for a big 2025. 

The John Carroll Men's Wrestling season is set to begin on Saturday, November 1, with a highly anticipated tournament at rival Mount Union in Alliance.
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