With a team as young as Techs, and absent two presumptive AA locks in Epperly and Chisko, its hard to be anything but pleased and encouraged about an eighth place finish, 3 AAs, and decent showings by new starters in their first NCAA tournament. Many of this year's first-time starters will return to the tournament next year ready to move up in the standings.

Probably adding Manley/Latona, Lewis (huge upside!), and Borst to the starting line-up next season. I'll say it now: Lewis could be an AA in 2019.

It hurt like hell to see Haught come up short, but he was a warrior and lost going for a move. It was razor close, like so many of the finals. One of the best Hokie wrestlers ever!