The Jubster and I arrived last night about 6:30 and spent the next few hours handling some of the logistical concerns for Team Kansas.

An evening meal at BW's with coaches Peterman and Hermreck and it was off to bed by midnight! Up about 7 or so ... Cadets arrived at 8:30 am ... the balance of the morning was spent trying to establish an internet connection … which we now have!

Note: Our dorm room in Seim (pronounced Siem) Hall is on the top (9th) floor and facing north and with a beautiful view of Neuman Field which is where the Fargo-Morehead Redhawks play their ball games. While looking out the window at the said ballfield, I have found a new spectator sport! I have spent parts of six hours watching an artesian, astride his instrument, manicuring a lawn into a piece of art. To some, I am just watching a guy mow grass … but I beg to differ!

At noon it was lunch, at 1:30 it was pictures, at 2 pm a workout. The Cadets are now back in the dorm and showering etc.! There are a couple of meetings scheduled and they have weigh-ins at 7 am. Wrestling starts tomorrow at 9:30 am.

I’ve been typing for a while now without mentioning the weather! For those of you who are reading of our ventures for first time, the weather is always a concern as the dorms at NDSU are NOT air-conditioned! Right now, the temp is about 72 and it is breezy … last night it got down to the high 50’s and it was beautiful sleeping weather! The 10-day outlook has a high of 82 degrees!! Let’s hope so!

More later …

2009 USAW Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals Results for Kansas
Cadet-91 - Javier Vieyra's place is unknown.

Cadet-98 - Tommy Williams's place is unknown.

Cadet-98 - Austin Hood's place is unknown.

Cadet-105 - Calvin Ochs's place is unknown.

Cadet-105 - Kayden Kretzer's place is unknown.

Cadet-112 - Andrew Morgan's place is unknown.

Cadet-112 - Quinton Harrison's place is unknown.

Cadet-112 - Reed Bowker's place is unknown.

Cadet-119 - Zachary Vesta's place is unknown.

Cadet-119 - Jonathan Peterson's place is unknown.

Cadet-119 - Aspen Kmeic's place is unknown.

Cadet-119 - Riley Hunsicker's place is unknown.

Cadet-125 - Cj Ikenberry's place is unknown.

Cadet-125 - Uylesses DeShazer's place is unknown.

Cadet-125 - Brandon Charbonneau's place is unknown.

Cadet-125 - DuJuan Thomas's place is unknown.

Cadet-130 - Colton Eck's place is unknown.

Cadet-135 - Kyle Johnson's place is unknown.

Cadet-135 - Forrest Carrol's place is unknown.

Cadet-140 - Dustin Vielhauser's place is unknown.

Cadet-145 - Chase Sanchez's place is unknown.

Cadet-160 - Brad Wagner's place is unknown.

Cadet-160 - Nick Pursel's place is unknown.

Cadet-215 - Eric Mason's place is unknown.

Cadet-215 - Leo Beck's place is unknown.

Sounds like great camping weather! I heard the dorms are "sweet". Can't wait till we arrive on Tues. (wasn't expecting my son to wrestle greco style) !GOOD LUCK TEAM KANSAS!

It is 6:30 in the morning in Fargo, ND and it is a beautiful crisp morning!

The Redhawks used a grand slam in the bottom of the 8th to counter a grand slam in the top. Fargo-Morehead wins, 12-11!

Our wrestlers have a weigh-in and medical checks at 7 am. Also at 7 is the start of a Bronze Clinic that I will make an appearance at.

The first session on Greco begins at 9:30 am. Around that time I will be having a few reports from the floor of the arena. Of course you can also follow the action using track wrestling!

We are underway!! There are 782 competitors representing 41 States of which Team Kansas is proud to be part of!!

Brandon Charbonneau won the 1st period, 7-0. In the 2nd he gained a pushout and won the period, 1-0.

Colton Eck lost the 1st period to a foe from Nevada. In the 2nd, Colton used a pair of takedowns to win the frame. In the decisive 3rd, Eck secured the takedown and used a series of trapped arm guts for the match win!

2009 USAW Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals Results for Kansas
Cadet-91 - Javier Vieyra's place is unknown.

Cadet-98 - Tommy Williams's place is unknown.

Cadet-98 - Austin Hood's place is unknown.

Cadet-105 - Calvin Ochs's place is unknown.
Match #1 Cody Yeik (Washington) over Calvin Ochs (Kansas) Dec 7-0,1-2,5-0

Cadet-105 - Kaden Kretzer's place is unknown.
Match #1 Kyle Taylor (Pennsylvania) over Kaden Kretzer (Kansas) TF 6-0,6-0

Cadet-112 - Andrew Morgan's place is unknown.
Match #1 Eric Friedman (Maryland) over Andrew Morgan (Kansas) TF 8-1,7-0

Cadet-112 - Quinton Harrison's place is unknown.
Match #1 Shaidai Lariviere (Rhode Island) over Quinton Harrison (Kansas) TF 6-0,7-0

Cadet-112 - Reed Bowker's place is unknown.
Match #1 Mark Grey (N Jersey) over Reed Bowker (Kansas) Fall 0:33

Cadet-119 - Brandon Charbonneau's place is unknown.
Match #1 Brandon Charbonneau (Kansas) over Jared Johnshoy (Idaho) Dec 7-0,1-0

Cadet-119 - Zachary Vesta's place is unknown.
Match #1 Zachary Vesta (Kansas) over Nicholas Bogue (Virginia) Dec 4-2,4-1

Cadet-119 - Jonathan Peterson's place is unknown.
Match #1 Jonathan Peterson (Kansas) over Mitch Friedman (Wisconsin) TF 1-2,6-0,7-0

Cadet-119 - Aspen Kmeic's place is unknown.
Match #1 Aspen Kmeic (Kansas) over Joey Ramirez (California) Fall 2-0,0-7,1:28

Cadet-119 - Riley Hunsicker's place is unknown.
Match #1 Zack Nelson (Ohio) over Riley Hunsicker (Kansas) TF 7-0,6-0

Cadet-125 - Cj Ikenberry's place is unknown.
Match #1 Lucas Somera (Washington) over Cj Ikenberry (Kansas) Fall 0:52

Cadet-130 - DuJuan Thomas's place is unknown.
Match #1 Jacob Depracet (California) over DuJuan Thomas (Kansas) Fall 0:54

Cadet-130 - Colton Eck's place is unknown.
Match #1 Colton Eck (Kansas) over Drew Smith (Nevada) Dec 3-5,2-0,7-0

Cadet-135 - Dustin Vielhauer's place is unknown.
Match #1 Gavin Hernandez (Arizona) over Dustin Vielhauer (Kansas) TF 6-0,9-3

Cadet-135 - Kyle Johnson's place is unknown.
Match #1 Matt DeRosa (Arizona) over Kyle Johnson (Kansas) Dec 1-0,4-0

Cadet-135 - Forrest Carrol's place is unknown.
Match #1 Robert Rojas (Florida) over Forrest Carrol (Kansas) Dec 0-1,3-1,2-0

Cadet-145 - Chase Sanchez's place is unknown.
Match #1 Chase Sanchez (Kansas) over Cody Rife (Virginia) Dec 1-0,7-0

Brad Wagner lost a heart-breaker. Brad won the 1st frame, 3-0. We was leading the 2nd frame 1-0 and was in on a high dive. But the opponent from Minnesota was comfortable with the position as he secured the double over-hook and tossed Brad to his back where he pinned him.

Eric Mason has a workman like performance in winning his bout 1-0, 5-0!

Javier Vieyra followed suit with a 4-0 and 3-0 win!

wish I was there, keep us updated Randy, I know you will, already spoke with Chase Moses this morning a little, he is supposed to say hey to everyone. First time not there in about 6 years for me. Oh well...

