Cal Poly Wrestling Team Storms Philadelphia for 2025 NCAA Championships
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Four Cal Poly Mustang wrestlers, Zeth Romney, Chance Lamer, Trevor Tinker, and Koda Holeman, are set to compete at the 2025 NCAA championships in Philadelphia, beginning Thursday, March 20, at the Wells Fargo Center, with Daschle Lamer as an alternate. This marks a significant prospect for the program to showcase its talent on the national stage.
By World Today News Expert Wrestling Journalist
Mustangs Ready to Rumble in Philly
The Cal Poly Mustangs wrestling team has arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prepared to battle at the 2025 NCAA Championships. Four wrestlers qualified for the prestigious tournament, with another standing by as an alternate, highlighting the program’s growth and commitment to excellence. This consistent representation at the national level underscores Cal Poly’s dedication to developing top-tier wrestling talent.
The NCAA Championships represent the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling in the United States. For these Mustangs, it’s a chance to test their skills against the nation’s best, potentially earning All-American honors and contributing to the team’s overall standing. The three-day tournament, held at the Wells Fargo Center, promises intense competition and unforgettable moments. Wrestling fans nationwide can catch the action live on ESPN+ and select matches on ESPNU and ESPN, offering extensive coverage of every gripping moment.
Zeth Romney: Eyes on All-American Status
Zeth Romney, the No.4 seed at 133 pounds, is a strong contender to achieve All-American status at the NCAA Championships. With a 14-4 record this season, romney has demonstrated the skill and determination necessary to compete with the nation’s elite. He aims to become Cal Poly’s fourth All-American at 133 pounds,a title last held by Boris Novachkov in 2010,setting a high bar for Romney to strive for.
The Simi Valley, California, native has enjoyed a remarkable redshirt sophomore season, highlighted by his victory at the Cliff keen Las Vegas Invitational in December. “He has excellent takedown skills and a relentless work ethic on the mat,” noted Coach Carter,emphasizing Romney’s strengths. Romney became the first Mustang in 15 years to win a championship at 133 pounds at this prestigious tournament, defeating four nationally ranked opponents en route to the title. This victory showcased his dominance in the weight class and solidified his position as a top contender.
Despite his successes, Romney has faced challenges, with two of his four losses coming against Little rock’s Nasir Bailey. He fell to Bailey by a narrow 4-1 decision in overtime at the Pac-12 title match. Bailey, a two-time Pac-12 champion and seeded No. 3 at 133, is a formidable opponent, having earned All-American honors last year with a fourth-place finish. “However,his two losses to Nasir Bailey from Little Rock,including one in the Pac-12 title match,highlight areas for improvement such as his defense and strategic adjustments during a match,” Coach Carter explained. Despite these losses, Romney demonstrated his potential by pinning Bailey earlier in the year at the NWCA National Duals at 4:14, proving he has the ability to overcome this challenging opponent.
Romney’s path to All-American status won’t be easy, but he has proven his ability to compete with the best.He has secured eight victories against nationally ranked opponents this season and holds an 8-3 record against wrestlers who qualified for this year’s NCAA Championships. He is set to face No. 29 seed Tyler Ferrara from Cornell in his opening match. Last season, in his first appearance at the NCAAs, Romney went 0-2, fueling his desire for redemption and a strong showing this year. His experience, combined with his undeniable talent, makes him a wrestler to watch in Philadelphia.
key Stat: romney has 8 wins against nationally ranked opponents this season.
Chance Lamer: Redemption on His Mind
Chance Lamer, seeded No. 14 at 149 pounds, is seeking redemption after falling in the NCAA Round of 12 in each of the last two seasons, just one victory shy of All-American honors. The Corvallis,Oregon,native enters the tournament with a 14-2 record and is determined to reach the final day of competition this year. Lamer’s previous near-misses have fueled his determination and sharpened his focus for this year’s championships.
Lamer secured his spot at the NCAAs for the third straight year by finishing third in his weight class at the pac-12 Championships. He suffered a loss by decision to Little rock’s Jordan Williams in the semifinals, who went on to win the conference title and is seeded eighth at the NCAAs. Lamer is set to face No. 19 Andrew Clark from Rutgers (22-13) in his opening match. This matchup presents a significant challenge, but Lamer’s experience and skill set him up for success.
