2022 NWCA All-Star Classic

Lucas Byrd vs Michael McGee All-Star Classic Preview

Lucas Byrd vs Michael McGee All-Star Classic Preview

A breakdown of the match between Lucas Byrd and Michael McGee at the 2022 NWCA All-Star Classic on November 22.

Oct 19, 2022
Lucas Byrd vs Michael McGee All-Star Classic Preview

In a battle of two multiple-time All-Americans, Lucas Byrd and Michael McGee will meet on November 22 at the NWCA All-Star Classic presented by Cliff Keen. Both known for their quickness, this match is sure to be fireworks.

Before we look at the matchup, take a look at a snapshot of both Byrd and McGee’s college careers. Below you'll see their college records, finishes at NCAAs, and some of their most impressive wins.

Lucas Byrd, Illinois

Quick Stats

  • 44-9 career record
  • 2X All-American
  • Took 5th in 2021 and 2022
  • Fourth-year sophomore

College Hit List

  • Michael McGee
  • Chris Cannon
  • Dylan Ragusin
  • Rayvon Foley
  • Matt Ramos
  • Micky Phillippi

Michael McGee, Arizona State

Quick Stats

  • 99-24 career record
  • 2X All-American
  • Took 6th in 2021 and 4th in 2022
  • Sixth-year senior

College Hit List

  • Korbin Myers
  • Dylan Ragusin
  • Micky Phillippi
  • Malyke Hines
  • Kai Orine
  • Drew Hildebrandt
  • Killian Cardinale

Match History

These two met at the 2021 NCAA Championships in the 5th-place match with Byrd winning by fall. Not just by fall, Byrd was up 11-3 with 1:42 of riding time at the time. Byrd picked up his takedowns with a go behind on a McGee slide-by attempt, a low double on the edge, an underhook throw-by, and an ankle pick with a back door finish. The video isn’t publicly available, but if you purchased a pay-per-view passcode via TrackWrestling for the 2021 NCAA Championships and still remember it, you can watch HERE.

What To Expect At The All-Star

Obviously McGee is going to have to make some adjustments, but I fully expect him to. McGee had a better season last year than 2020-21 season. 26-4 with a fourth-place finish at NCAAs vs 13-4 and a 6th place finish. In fact, McGee finished one spot ahead of Byrd at NCAAs last year. That’s not to say Byrd had a bad year or can’t still win, he’s still the on-paper favorite in my opinion. Can McGee use his quick-strike offense and stingy defense or will Byrd continue what he started in 2021? On November 22nd, we find out!

Watch The Bader Show with Lucas Byrd below.

Lucas Byrd | The Bader Show  (Ep. 331)

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Watch The Bader Show with Michael McGee below.


Michael McGee | The Bader Show (Ep. 334)

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