Weight-by-Weight Breakdown: Junior Greco-Roman
7/17/2009
Josh Lowe, InterMat High School Analyst
josh@intermatwrestle.com

The 2009 Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota get underway on Sunday with the start of Greco-Roman competition at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the Junior National Greco-Roman competition.

Note: This weight-by-weight preview was based on individuals registered on TrackWrestling.com as of Wednesday evening (7/15/09).

98:
Leader of the Pack: Ruben Navejas (Washington)
Notes: Navejas was a state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (13th at 103 pounds).

Others to Watch: Jacoby Bergeron (Minnesota), Mike Dauterive (Texas), and Mike Soria
Notes: Bergeron was a state champion and Junior National double All-American in 2008. Dauterive was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Soria was a state champion.

105:
Leader of the Pack: Jade Rauser (Montana)
Notes: Rauser is a two-time state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (12th at 103 pounds).

Others to Watch: Jake Bellis (Illinois), Chris Bostic (Arizona), and Jake Schramm (Illinois)
Notes: Bellis was a Junior National Greco-Roman champion in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Bostic was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Schramm was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008.

112:
Leader of the Pack: Tyler Cox (Wyoming)
Notes: Cox is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (fifth at 119 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Ryak Finch (Arizona), Robert Dyar (Alabama), Valyen Rauser (Montana), Jeff Vesta (Kansas), Bricker Dixon (Missouri), Caleb Richardson (Virginia), Tanner Moon (Alabama), and Matthew Rabinowitz (Louisiana)
Notes: Finch is a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (eighth at 112 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2010), and was also a Junior National double runner-up in 2008. Dyar is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (14th at 112 pounds). Rauser is a two-time state finalist and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Vesta is a two-time state runner-up and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Dixon is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Richardson was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Moon is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Rabinowitz was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008.

119:
Leader of the Pack: Ryan Mango (Missouri)
Notes: Mango is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double champion in 2008, and is nationally ranked (14th at 130 pounds, 100th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Rossi Bruno (Florida), Brian St James (Georgia), Sharky Slyter (Kansas), Brock Banta (Idaho), Michael Nakagawa (Hawaii), Drew Van Anrooy (Oregon), and Mike Rhone (Pennsylvania)

Notes: Bruno is a two-time state champion, FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009, Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (15th in the Class of 2012). St James is a state champion and is nationally ranked (16th at 112 pounds, 95th in the Class of 2010). Slyter was a Junior National double All-American. Banta was a state champion and a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009. Nakagawa was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Van Anrooy was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009. Rhone was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Huff went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals.

125:
Leader of the Pack: David Klingsheim (California)
Notes: Klingsheim is a two-time state champion, nationally ranked (second at 119 pounds, 27th in the Class of 2009), and was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009.

Others to Watch: Nick Wilcox (New York), Frank Goodwin (Maryland), and Aaron Runzo (Virginia)
Notes: Wilcox was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (54th in the Class of 2010). Goodwin is a two-time National Prep runner-up, and is nationally ranked (15th at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2010). Runzo is a two-time state runner-up and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008.

130:
Leader of the Pack: Justin Lavalle (Minnesota)
Notes: Lavalle is a two-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (seventh at 130 pounds, 80th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Josh Keszler (South Dakota), Jake Walters (Michigan), Kade Moss (Utah), Ryne Cokeley (Kansas), Drew Lexvold (Minnesota), Tyler Liberatore (Florida), and Travis Himmelman (Colorado)
Notes: Keszler is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (eighth at 119 pounds, 26th in the Class of 2010). Walters was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Moss is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (86th in the Class of 2010). Cokeley is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (22nd in the Class of 2011). Lexvold was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008. Liberatore was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Himmelman went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals.

135:
Leader of the Pack: Josh Kindig (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Kindig is a two-time state finalist, FILA Junior double All-American in 2009, Junior National double runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (3rd at 135 pounds, 9th in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Robby Fisher (Minnesota), Zach Zehner (Wisconsin), Stephen Swiggett (Delaware), Joe Locksmith (Florida), Dan Osterman (Michigan), and Ryan Niemann (Michigan)
Notes: Fisher is a two-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (sixth at 135 pounds, 36th in the Class of 2009). Zehner was a state champion and is nationally ranked (81st in the Class of 2010). Swiggett was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Locksmith went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Osterman, Niemann, and Schenk were all scholastic state champions.

140:
Leader of the Pack: Dylan Ness (Minnesota)
Notes: Ness was a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2007, nationally ranked (ninth at 140 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Luke Vaith (Minnesota), Josh Warner (Idaho), Kevin Timothy (Florida), Matt Nereim (Florida), Bo Schlosser (Illinois), and Raider Lofthouse (Utah)
Notes: Vaith is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (eighth at 140 pounds, 90th in the Class of 2009. Warner was a state champion, FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (16th at 145 pounds). Timothy was a multiple-time state champion and was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Nereim was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Schlosser was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Lofthouse is a multiple-time state champion and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008.

145:
Leader of the Pack: Steven Hernandez (Nevada)
Notes: Hernandez is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (fifth at 145 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Steven Monk (Wisconsin), Pat Smith (Minnesota), Paul Liguori (New York), Blake Roulo (Virginia), Kory DeBerry (Arizona), and Brady Lee (Oregon)
Notes: Monk is a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, and is nationally ranked (10th at 140 pounds). Smith (Minnesota) was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Liguori was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Roulo is nationally ranked (26th in the Class of 2011) and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. DeBerry (Arizona) is a two-time state champion and was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Lee was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008.

152:
Leader of the Pack: Kendrick Sanders (Florida)
Notes: Sanders is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman champion in 2008, nationally ranked (seventh at 145 pounds, 55th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Brock Gutches (Oregon), Joey Cozart (Florida), Tyler Sheridan (California), Josh Castellano (Illinois), Eric Hess (Pennsylvania), Seth Thomas (Oregon), and Taylor Smith (Ohio)
Notes: Gutches is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (third at 152 pounds, 47th in the Class of 2009). Cozart is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (ninth at 145 pounds, 32nd in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Sheridan was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Castellano was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Hess is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (73rd in the Class of 2010). Thomas was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (17th in the Class of 2011). Smith was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008.

160:
Leader of the Pack: Corey Lear (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Lear was a state champion and is nationally ranked (12th at 160 pounds, 52nd in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Stephen West (California), Robert Kokesh (South Dakota), Mike Curby (Michigan), Kyle Detmer (Kansas), Erin O'Dell (Florida), Joey Moorhouse (Illinois), and Cameron Vlahos (Indiana)
Notes: West is nationally ranked (18th at 160 pounds). Kokesh is a multiple-time state champion and is nationally ranked (70th in the Class of 2010). Curby is a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Detmer is a two-time state finalist and a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. O'Dell was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009. Moorhouse was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Vlahos went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals.

171:
Leader of the Pack: Ethen Lofthouse (Utah)
Notes: Lofthouse is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American, and is nationally ranked (third at 171 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Patrick Martinez (California), Tyler Beckwith (New York), Michael Evans (Pennsylvania), Mark Sternberg (Illinois), Reid Chivers (Washington), Levi Clemons (Florida), and Ethan Blackstock (Georgia)
Notes: Martinez was a state champion, Junior Nationals Greco-Roman All-American, and is nationally ranked (10th at 160 pounds, 48th in the Class of 2009). Beckwith is a two-time state finalist and is nationally ranked (eighth at 171 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2010). Evans was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Sternberg was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman champion in 2009, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (18th at 171 pounds). Chivers was a state champion and is nationally ranked (19th at 189 pounds). Clemons was a state champion and a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2008. Blackstock is a two-time state champion and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008.

