Completed Event: Wrestling versus NCAA Championship on March 20, 2025 , , NTS
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Final
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Sunday?s Best : Blue Devils Back in Wrestling Room
10/16/2016 6:33:00 PM | Wrestling
Looking Ahead to the 2016-17 Season
Each of the next three weeks, GoDuke.com will break down Duke wrestling heading into the Hokie Open Nov. 6. GoDuke.com will look into the probable lineup each week as well as take a peek into storylines to follow throughout the 2016-17.
Breaking Down Duke's Lineup at 125, 133 and 141
125 – Thayer Atkins
A two-year starter, Atkins is poised for a breakout season in head coach Glen Lanham's eyes. He registered five more wins in 2015-16 than he did his rookie season and looks to build on that increased success.
“I think it's time for Thayer,” said Lanham. “He's got all the ability [to qualify for NCAAs]. He's strong and he's due. I think he's got a great shot to do it.”
133 – Cole Baumgartner
Baumgartner joins the Blue Devils as a redshirt junior transfer from Missouri. The Jefferson City, Mo., native placed in four tournaments with the Tigers last season and accumulated a 22-13 overall record. Lanham believes he has the potential to be an NCAA qualifier for the Blue Devils.
“Cole has been in a great room at Missouri coming into the ACC,” Lanham said. “We anticipate he will battle for a qualifying spot as well.”
141 – Zach Finesilver
A returning NCAA qualifier at 141 pounds, Finesilver is back with more experience and confidence. In his first year as a starter, the Colorado native went 24-14 overall and 2-3 in ACC duals en route to a spot in the NCAA Championship. With an NCAA experience under his belt, Finesilver is in position to make a move in the postseason event this season.
Duke Wrestling by the Numbers
5 - Starters returning to the Duke lineup at 125, 141, 157, 165 and heavyweight
4 - NCAA qualifiers returning for the Blue Devils, three of which will be in the Duke starting lineup
4 - Top 20 teams in FloWrestling Preseason Rankings Duke will face in duals in 2016-17, two of which come in the first three weeks
32 - Dual victories for head coach Glen Lanham in his four seasons, five more than Duke had in the prior five seasons combined
13 – NCAA qualifiers under head coach Glen Lanham in his four seasons, two fewer than Duke had from 2001 through 2012
Veteran Squad
For virtually the first time since Lanham has been at the helm of the Duke wrestling program, the Blue Devils feature a veteran group. Duke's roster is compiled of 15 upperclassmen, including seven seniors. Included in the group are four NCAA qualifiers and all five starters, which is a first for the fourth-year head coach. This group has benefited from seeing the Blue Devils upset ranked teams for the first time in program history, beat UNC for the first time since 2004 as well as the highest NCAA finish in school history.
Team Captains
Jacob Kasper, Zach Finesilver and Jake Faust were selected as captains for the 2016-17 campaign. All three have earned berths in the NCAA Championship and all three are tireless workers in the wrestling room. Lanham believes each of them has the leadership qualities in the room and outside to lead the Blue Devils successfully.
“A captain is position where we stress that you're not going to be popular all the time,” Lanham said. “Sometimes you're not going to be liked, but you also have to be willing to come back from the locker room to tell us stuff to help make us better coaches. That's what a captain has to be for us.”
Check back next Sunday, Oct. 23 for a look at the middle weights and more heading into the Hokie Open Nov. 6.
Players Mentioned
125
/ Wrestling
133
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
165
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