Overview
Duke enters the 2024-2025 wrestling season hoping to turn some heads as the program looks to move on from a difficult stretch last year. It ended the 2023-2024 season on an eight-match losing streak, ultimately finishing 4-13 overall and 0-5 in conference play. Although the record may not seem very promising, the Blue Devils have upside in the fact that they are returning some strong wrestlers from a team that was very young last year. Given the mix of solid veterans paired with exciting newcomers, Duke will aim to build on its performances from last year and take a step forward as a program in the 2024-2025 season.
This will be head coach Glen Lanham’s 13th season leading the Blue Devils. Last season was the first time during his tenure with the program that he did not send a wrestler to the NCAA tournament, a testament to both the challenges of the previous year and the high quality of Lanham’s coaching during his time in the Bull City. This season, it will be up to the wrestlers to show growth from last year and earn a trip to the tournament.
“I like the leadership that our young guys, our young captains, are portraying to the team right now.” Lanham remarked. “The strength is the young leadership and just the direction that they're taking the team in.”
Duke also does not offer scholarships for wrestling, a challenge that Lanham is certainly familiar with navigating. The solution is hard work, something which has been showing in the buildup to the season.
“We had a great summer. We had guys stick around and do a lot of training,” Lanham said. “So I just think that it's an exciting time for us, because we have a different attitude, a different mentality right now.”
New wrestlers to watch: Vincent Lee, Noah Kochman
This season there are 12 new faces in the program, with 10 being freshmen and two transfers. Lanham highlighted freshmen Vincent Lee and Noah Kochman as two standouts in their class, having beaten out returners for their spots this season.
“Lee at 197 beat out Kwasi at 197, a returning starter for us,” Lanham said. “And then at 141, Noah Kochman is another freshman that beat out a senior. So I'm looking to see what those guys are going to do.”
On a team that has brought in quite a few young athletes this year, Lee and Kochman stand out as two with the potential for a bright season. If they continue to adjust well to the next level of wrestling, it could be key for the current and future success of the program.
Returning wrestlers to watch: Connor Barket, Raymond Adams
Of the 14 returning wrestlers this season, Connor Barket is the name to remember. Having led the team in wins, the redshirt sophomore is poised for another great season. A possibly less obvious name that Lanham mentioned was Raymond Adams.
“Ray Adams wrestled at 133 first last year, was too small for the weight, but he went out like a trooper and performed,” Lanham said. “I think he's going to have a breakout season, being at the right weight, and having the strength to compete.”
With Adams seeing growth in both skill and strength, it could be a sign of good things to come for the Blue Devils. The contributions of returners such as Barket and Adams are crucial to a successful season for Duke.
Most anticipated matchup: ACC Championships, March 9
The best way to judge the caliber of the team this year is by looking at the ACC tournament. The results of this tournament are the product of a season full of hard work, with both good times and difficult moments.
“There are going to be peaks and valleys throughout the season, but I think these are guys that will make adjustments and get it, and that's what I'm looking forward to.” Lanham said.
Last year, Logan Ferrero placed fourth in the tournament. Although this is impressive, the Blue Devils will aim higher this time. If multiple wrestlers can finish on the podium, it would be a sign of positive change for the program.
Best-case scenario
This team’s youthful energy and work ethic pay off, resulting in more success in the conference and in general. Duke sees wrestlers finish on the podium in the ACC tournament, and qualifies one or more wrestlers for the NCAA tournament. If things shape out like this, it would be one of the best seasons for the program in recent history and an absolute success for Lanham’s squad.
Worst-case scenario
The Blue Devils see very little improvement from last year, with stars such as Barket not taking the next step in their development and the freshmen not being able to adjust to the level of college wrestling. If this is the case, it may be another winless season in the ACC, with Duke once again failing to qualify a wrestler for the NCAA tournament.
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