189:
Leader of the Pack: Jon Fausey (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Fausey was a state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (second at 189 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Andrew Campolattano (New Jersey), Jake Swartz (Washington), Craig Kelliher (Minnesota), Tyler Lehmann (Minnesota), Joel Bauman (Minnesota), Ben Brooks (Illinois), Matthew Loew (New York), Scott Schiller (North Dakota), and Jay Taylor (Florida)
Notes: Campolattano is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double champion in 2008, and is nationally ranked (third at 189 pounds, second in the Class of 2011). Swartz is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (fifth at 189 pounds, 35th in the Class of 2009). Kelliher was a Junior National Folkstyle champion in 2009. Lehmann was a two-time state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (62nd in the Class of 2010). Bauman (Minnesota) was a state champion and a Junior National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Brooks was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Loew was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009. Schiller was a state champion and a Cadet Nationals double All-American in 2008. Taylor was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009.

215:
Leader of the Pack: Grant Haschak (Washington)
Notes: Haschak is nationally ranked (18th at 215 pounds).

Others to Watch: Connor Medbery (Colorado), Michael Sojka (Illinois), John Acors (New York), Cody Davis (Texas), Diego Bravo (Arizona), Kyle Caylor (Kansas), and Aaron Pavlenko (Arizona)
Notes: Medbery was a state champion, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2011). Polizzi (Wisconsin) was a FILA Junior Greco-Roman All-American in 2009 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Sojka was a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Acors was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009 and a Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Davis was a state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Bravo went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Caylor and Pavlenko were state champions.

285:
Leader of the Pack: Evan Craig (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Craig is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and is nationally ranked (fifth at 285 pounds, 34th in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Kyle Kober (Iowa), Spencer Myers (Pennsylvania), Jacob Mitchell (Oregon), Jake Kettler (Minnesota), Karl Green (Maryland), and Niko Bogojevic (Wisconsin)
Notes: Kober was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008, and is nationally ranked (11th at 285 pounds). Myers is nationally ranked (ninth at 215 pounds, 38th in the Class of 2010). Mitchell is a two-time state finalist, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (15th at 285 pounds). Kettler was a state champion, Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (18th at 285 pounds). Green was a Cadet National double All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (19th at 285 pounds, 91st in the Class of 2010). Niko Bogojevic was a Junior National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals. Green was a FILA Cadet Nationals double champion in 2009.

Weight-by-Weight Breakdown: Cadet Greco-Roman
7/16/2009
Josh Lowe, InterMat High School Analyst
josh@intermatwrestle.com

The 2009 Cadet Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota will kick off with the Greco-Roman competition on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. CDT. Below is a weight-by-weight breakdown of the Cadet National Greco-Roman competition.

Note: This weight-by-weight preview was based on individuals registered on TrackWrestling.com as of Wednesday evening (7/15/09).

84:
Leaders of the Pack: Dylan Akers (Texas) and JJ Dorrell (Missouri)
Notes: Both were undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Nkosi Moody (Illinois) and Zach Howell (Delaware)

91:
Leader of the Pack: Colton Howell (Missouri)
Notes: Howell was a double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, runner-up at the adet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009, and was undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Phillip Laux (Iowa) and Bobby Nachreiner (Wisconsin)
Notes: Laux is a double FILA Cadet Nationals All-American in 2009. Nachreiner is a Cadet National folkstyle champion.

98:
Leader of the Pack: Nick Roberts (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Roberts was a scholastic state champion this past season, double Cadet Nationals champion in 2008, and was undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Cory Clark (Iowa), Dylan Thompson (Colorado), and Sam Brancale (Minnesota)
Notes: Clark was a scholastic state champion this past season, double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked by InterMat (17th at 103 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2012). Thompson was a double Cadet Nationals runner-up in 2008. Brancale was a USA Wrestling Schoolboy Triple Crown winner in 2008, and finished third at the Cadet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009.

105:
Leader of the Pack: Tyler Fraley (New Jersey)
Notes: Fraley was a double Junior National finalist in 2008 and went undefeated at the Junior National Greco-Roman Duals

Others to Watch: Bryce Evans (Washington), Joey Dance (Virginia), Alex Moore (Ohio), Jack Hathaway (Iowa), Corey Keener (Pennsylvania), Skylar Wood (Missouri), Jacob Schmitt (Michigan), and Devon Lotito (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Evans is nationally ranked (19th at 103 pounds). Dance is nationally ranked (11th in the Class of 2013). Moore was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Schmitt and Lotito both went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

112:
Leader of the Pack: Mark Grey (New Jersey)
Notes: Grey was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2008, National Prep champion, undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and nationally ranked (second at 103 pounds, seventh in the Class of 2012).

Others to Watch: Brandon Jeske (Virginia), Nathan Kraisser (Maryland), Derek Elmore (Illinois), Ben Whitford (Michigan), Eric Friedman (Maryland)
Notes: Jeske was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009 and nationally ranked (third in the Class of 2013). Kraisser is a state champion, FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, and nationally ranked (15th at 103 pounds, 28th in the Class of 2012). Elmore is a Cadet Folkstyle champion and nationally ranked (18th at 103 pounds). Whitford is nationally ranked (fifth in the Class of 2013). Friedman is a National Prep runner-up and nationally ranked (49th in the Class of 2012).

119:
Leader of the Pack: Alec Mooradian (Michigan)
Notes: Mooradian was a state champion, went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and is nationally ranked (31st in the Class of 2012).

Others to Watch: Kevin Norstrem (Flordia) and Peter Russo (Oregon)
Notes: Norstrem was a state champion, FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (fourth in the Class of 2013). Russo was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008.

125:
Leader of the Pack: Zach Horan (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Horan was twice a state runner-up, Cadet Nationals double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (seventh at 112 pounds, 14th in the Class of 2011).

Others to Watch: Jacob Falk (Utah), Zane Richards (Illinois), Brian Crutchmer (Oklahoma), Tyrell Galloway (Nebraska), Jared Donar (Wisconsin)
Notes: Falk was a Cadet National Greco-Roman runner-up in 2008. Richards went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Crutchmer was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Galloway and Donar are state champions.

130:
Leader of the Pack: Alex Dieringer (Wisconsin)
Notes: Dieringer went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. He was also a double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008 and is nationally ranked (23rd in the Class of 2011).

Others to Watch: Matt Kelliher (Minnesota) and Casey George (Idaho)
Notes: Kelliher is a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle third-place finisher in 2009, and is nationally ranked (20th at 119 pounds, 20th in the Class of 2011). George is a state champion.

135:
Leader of the Pack: Luke Smith (Illinois)
Smith was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Oliver Pierce (Texas), Eric Hoffman (Maryland), and Tim Riley (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Pierce was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009 and is nationally ranked (9th in the Class of 2013). Hoffman is nationally ranked (18th in the Class of 2013). Riley went undefeated in the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

140:
Leader of the Pack: Zach Brunson (Oregon)
Notes: Brunson was a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009, double Cadet Nationals All-American in 2008, and is nationally ranked (13th in the Class of 2012).

Others to Watch: Josh Clark (Virginia), Logan Addis (Arizona), Brooks Climmons (Georgia), and Ryan Lubeck (Wisconsin)
Notes: Clark was third at Cadet National Folkstyle in 2009 and a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Addis was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Climmons went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and is nationally ranked (14th in the Class of 2013). Ryan Lubeck went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

145:
Leader of the Pack: Justin Koethe (Iowa)
Notes: Koethe was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Brad Dolezal (Wisconsin) and Michael Nord (North Dakota)
Notes: Dolezal was twice a state finalist, placed third at Cadet National Folkstyle Championships in 2009, and was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-Americain in 2008. Nord is a two-time state champion and was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009.

