The 2025 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational: A Showcase of Talent and Determination

The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Collegiate Wrestling Invitational (CKLV) has solidified its position as a cornerstone event in the collegiate wrestling calendar. This year marked the 43rd edition of the tournament, held at the Westgate Hotel Paradise Event Center on December 5-6, 2025. With 30 collegiate teams competing from all over the United States, the tournament brought a rich array of talent and excitement to the Entertainment Capital of the World.

A Grand Stage for Wrestling

The CKLV is widely regarded as the premier gathering of collegiate wrestling talent outside of the NCAA Division I Championships. This year’s competition was streamed live via FloWrestling and the FloSports app, allowing fans to catch every thrilling moment. With replays available, viewers could relive the highlights or catch any matches they missed.

Among the esteemed participants were multiple teams ranked in the top 10 of the FloWrestling NCAA DI Wrestling Rankings. The competition was not only fierce but also showcased many ranked wrestlers across all weight classes, making it a must-watch event for wrestling enthusiasts.

Noteworthy Match Results

The final match results from the CKLV demonstrated the high level of competition. Below are the outcomes from the finals, showcasing wrestlers who rose to the occasion:

Finals Highlights

• 125 lbs: Jett Strickenberger (West Virginia) def. Maximo Renteria (Oregon State) – DEC 8-6
• 133 lbs: Evan Frost (Iowa State) def. Kyler Larkin (Arizona State) – MFFL 0-0
• 141 lbs: Anthony Echemendia (Iowa State) def. Elijah Griffin (Rider) – DEC 6-2
• 149 lbs: Jaxon Joy (Cornell) def. Eligh Rivera (Princeton) – FALL 2:18
• 157 lbs: Ty Watters (West Virginia) def. Vinny Zerban (Iowa State) – MFFL 0-0
• 165 lbs: Joey Blaze (Purdue) def. Nicco Ruiz (Arizona State) – DEC 4-2
• 174 lbs: Carter Schubert (Oklahoma) def. Danny Wask (Navy) – DEC 5-4
• 184 lbs: James Conway (Franklin & Marshall) def. Brock Mantanona (Michigan) – DEC 5-0
• 197 lbs: Rocky Elam (Iowa State) def. Joey Novak (Wyoming) – DEC 7-3
• 285 lbs: Younger Bastida (Iowa State) def. Christian Carroll (Wyoming) – DEC 5-3

Semifinal Showdowns

The semifinals set the stage for thrilling finishes, with athletes pushing their limits:

• 125 lbs: Jett Strickenberger (West Virginia) defeated Nico Provo (Stanford) in a nail-biting 7-6.
• 133 lbs: Evan Frost (Iowa State) outclassed Luke Willochell (Wyoming) with a score of 13-7.
• 141 lbs: Anthony Echemendia (Iowa State) demonstrated his prowess with a 12-2 major decision over Jack Consiglio (Stanford).
• 149 lbs: Jaxon Joy (Cornell) achieved a technical fall against Kaleb Larkin (Arizona State), showcasing his dominance with a 15-0 win.

Team Rankings and Standouts

The competitive spirit throughout the tournament culminated in the final team standings, where a diverse range of universities showcased their talents. Here are the top teams:

1. Iowa State – 183.5 points
2. Michigan – 99 points
3. Stanford – 97.5 points
4. West Virginia – 97 points
5. Arizona State – 92 points

These results highlight not just individual excellence, but also the collaborative efforts of entire teams working together to achieve victory.

Who Competed?

The robust lineup of participants included 30 teams representing wrestling programs from coast to coast, ensuring a blend of skill and strategy. Notable competitors included:

• Iowa State
• Michigan
• Stanford
• Oklahoma
• Princeton
• Cornell

These institutions have long been fixtures in collegiate wrestling, contributing to the rich narrative of the CKLV.

How to Relive the Excitement

For those eager to catch every moment of the action, highlights, replays, and updates from the CKLV are readily available on FloWrestling. Fans can immerse themselves in the tournament’s intensity and the athleticism displayed by these elite wrestlers.

The Legacy of the Cliff Keen Invitational

Since its inception, the CKLV has continually evolved, drawing in top-tier talent and setting the stage for future collegiate stars. Wrestling aficionados look forward to the next event, anticipating more thrilling matchups and standout performances that encapsulate the spirit of competition.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! The 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships are set to take place at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland from March 19-21, promising to be another pinnacle event within the wrestling calendar.

Fans and participants alike will await the opportunities to watch their favorite teams and individuals shine at the grandest stage of collegiate wrestling, continuing the legacy that tournaments like the CKLV help to nurture.