Lamer has a 5-2 record against nationally ranked opponents this season, with half of his 14 victories coming by either fall (two) or technical fall (five), showcasing his ability to dominate opponents. At last year’s NCAAs, Lamer advanced to the semifinals before losing back-to-back matches to Kyle Parco and Rider’s Quinn Kinner on the second day, ending his run.This year, he aims to overcome those setbacks and achieve his All-American aspirations.”His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable, making him a hazardous opponent for anyone in the bracket,” Coach Carter noted, highlighting Lamer’s mental fortitude.
Expert Insight: Lamer’s experience at the NCAA Championships will be crucial as he navigates the challenging bracket. His ability to secure bonus points through falls and technical falls could be a significant advantage.
Trevor Tinker: Riding a Wave of Momentum
Trevor Tinker, the no. 15 seed at heavyweight, enters the NCAA Championships on a 12-match winning streak, fueled by a dominant performance at the Pac-12 Championships where he didn’t surrender a single point. His season record stands at an impressive 22-5. Tinker’s recent success has instilled confidence and momentum as he heads into the national tournament.
Tinker will have a chance for revenge in his opening match against No. 18 seed Lance Runyon from Northern Iowa, who defeated him by a 13-1 major decision earlier this season at the Cliff Keen Invitational. Tinker dominated the heavyweight bracket at the Pac-12 Championships, defeating Oregon State’s Brett Mower, ranked No. 29 nationally, by an 11-0 major decision in the semifinals. He then silenced Cal State Bakersfield’s Jake Andrews, seeded 17th at the NCAAs, by an 8-0 major decision in the title bout, becoming the second wrestler in program history to win a Pac-12 championship at heavyweight, the first sence Seth Woodhill in 1993. This victory was especially sweet, as Tinker had previously lost to Andrews by a 7-3 decision at the Roadrunner Open earlier this season.
An impressive 21 of Tinker’s 22 victories this season have come via bonus points, including eight by technical fall and five by fall. At the Pac-12 Championships, Tinker accumulated over 11 minutes of riding time between his two matches. He led the team in takedowns (32) and four-point near falls (five) this season in duals. “Tinker’s ability to accumulate riding time and secure bonus points is a critically significant advantage,” Coach Carter stated, emphasizing Tinker’s strategic approach to wrestling.
This marks Tinker’s third consecutive NCAA appearance, but it is the first year he has secured an automatic berth to nationals, having earned at-large bids in the previous two seasons.His current form and dominant wrestling style make him a wrestler to watch in the heavyweight division. His experience, combined with his recent success, positions him as a potential dark horse in the tournament.
Did You Know? Tinker’s ability to accumulate riding time and secure bonus points makes him a hazardous opponent for anyone in the heavyweight division.
Koda Holeman: The Ironman Makes His Debut
Koda Holeman, seeded No. 28, is set to make his first appearance at the NCAA Championships. He will face a tough challenge in his opening match against No. 5 seed Richard Figueroa from Arizona State, the defending national champion. Holeman’s debut at the national tournament is a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout the season.
Holeman received an at-large berth to the NCAA Championships after falling short in a true-second place allocation match to CSUB’s Richard Castro-Sandoval at the Pac-12 Championships. The redshirt sophomore has a 20-11 record this season and is the only Mustang who has wrestled in every single date for the team this season, earning him the nickname “ironman.” This consistent presence in the lineup demonstrates his reliability and commitment to the team.
While Holeman faces a daunting first-round opponent, his consistent presence in the lineup and his determination make him a wrestler who could perhaps pull off an upset. his journey to the NCAA Championships is a testament to his hard work and dedication. “His consistent presence in the lineup and his determination make him a wrestler who could pull off an upset,” Coach Carter remarked, acknowledging Holeman’s potential to surprise his opponents.
Quote: “In his second
Cal Poly wrestlings NCAA Championship Quest: Analyzing the Mustangs’ Chances in Philadelphia
Is this the year cal poly Wrestling finally breaks through and brings home an NCAA title?