152:
Leader of the Pack: Taylor Massa (Michigan)
Notes: Massa is a state champion, Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet Nationals double champion in 2008, went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals, and is nationally ranked (second at 145 pounds, first in the Class of 2012).

Others to Watch: Cody Allala (Virginia), Jayshon Wilson (Pennsylvania), Bubba Scheffel (Maryland), Nathan Burak (Colorado), and Ophir Bernstein (Texas)
Notes: Allala was a state champion and is nationally ranked (17th in the Class of 2012). Wilson is nationally ranked (38th in the Class of 2011). Scheffel was a state champion. Burak was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American in 2009.

160:
Leader of the Pack: Dylan Reel (Illinois)
Notes: Reel was a state champion, FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009, and is nationally ranked (36th in the Class of 2012).

Others to Watch: Sam Brooks (Illinois), Jake Waste (Minnesota), Justin Irrabaren (California), and Patrick Rhoads (Missouri)
Notes: Brooks was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion in 2009. Waste went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009. Irrabaren was a Cadet National Greco-Roman All-American in 2008. Rhoads was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009

171:
Leader of the Pack: Devin Peterson (Wisconsin)
Notes: Peterson was a Cadet National Folkstyle champion in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Brandon Griffin (Oregon), Lucas Sheridan (California), Dwight Howes (Colorado), and Michael Ettore (Florida)
Notes: Griffin was a state champion and is nationally ranked (42nd in the Class of 2012). Sheridan was a Western Junior Regional Greco-Roman champion in 2009.

189:
Leader of the Pack: Tanner Hall (Idaho)
Notes: Hall was a state champion and FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009.

Others to Watch: Adam Coon (Michigan) and Zack Rutt (Minnesota)
Notes: Coon was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009 (215). Rutt was also a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009.

215:
Leader of the Pack: Brooks Black (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Black went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals and was a double Schoolboy Nationals champion in 2008.

Others to Watch: Eric Mason (Kansas) and Joe Scanlan (Iowa)
Notes: Both were double Schoolboy Nationals champions in 2008.

285:
Leader of the Pack: Devin Pommerenke (Michigan)
Notes: Pommerenke was a state champion and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals.

Others to Watch: Donny Longendyke (Minnesota), Zach Corl (Pennsylvania), and Caleb White (Iowa)
Notes: Longendyke was a Cadet National Folkstyle third-place finisher in 2009 and went undefeated at the Cadet National Greco-Roman Duals. Corl was a Walsh Ironman runner-up in 2008. White was a Cadet National Folkstyle runner-up in 2009.

7 Items to Watch in Fargo
7/13/2009
Josh Lowe, InterMat High School Analyst
josh@intermatwrestle.com

Despite what was a tough late winter and early spring for Fargo, North Dakota, the middle of summer will have the same feel as it has had since 1996. For the fourteenth straight year, the ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet National Championships return to the Fargodome from July 18 through July 25.

The competition in Greco-Roman and Freestyle represents the largest wrestling tournament in the world, and also the greatest assemblage of elite scholastic wrestlers in the United States. Over the years, this event has had many an NCAA finalist and United States Olympian come through its wings.

So what is in store for this year? Here's a touchdown worth of insights.

1. Break-out performances
Every year in Fargo it seems there are some freshmen-to-be that make an opening statement to their high school careers with a Cadet National title.

Last year it was Nick Roberts (North Star, PA), Mark Grey (Blair Academy, NJ), and Taylor Massa (St John's, MI) earning titles in both the Greco-Roman and Freestyle competitions. Massa is the nation's top wrestler in the Class of 2012 per InterMat, and Grey is ranked seventh. All three of these young men will be seeking repeat as double Cadet National champions in the coming weeks.

Going back to 2007, Hunter Stieber (Monroeville, OH) and Chris Phillips (Monroeville, OH) earned titles in the Freestyle competition, while Jesse Thielke (Germantown, WI) and Andrew Campolattano (Bound Brook, NJ) were winners in Greco-Roman. Phillips and Campolattano are the top two wrestlers in the Class of 2011, while Thielke and Stieber rank sixth and tenth respectively.

In the summer of 2006, when the current group of seniors-to-be was incoming freshmen, three wrestlers took home titles in the Cadet National Freestyle tournament; Logan Stieber (Monroeville, OH), Andrew Alton (Central Mountain, PA), and Jamie Clark (St Edward, OH). Stieber, Alton, and Clark rank first, second, and sixth respectively according to InterMat in the Class of 2010.

Four members of the graduating senior class had Fargo titles as part of their scrapbooks from their summer before ninth grade. In another juxtaposition for this pair of wrestlers, David Taylor (Graham, OH/Penn State) and Eric Grajales (Brandon, FL/Michigan) -- InterMat's top two wrestlers for this class -- earned championships at Fargo in 2005. Also with titles were Alec Ortiz (Newberg, OR/Minnesota) and Tyler Cox (Campbell County, WY/Wyoming).

Some wrestlers to eye on this summer include:

Brandon Jeske (Virginia)
Ranked third by InterMat -- FILA Cadet Greco-Roman champion at 110, competing at 112 pounds

Kevin Norstrem (Florida)
Ranked fourth by InterMat -- FILA Cadet Greco-Roman All-American at 119, projected to compete at 119 pounds

Ben Whitford (Michigan)
Ranked fifth by InterMat, projected to compete at 112 pounds

Brandon Sorensen (Iowa)
Ranked sixth by InterMat, projected to compete at 119 pounds

Brad Perkins (Missouri)
Ranked eighth by InterMat -- FILA Cadet Freestyle champion at 92.5, projected to compete at either 91 or 98 pounds

Joey Dance (Virginia)
Ranked 11th by InterMat -- FILA Cadet Freestyle champion at 110, competing at 105 pounds

2. Making the proverbial "leap"
The Junior National Championships offer a venue for wrestlers to make a couple types of "leaps."

There are the seniors-to-be that are seeking to impress the mass of college coaches that attend these championships. In addition to identifying talent and ability, these championships have a unique way in revealing the true character of a wrestler. How does a wrestler respond to facing truly elite competition? How does the wrestler face the adversity that is associated with tight matches? How does a wrestler battle through multiple elimination matches?

After two years of competing as cadets, it is time for a number of wrestlers to make that progression to the junior level. This includes four wrestlers that won double championships (Greco-Roman and freestyle) last summer at the Cadet Nationals -- Hayden Zilmer (Crosby-Ironton, MN), Cody Brewer (Oak Park, MO), Dylan Ness (Bloomington Kennedy, MN), and Andrew Campoloattano (Bound Brook, NJ). Jahwon Akui (St. Rita, IL) also was a double champion last summer, but is not slated to compete in Fargo this summer.

A two-time double champion at the Cadet level, Zillmer would have to be considered an early favorite at the 105 pound weight class. Campolattano is very likely to make an immediate impact as part of the Junior 189 pound weight class.

On the other hand, both Brewer and Ness are likely to find the junior level much more challenging. Look for Brewer to be competing in either the 119 or 125-pound weight class, and expect Ness to compete at 140 pounds.

3. Grappling with change in Greco-Roman
With the rule changes that went into effect internationally after the 2004 Athens Olympics, and were then implemented in Fargo competition starting with 2006, there had been a proliferation of 1-1 periods in Greco-Roman. This meant there was no scoring in the first 60 seconds of wrestling from the neutral position ... and then in the :30-:30 in which each wrestler had the reverse lift position, neither was able to score. The winner of the period would be the wrestler that locked first because they scored in the back half of the :30-:30 for not being turned.

