Entering the 165-pound match in Maryland wrestling’s dual against American on Saturday, coach Alex Clemsen wasn’t sure what kind of shape John Martin Best would be in.
Best was sick in the Terps’ walkthrough that morning, throwing up and missing his workout. Clemsen prepared to wrestle Mekhi Neal in his place, even weighing the freshman in. But Best wasn’t ready to sit out.
“John texted me before he loaded the bus,” Clemsen said. “He said, ‘I’m wrestling tonight, don’t pull me. I’ll perform,’ and he did.”
Best comfortably defeated Kaden Milheim, advancing to 2-0 on the season.
Best and Chase Mielnik, two of Maryland’s veterans, have impressed early this year. Both with setbacks they’ve needed to overcome throughout their careers, they’ve earned their spots for the Terps.
Best faced a hitch in his collegiate career nearly immediately after joining Maryland as a freshman in 2021, suffering a season-ending ACL tear in December. He was able to rebound the following year, notching three Big Ten wins during the dual season — one of which contributed to the Terps’ first Big Ten dual win since 2016 — but endured another heartbreak in 2023.
[Maryland wrestling dismantles American with shutout in complete showing]
That season started with Best as a starter. Then, he suffered a season-ending injury at the Tiger Style Invite just two meets into the campaign.
In his return this year, Best is starting at a weight class where Maryland needs stability and production — it was shut out at 165 pounds in Big Ten play last season.
While Mielnik hasn’t undergone injuries, he’s endured notable struggles.
The redshirt senior appeared in some matches in the 2022-23 campaign but didn’t separate himself at the weight, going 0-11 in dual competition while in replacement of an injured Kevin Makosy. But he dominated Makosy at last season’s Red vs. Black match with an 8-1 decision, winning the starting job at the 184-pound class and earning the first consistent playing time of his career.
Mielnik’s first season as a full-time starter was inconsistent. While competing well at tournaments — winning three matches at the Franklin and Marshall Lehman Open and finishing fourth at the Tiger Style Invite — he failed to win a Big Ten dual, going 0-8. His best showing came at the end of his campaign, finishing ninth place at the Big Ten Championships.
After his up-and-down season, Clemsen created another hitch for Mielnik in the offseason. Clemsen swapped the 184 and 197 classes with Mielnik and redshirt junior Jaxon Smith, increasing Mielnik’s weight.
[Seth Nevills is off to a perfect start for Maryland wrestling in his sixth college season]
“I think the weight class change will be good for him, just on full feed and being able to wrestle at a really physical, high pace, but maybe not have to face some of the splits, foot speed and dynamic athleticism that you do at [184],” Clemsen said.
Mielnik dropped bouts in each of Maryland’s first two dual meets. He’s since adjusted to the stronger class.
Mielnik is 3-1 over his last four matches, his lone loss to Little Rock’s Stephen Little, Intermat’s No. 5 wrestler in the class. Mielnik’s last performance was perhaps his most impressive — a fall victory over Carsten Rawls where he capitalized on a mistake in a scramble.
“He wrestled the way he should wrestle. He needs to execute a game plan, and if he does, he can beat a lot of guys,” Clemsen said. “Executed perfectly and looked great doing it.”
Best and Mielnik each had rocky paths to playing time this season, but they’ve found success early in the year.
If the duo can continue their strong start and provide competitive matches in conference play, Maryland may have a chance to obtain its program best in Big Ten wins.