Senior Editor: Welcome, wrestling fans, to World Today News. We’re on the eve of the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia, and Cal Poly’s Mustangs are ready to rumble. To help us break down their chances, we have wrestling analyst, Coach Emily Carter. Coach, thanks for joining us.
Coach Carter: Thanks for having me. I’m excited to discuss the Mustangs’ prospects.
Senior editor: Let’s dive right in. The article highlights four Cal Poly wrestlers competing. What makes this group a potential force at the championships?
Coach Carter: This group possesses a blend of experience and raw talent, which is crucial for success at the NCAA Championships. Notably, this is the fourth consecutive year Cal Poly has sent at least four wrestlers. This consistency underscores the program’s advancement and provides a solid foundation for their performance. Having multiple wrestlers qualify creates a team dynamic, where they can support and learn from each other throughout the tournament. This year, the team is led by Zeth Romney, Chance Lamer, Trevor Tinker, and Koda Holeman, each with distinct strengths and fighting for All-American status. Daschle Lamer is the alternate, and the coaches are hoping they won’t need his services.
Senior Editor: Speaking of individuals, Zeth Romney at 133 pounds is highlighted. What are his strengths, and what are the challenges he faces?
Coach Carter: Zeth Romney is a captivating wrestler to watch. His strength lies in his explosive offense and ability to score from various positions. He’s a redshirt sophomore, with a 14-4 record this season, is seeded fourth at 133 pounds, and is a strong contender for placing at the NCAA Championships. He has excellent takedown skills and a relentless work ethic on the mat. He has shown the ability to dominate, as evidenced by his victory at the cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. however, his two losses to Nasir Bailey from Little Rock, including one in the Pac-12 title match, highlight areas for improvement such as his defense and strategic adjustments during a match.
Senior Editor: Chance Lamer at 149 pounds is another wrestler mentioned. What’s his story coming into this tournament?
Coach Carter: Chance Lamer is a wrestler with a lot of heart and determination.He’s seeking redemption after falling just short of All-American honors in previous years. Lamer’s record is 14-2 this year with his ability to secure bonus points via pins and technical falls. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable,making him a hazardous opponent for anyone in the bracket. he will face Andrew Clark of Rutgers in his opening match.
Senior Editor: Then there’s trevor Tinker. What should fans expect from him?
Coach Carter: Trevor Tinker is another wrestler to watch. He’s on a 12-match winning streak and is riding a wave of momentum heading into the championships. He is seeded #15 at heavyweight, meaning that he earned an automatic bid to the NCAA championships for the first time. His dominant performance at the pac-12 Championships, where he didn’t concede a single point, shows how well he is wrestling currently.Tinker’s ability to accumulate riding time and secure bonus points is a critically important advantage. He’s a tough competitor,and his match against Lance Runyon will be one to watch.
Senior Editor: And Koda Holeman. What’s his journey to the championships?
Coach Carter: Koda Holeman, nicknamed “Ironman,” is making his debut at the NCAA Championships this year, and he has a 20-11 record this season.He secured an at-large bid after an excellent season, wrestling on every match date for the Mustangs. His consistent presence in the lineup and his determination make him a wrestler who could pull off an upset. While he faces a tough opponent in his first match, his journey symbolizes resilience and dedication, and his performance will be one to watch.
Senior Editor: What are some key takeaways for the Cal Poly wrestling team in this year’s championship?
Coach Carter: Here are some key takeaways:
Experience Matters: This is the fourth year in a row that Cal Poly has sent at least four wrestlers, showing the strength of their program.
Individual Potential: Several wrestlers, like Zeth Romney and Chance Lamer, have the potential to earn All-American honors.
Momentum and Drive: Trevor Tinker’s winning streak and Koda Holeman’s determination showcase the team’s mindset.
Senior Editor: Coach, that’s great insight. Any final thoughts before we go?
Coach Carter: The Cal Poly Mustangs have a real opportunity to make a statement at this year’s NCAA Championships.Their wrestlers need to focus on their strengths—their ability to score, their experience, their mental toughness—and execute their strategy. If they do that,they should be competitive.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Coach Carter. We appreciate your time and expertise. To our viewers, the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships start today, March 20th. Remember, you can catch all the action live on ESPN+ and select matches on ESPNU and ESPN. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow us for more wrestling updates!