However, this is no longer, as USA Wrestling implemented the changes in Greco-Roman established by FILA for this season -- the first after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Each period in Greco-Roman now begins with wrestlers in neutral for 90 seconds and then there is one ordered hold for 30 seconds. This ordered hold can either be the par terre position or the reverse lift position.

It should be interesting to see what the implications of this rule change are on the Greco-Roman competition in Fargo, which commences on Saturday and continues through next Tuesday (7/18 to 7/20 cadets, and 7/19 to 7/21 juniors).

4. International Phenom
In just over three months, a high school junior-to-be immigrant from the Ukraine has made a major bolt onto the radar of the wrestling cognoscenti. In four major competitions, Nazar Kulchytskyy (Prarie du Chien, WI) has yet to lose a match. Kulchytskyy was a junior freestyle state champion in Wisconsin at 140 pounds, champion of the Northern Plains Junior Regional in freestyle at 140 pounds, and went 13-0 over the Junior National Duals in Greco-Roman and freestyle at 145 pounds.

Most notable among the wins in his portfolio are the one at the Northern Plains Regional over Ness (5-3, 3-0), and then a 3-0, 1-0 victory over Chris Villalonga (Blair Academy, NJ) in the Junior Freestyle Duals.

Look for Kulchytskyy to compete at either 140 or 145 pounds in Fargo in at least the freestyle competition, and possibly in Greco-Roman as well. Will he be the next Sidd Finch; or is he instead a real, true superstar in the Olympic styles?

5. The graduates among us
One of the more intriguing stories over the past few years in Fargo has been a seeming erosion of graduated seniors from the competition pool in the Junior National Championships.

The trend seems to be that more and more of these wrestlers are transitioning to their respective college campuses during the summer term. These wrestlers therefore get an early acclamation of what the collegiate wrestling experience is like, and some even get a head start academically by taking a class or two during the summer term. Already it is expected that the top-ranked graduated senior David Taylor will not appear in Fargo.

On the other hand, there are collegiate programs that want their incoming freshmen to partake in the process necessary to compete in Fargo (training, etc.), and then to compete in the championships.

6. Learn vertical pairing rules
There is a change in the tiebreaker procedure should wrestlers be tied for either third or fourth place in a pool, presuming each has already lost two times. In previous years, classification points took precedence, even if there was a head-to-head match between the two competitors. This year, a head-to-head match would take precedence over classification points. On average, this influences a small amount of the 64 weight classes contested in Fargo.

One example of a two-way tie for third in the pool that would have changed under this year's rule came in Pool B of the 171-pound junior freestyle weight class. Kyle Cuthbertson (Alabama) beats Ryan Loder (California). However, with both wrestlers eliminated in the same round, points were the first tiebreaker. Loder had 26 to Cuthbertson's 21, and thereby was awarded the higher place in the pool.

One example of a two-way tie for fourth in the pool, which means that one wrestler earns All-American honors while the other does not, that would have changed under this year's rule occurred in Pool B of the 189-pound junior freestyle weight class. Cody Magrum (Ohio) beat Justin Rau (Iowa). However, both wrestlers were eliminated in the same round, and points were the first tiebreaker. Rau had 18 to Magrum's 16, and as a result earned the All-American spot despite losing the head-to-head match.

For those unfamiliar with classification points, they are awarded as follows:
5 points -- Win by pin, disqualification, forfeit, etc.
4 points -- Win by technical fall
3 points -- Win by decision
1 point -- Scoring a point in a loss when the opponent does not score 5 classification points
0 points -- Failing to score within a match or during a loss in which the opponent scores 5 points

7. Will the notion of "Fargo" soon be obsolete?
In recent years, the Junior and Cadet National Championships came to be known as "Fargo" in the wrestling vernacular in deference to the host city for the event over these last fourteen years. However, starting in 2011, this vernacular may no longer be applicable from multiple fronts.

First, USA Wrestling has opened the right to host the Junior and Cadet National Championships to bid. This means that other cities could express interest in hosting the event, and move them from Fargo. Second, there is also the possibility that the Junior and Cadet National Championships will no longer be held as a combined event. There are a variety of rumors as to how USA Wrestling plans to structure these two events, along with the Kids National Championships event.

Further details should come out of the State Leaders' Summit, which will be held in conjunction with the Junior and Cadet National Championships.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 18
Cadet Greco-Roman commences, two sessions; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 19
Junior Greco-Roman commences, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; combined cadet and junior session, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 20
Combined cadet and junior session, 9 a.m. to noon; junior women's freestyle commences 9a.m. to 2p.m., finals from 3p.m. to 5 p.m.; Cadet Greco-Roman finals from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21
Junior Greco-Roman continues, 9 a.m. to noon; junior women's duals, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; junior Greco-Roman finals from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22
Cadet freestyle commences, two sessions; 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 23
Junior freestyle commences, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; combined cadet and junior session, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 24
Combined cadet and junior session, 9 a.m. to noon; cadet freestyle finals from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; junior freestyle continues, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 25
Junior freestyle finals from 9 a.m. to noon

Fargo Coverage

InterMat will continue its coverage of the upcoming ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet National Championships with a mailbag column written by high school analyst Josh Lowe to be published on Thursday. While questions are welcomed about any subject related to high school wrestling, those about "Fargo" will be of higher priority. If you want to e-mail a question for use in the column, please e-mail josh@intermatwrestle.com with the word 'MAILBAG' in the subject line (name and home town/state would be appreciated as well).

InterMat senior writer Andrew Hipps will be providing coverage from Fargo, North Dakota throughout the course of the event. In addition, Josh Lowe will be providing daily thoughts and perspective on the happenings in Fargo.

For yet another year, Track Wrestling (http://www.trackwrestling.com) will be providing updated results throughout the championships.

Finally, for further coverage throughout the championships, check out http://www.themat.com.

AND of course right here on usawks.com!!!

Keep up the good work Randy!

Weight-by-Weight Breakdown: Junior Freestyle
7/18/2009
Josh Lowe, InterMat High School Analyst
josh@intermatwrestle.com

The Junior National freestyle competition in Fargo, which starts on Thursday, is considered to be the Super Bowl event for high school age wrestlers. College wrestling coaches from all across the country convene in Fargo to take in the Junior National freestyle competition in hopes of eventually signing the most talented high school wrestlers in the U.S. Below is a weight-by-weight preview of the Junior National freestyle competition.

98:
Leader of the Pack: Ruben Navejas (Washington)
Notes: Navejas was a state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (13th at 103 pounds).

Others to Watch: Jacoby Bergeron (Minnesota), Devon Graville (Illinois), Mike Dauterive (Texas), and Mike Soria (New York)
Notes: Bergeron was a state champion, and a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Graville was runner-up in 2009 at the Junior National Folkstyle Championships. Dauterive was undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Soria was a state champion.

105:
Leader of the Pack: Jade Rauser (Montana)
Notes: Rauser is a two-time state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th at 103 pounds)

Others to Watch: Jake Schramm (Illinois) and Damien Gomez (California)
Notes: Schramm was a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Gomez was a FILA Junior freestyle All-American in 2009.

112:
Leader of the Pack: Tyler Cox (Wyoming)
Notes: Cox is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (5th at 119 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2009)

Others to Watch: Ryak Finch (Arizona), Robert Deutsch (New Jersey), Robert Dyar (Alabama), Carson Kuhn (Utah), Hayden Zillmer (Minnesota)
Notes: Finch is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double runner-up, and nationally ranked (eighth at 112 pounds, 45th in the Class of 2010). Deutsch is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 112 pounds, 30th in the Class of 2011). Dyar was a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (14th at 112 pounds), and a Junior National double All-American in 2008. Kuhn is a two-time state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Zilmer is a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (11th at 103 pounds).

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Brandon Nelson (Indiana), Matthew Gurule (Colorado), Valyen Rauser (Montana), Tanner Moon (Alabama), and Matt Correa (California)

119:
Leader of the Pack: Ryan Mango (Missouri)
Notes: Mango was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (14th at 130 pounds, 100th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Camden Eppert (Indiana), Nico Megaludis (Pennsylvania), Jesse Delgado (California), Alan Waters (Missouri), Sean Boylan (Delaware), and Ty Mitch (Ohio)
Notes: Eppert was a multiple-time state finalist, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (seventh at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2009). Megaludis is a state champion, FILA Cadet freestyle champion in 2009, and nationally ranked (2nd at 112 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2011). Delgado is a state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 112 pounds, 22nd in the Class of 2010). Waters is multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (14th at 119 pounds, 41st in the Class of 2010). Boylan is a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009, and nationally ranked (sixth at 112 pounds, 43rd in the Class of 2010). Mitch is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (78th in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Sharky Slyter (Kansas), Brian St James (Georgia), Brock Banta (Idaho), Rossi Bruno (Florida), and Mike Rhone (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Slyter is a returning Junior National freestyle All-American. St James is nationally ranked in his grade and weight class, Bruno is nationally ranked in his grade, and Rhone was a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009.

125:
Leader of the Pack: Louis Trujillo (New Mexico)
Notes: Trujillo is a multiple-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle champion, and nationally ranked (sixth at 130 pounds, 13th in the Class of 2010)

Others to Watch: David Klingsheim (California), Ladd Rupp (Oklahoma), Nick Wilcox (New York), Frank Goodwin (Maryland), Tyler Rauenzahn (Pennsylvania), Joe Roth (Illinois), Keith Surber (Illinois), and TJ Mitchell (Georgia)
Notes: Klingsheim was a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (second at 119 pounds, 27th in the Class of 2009). Rupp was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (eighth at 125 pounds, 53rd in the Class of 2009). Wilcox is a state champion and nationally ranked (54th in the Class of 2010). Goodwin is a two-time National Prep runner-up and nationally ranked (15th at 119 pounds, 63rd in the Class of 2010). Rauenzahn is nationally ranked (16th at 119 pounds, 74th in the Class of 2010). Roth was a state champion and Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008. Surber is nationally ranked (92nd in the Class of 2010). Mitchell is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (93rd in the Class of 2010).

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Chris Head (Indiana) and Nick Soto (Florida)

130:
Leader of the Pack: Sam Sherlock (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Sherlock is a state champion and nationally ranked (sixth at 125 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2010)

Others to Watch: Frank Cagnina (New Jersey), Cashe Quiroga (Indiana), Justin Lavalle (Minnesota), Devin Carter (Virginia), Josh Keszler (South Dakota), and Ryne Cokeley (Kansas)
Notes: Cagnina is a two-time state champion, nationally ranked (ninth at 125 pounds, 19th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Quiroga is nationally ranked (13th at 125 pounds, 65th in the Class of 2009). Lavalle was a two-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 130 pounds, 80th in the Class of 2009). Carter is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (1st at 112 pounds, 23rd in the Class of 2010). Keszler is a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American, and nationally ranked (seventh at 119 pounds, 26th in the Class of 2010). Cokeley is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (22nd in the Class of 2011)

Yet More to Watch: Johnni DiJulius (Ohio) and Case Garrison (Oklahoma)
Notes: Both wrestlers are nationally ranked for their respective grades.

Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Alex Kostenborder (Oregon)

135:
Leader of the Pack: Josh Kindig (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Kindig is a two-time state finalist, Junior National double runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 135 pounds, ninth in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Austin Ormsbee (New Jersey), David Thorn (Minnesota), CJ Napier (Kansas), Jose Mendoza (California), Josh Dziewa (Pennsylvania), Jake Ballweg (Iowa), Zach Zehner (Wisconsin), and
Simon Kitzis (Massachusetts)
Notes: Ormsbee is a two-time National Prep champion and nationally ranked (fifth at 135 pounds, fifth in the Class of 2011). Thorn was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-Americanin 2008, nationally ranked (seventh at 125 pounds, 30th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Napier was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (10th at 135 pounds, 41st in the Class of 2009). Mendoza was a Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008. Dziewa was a Cadet National double All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (47th in the Class of 2010). Ballweg is a multiple-time state champion, nationally ranked (58th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Zehner is a state champion and nationally ranked (81st in the Class of 2010). Kitzis was Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (90th in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Caleb Ervin (Kentucky), Henry Carlson (Alabama), and Trevor Johnson (North Dakota)
Note: Ervin and Carlson are nationally ranked in the Class of 2011. Johnson went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009.

Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Jed Lightfoot (Illinois)

140:
Leader of the Pack: Andrew Alton (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Alton is a state champion, Junior National double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (1st at 140 pounds, second in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Chris Villalonga (New Jersey), Dylan Ness (Minnesota), Luke Vaith (Minnesota), Josh Warner (Idaho), Bart Reiter (Iowa), Kaleb Friedley (Missouri), and Jeremy Davenport (Oklahoma)
Notes: Villalonga is a multiple-time National Prep champion and nationally ranked (1st at 130 pounds, third in the Class of 2010). Ness is a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Cadet National double champion in 2008, nationally ranked (ninth at 140 pounds, 17th in the Class of 2010), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Vaith was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (eighth at 140 pounds, 90th in the Class of 2010). Warner was a state champion and nationally ranked (16th at 145 pounds). Reiter was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (20th at 135 pounds). Friedley was a FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up in 2009, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (82nd in the Class of 2010). Davenport is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (18th in the Class of 2011).

Yet More to Watch: Cody Caldwell (Iowa) and Matt Nereim (Florida)
Note: Caldwell is nationally ranked in his grade. Nereim was a FILA Cadet double finalist in 2009

Other Returning All-American in Freestyle: Scott Mattingly (Ohio)

145:
Leader of the Pack: Dylan Alton (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Alton is a two-time state champion, Junior National double champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (1st at 145 pounds, fifth in the Class of 2010).

Others to Watch: Destin McCauley (Minnesota), Steven Hernandez (Nevada), Steven Monk (Wisconsin), Jake Snider (Colorado), Justin DeAngelis (Oklahoma), Colin Shober (Pennsylvania), Brad Squire (Ohio), and Blake Roulo (Virginia)
Notes: McCauley is a multiple-time state finalist, Cadet National freestyle champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 135 pounds, fourth in the Class of 2011). Hernandez is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (fifth at 145 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2010). Monk was a state champion, Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (10th at 140 pounds). Snider is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (12th at 140 pounds, 33rd in the Class of 2010). DeAngelis is a two-time state champion, Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008, and nationally ranked (15th at 145 pounds, 67th in the Class of 2010). Shober is a state champion and nationally ranked (72nd in the Class of 2010). Squire is nationally ranked (85th in the Class of 2010). Roulo was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up in 2008 and nationally ranked (26th in the Class of 2011).

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Parker Madl (Kansas), Gabriel Bird (Florida), and Pat Greco (Illinois)

152:
Leader of the Pack: Brock Gutches (Oregon)
Notes: Gutches was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (third at 152 pounds, and 47th in the Class of 2009)

Others to Watch: Kendrick Sanders (Florida), Derek Garcia (Washington), Steve Santos (New Jersey), Brandon Rolnick (New Jersey), Joey Cozart (Florida), Vlad Dombroski (California), Tigran Adzheyman (California), and Brandon Wilbourn (Missouri)
Notes: Sanders was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (seventh at 145 pounds, 55th in the Class of 2009). Garcia is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (seventh at 152 pounds, 14th in the Class of 2010). Santos was a state champion and nationally ranked (10th at 152 pounds, 85th in the Class of 2009). Rolnick is nationally ranked (15th at 152 pounds, 31st in the Class of 2010) and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Cozart is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (ninth at 145 pounds, 32nd in the Class of 2010). Dombroski and Adzheyman were Junior National freestyle All-Americans in 2008. Wilbourn was Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (75th in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Eric Hess (Pennsylvania), Sam Bennett (Indiana), Michael Kelly (Iowa), Seth Thomas (Oregon), and Zach Skates (Oklahoma)
Notes: Hess and Kelly are state champions and nationally ranked in the Class of 2010, while Bennett is also nationally ranked in the Class of 2010. Thomas and Skates are both ranked in the Class of 2011, were Cadet National freestyle All-Americans in 2008, and FILA Cadet double All-Americans in 2009.

160:
Leader of the Pack: Derek St John (Iowa)
Notes: St John was a Junior National folkstyle champion in 2009, Junior National freestyle runner-up in 2008, nationally ranked (fourth at 160 pounds, 15th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009.

Others to Watch: Dallas Bailey (Oklahoma), Corey Lear (Pennsylvania), Turtogh Luvsandorj (New Jersey), Stephen West (California), Nick Sulzer (Ohio), Nick Proctor (Illinois), Nick Visicaro (New Jersey), and Robert Kokesh (South Dakota)
Notes: Bailey was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (ninth at 171 pounds, 21st in the Class of 2009). Lear was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th at 160 pounds, 52nd in the Class of 2010). Luvsandorj was a National Prep champion and nationally ranked (17th at 160 pounds). West was Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (18th at 160 pounds). Sulzer is a two-time state finalist and nationally ranked (18th at 152 pounds, 37th in the Class of 2010). Proctor is FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and nationally ranked (59th in the Class of 2010). Visicaro is a state champion and nationally ranked (61st in the Class of 2010). Kokesh is a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (70th in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Bryce Hammond (California), Ronnie Balfour (Oklahoma), Jesse Shanaman (New Jersey), and Kris Klapprodt (South Dakota)
Notes: Hammond and Balfour were Cadet National freestyle runners-up in 2008, and Hammond is also nationally ranked in his grade. Shanaman and Klapprodt went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009.

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Preston Kieffer (New Jersey) and Frank Cousins (Florida)

171:
Leader of the Pack: Lee Munster (Illinois)
Notes: Munster is a two-time state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 171 pounds, eighth in the Class of 2010)

Others to Watch: Tyler Beckwith (New York), Michael Evans (Pennsylvania), Michael Moreno (Iowa), Patrick Martinez (California), Tanner Keck (Oklahoma), Kevin Steinhaus (Minnesota), and Reid Chivers (Washington)
Notes: Beckwith is a multiple-time state finalist and nationally ranked (eighth at 171 pounds, 11th in the Class of 2010). Evans is nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Moreno is a two-time state runner-up and nationally ranked (seventh at 160 pounds, 18th in the Class of 2010). Martinez was a state champion and nationally ranked (10th at 160 pounds, 48th in the Class of 2009). Keck was a state champion and nationally ranked (13th at 171 pounds, 77th in the Class of 2009). Steinhaus was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (16th at 160 pounds, 84th in the Class of 2009). Chivers was a state champion and nationally ranked (19th at 189 pounds).

Yet More to Watch: Ethan Blackstock (Georgia) and Levi Clemons (Florida)
Notes: Blackstock is a two-time state champion and Cadet National double All-American in 2008. Clemons is a state champion and FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009.

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Zach Agostino (New Jersey)

189:
Leader of the Pack: Jon Fausey (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Fausey was a state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (second at 189 pounds, 16th in the Class of 2009).

Others to Watch: Andrew Campolattano (New Jersey), Max Huntley (New Jersey), Jake Swartz (Washington), Zach White (Oklahoma), Kyven Gadsen (Iowa), and Tyler Lehmann (Minnesota)
Notes: Campolattano is a two-time state champion, Cadet National double champion in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 189 pounds, second in the Class of 2011). Huntley was a – multiple-time state-level champion and nationally ranked (fourth at 189 pounds, 24th in the Class of 2010). Swartz was a multiple-time state champion, Junior National double All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (5th at 189 pounds, 35th in the Class of 2009). White was nationally ranked (12th at 171 pounds, 71st in the Class of 2009). Gadsen is a two-time state finalist, FILA Cadet freestyle champion in 2009, and nationally ranked (56th in the Class of 2010). Lehmann is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked (62nd in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Matthew Loew (New York) and Scott Schiller (North Dakota)
Notes: Loew is a FILA Cadet double All-American in 2009 and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Schiller is a state champion and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008.

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Harrison Honeycutt (North Carolina) and Mike McGrath (New York)

215:
Leader of the Pack: Tony Nelson (Minnesota)
Notes: Nelson was a multiple-time state finalist, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, and nationally ranked (third at 215 pounds, 49th in the Class of 2009)

Others to Watch: Derrick Borlie (Virginia), Grant Haschak (Washington), Nate Gaffney (Pennsylvania), Connor Medbery (Colorado), and Aaron Pavlenko (Arizona)
Notes: Borlie was a multiple-time state champion and nationally ranked (sixth at 189 pounds, 60th in the Class of 2009). Haschak was nationally ranked (18th at 215 pounds). Gaffney is a state champion and nationally ranked (99th in the Class of 2010). Medbery is a state champion, Cadet Nationals double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (12th in the Class of 2010). Pavlenko is a state champion and Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008.

Yet More to Watch: Cody Krumwiede (Iowa), Cody Davis (Texas), and Alex Polizzi (Wisconsin)
Notes: Krumwiede is a state champion, FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up in 2009, and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Davis is a state champion and Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008. Polizzi went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009.

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Josh Davis (New Jersey) and John Acors (New York)

285:
Leader of the Pack: Evan Craig (Pennsylvania)
Notes: Craig is a multiple-time state finalist, Cadet National double finalist in 2008, and nationally ranked (fifth at 285 pounds, 34th in the Class of 2010)

Others to Watch: Jeremy Johnson (Ohio), Spencer Myers (Pennsylvania), Kyle Kober (Iowa), Jacob Mitchell (Oregon), Jake Kettler (Minnesota), and Karl Green (Maryland)
Notes: Johnson was a state champion, Junior National freestyle All-American in 2008, nationally ranked (eighth at 285 pounds, 94th in the Class of 2009), and went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009. Myers is nationally ranked (ninth at 215 pounds, 38th in the Class of 2010). Kober was a state champion and nationally ranked (11th at 285 pounds). Mitchell was a multiple-time state finalist and nationally ranked (15th at 285 pounds). Kettler was a state champion and nationally ranked (18th at 285 pounds). Green was a Cadet National freestyle All-American in 2008 and nationally ranked (19th at 285 pounds, 91st in the Class of 2010).

Yet More to Watch: Austin Blythe (Iowa), Donovan Green (Florida), and Niko Bogojevic (Wisconsin)
Notes: Blythe is a two-time state finalist, Cadet National double All-American, and nationally ranked (33rd in the Class of 2011). Green is a FILA Cadet double champion in 2009. Bogojevic went undefeated at the Junior National Freestyle Duals in 2009.

Other Returning All-Americans in Freestyle: Sani-Jonathan Fuimaono (Hawaii

Cadet-160 - Brad Wagner's place is unknown.
Match #1 Joe Ginther (Minnesota) over Brad Wagner (Kansas) Fall 2-1,0-3,0:57

Cadet-160 - Nick Pursel's place is unknown.
Match #1 Nick Pursel (Kansas) over Evan Rosborough (Ohio) Fall 6-0,1:15

Cadet-215 - Eric Mason's place is unknown.
Match #1 Eric Mason (Kansas) over Pedro Almaguer (Washington) Dec 1-0,5-0

Cadet-215 - Leo Beck's place is unknown.
Match #1 Leo Beck (Kansas) over Zach Dembrowski (California) Fall 1:50

www.wrestlingaddix.com is live from fargo providing updates through a live blog called "Cover it live"! Check it out!

Saturday, July 18th, 2009
By Willie Saylor, Editor - willie@theopenmat.com

The 2009 USA Wrestling Cadet and junior national tournament kicks off Saturday in fargo, north Dakota, with the cadets taking the mats for the first of two sessions beginning at 9:30 am. In the first of The Open Mat’s fargo previews, we look at Greco-roman competitors in the junior division.

Junior Greco-roman

Schedule: Sessions I & II 9:30 and 3:30 Sunday July 19th. Session III 9 AM Monday. Session IV 9 AM Tuesday. Finals and Medal matches: Session V, Tuesday, July 21st at 3 PM.

By the numbers:
Total Number of competitors: 833
Avg # of competitors per weight: 55.5
Largest weight class: 145lbs/82 entrants
Smallest weight class: 105/17 entrants

Weight class capsules

98 lbs
This weight features 3 strong contenders for the title. Ruben Navejas (WA) and Jacoby Bergeron (MN) were past double AAs. Mike Dauterive (TX) was a Greco AA last year.

Number of Entrants: 26

Returning AAs:
Jacoby Bergeron (3rd, MN)
Mike Dauterive (6th, TX)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Ruben Navejas (5th, WA)

Other Contenders:
Devon Graville (IL)
Mike Soria (NY)

TOM’s Pick: Bergeron (MN) over Navejas (WA). Dauterive (TX), 3rd.

105 lbs
The smallest weight class at Junior’s this year is nonetheless competitive. Zach Bellis (IL) returns in attempt to match the title he won last year at 98lbs. Jade Rauser (MT) appears to be the most likely to prevent it.

Number of Entrants: 17

Returning AAs:
Zach Bellis (National Champ, IL)
Jake Schramm (4th, IL)
Chris Bostic (6th, AZ)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Jade Rauser (2nd, MT)

TOM’s Pick: Bellis (IL) over Rauser (MT). Schramm (IL), 3rd.

112 lbs
Things start to get really interesting here at 112. There is a load of talented wrestlers capable of taking home AA honors. The list of past Greco AAs is a staggering 10, the most of any weight class, and doesn’t include Fila Champ, and nationally ranked, Tyler Cox(WY).

Number of Entrants: 39

Returning AAs:
Robert Dyar (3rd, AL)
Jeff Vesta (5th, KS)
Matt Rabinowitz (6th, LA)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Tanner Moon (2nd @98, AL)
Ryak Finch (2nd @105, AZ)
Val Rauser (3rd @98, MT)
Caleb Richardson (3rd @91, VA)
Bricker Dixon (4th, MO)
Matt Correa (6th, CA)
Mike Fuenffinger (7th, MN)

Other Contenders:
Tyler Cox (Fila Champ, WY)
Max Mejia (Fila 3rd, AZ)
Matt Gerule (FS AA, CO)

TOM’s Pick: Cox (WY) over Finch (AZ). Rauser (MT), 3rd.

119 lbs
Ryan Mango puts his 2 consecutive Fargo titles on the line versus a field of accomplished wrestlers. Last year he defeated fellow Missouri team member Alan Waters for the 112lb title. Kansan, Sharky Slyter and Rossi Bruno of Florida were runners-up in Cadets.

Number of Entrants: 69

Returning AAs:
Ryan Mango (2x National Champ, MO)
Alan Waters (2nd @112, MO)
Sharky Slyter (2nd @119, KS)
Drake Medeiros (7th, HI)
Mike Nakagawa (7th @105, HI)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Rossi Bruno (2nd, FL)

Other Contenders:
Drew Van Anrooy (Fila Cadet 2nd, OR)
Brock Banta (Fila JR 3rd, ID)
Mike Rhone (Fila Cadet 3rd , PA)
Chris Ornelas (Fila Cadet 3rd @ 110, AZ)
Pat Prada (MD)
Colby Christiensen (UT)
Richy Reinoel (PA)
Brian St. James (GA)

TOM’s Pick: Mango (MO) over Waters (MO). Slyter 3rd.

125 lbs
In an odd year for the usually strong 125lb weight class, the bracket is rather thin. Still, the talent at the top is solid. Expect the top guys to get to the medal rounds rather easily.

Number of Entrants: 60

Returning AAs:
Nick Wilcox (8th, NY)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Aaron Runzo (Cadet National Champion, VA)
Nick Soto (6th, FL)

Other Contenders:
David Klingsheim (Fila 2nd, CA)
Frank Goodwin (MD)
Sammy Orozco (CA)
Tommy Siciliano (OR)
Dalton Dennis (FL)
Drew Fleming (MN)
Patrick Myers (PA)

TOM’s Pick: Klingsheim (CA) over Runzo (VA). Wilcox (NY), 3rd.

130 lbs
This weight features several guys who are, for lack of better terms, Greco specialists. Several have placed in the top 3 of major national tournaments previously.

Number of Entrants: 60

Returning AAs:
Justin Lavalle (2nd, MN)
Jake Walters (3rd, MI)
Alex Kostenborder (8th, OR)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Drew Lexvold (Cadet National Champ, MN)
Ryan Cokeley (3rd, KS)

Other Contenders:
Tyler Libertore (Fila Champ, FL)
Kade Moss (Past GR AA, UT)
Josh Keszler (FS AA, SD)
Travis Himmelman (CO)
Jake Eitzen (CO)

TOM’s Pick: Lexvold (MN) over Lavalle (MN). Walters (MI), 3rd.

135 lbs
Another traditionally strong weight that doesn’t have its normal depth. But there’s certainly talent at the top. We could be in for a dandy if the pools play out like most anticipate.

Number of Entrants: 63

Returning AAs:
Josh Kindig (2nd, PA)
Stephen Swiggett (2nd, DE)
Robbie Fisher (3rd, MN)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
None

Other Contenders:
Skyler Galloway (FS AA)
Gabe Miranda (AZ)
Dan Osterman (MI)
Nick Schenk (DE)
Joe Locksmith (FL)

TOM’s Pick: Kindig (PA) over Fisher (MN). Locksmith (FL), 3rd.

140 lbs
A nice, deep weight class with plenty of intrigue. The headliner is Dylan Ness who is coming of 2 Cadet Greco titles. But there are several legitimate roadblocks in his quest for a Junior title.

Number of Entrants: 68

Returning AAs:
Bo Schlosser (2nd, IL)
Kevin Timothy (8th, FL)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Dylan Ness (2x Cadet National Champion, MN)
Matt Neirem (3rd, FL)
Raider Lofthouse (8th @130, UT)
Jason Chudzinski (8th @125, NY)

Other Contenders:
Zach Reeb (Fila 6th, KS)
Josh Warner (Fila 7th, ID)
Shawn Lau (Fila 8th, MT)
Luke Vaith (FS AA, MN)

TOM’s Pick: Ness (MN) over Neirem (FL). Schlosser (IL) 3rd.

145 lbs
The largest field in Junior Greco this year, this weight features several past AAs and one of the best folkstylers in the country (Steve Hernandez, NV) trying his hand at Greco.

Number of Entrants: 82

Returning AAs:
Paul Liguori (6th, NY)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Brady Lee (3rd, OR)
Pat Smith (4th @140, MN)
Blake Roulo (4th @145 , VA)
Kory DeBerry (7th, AZ)

Other Contenders:
Tyler Juby (Fila 7th, WY)
Gabriel Bird (FS AA, FL)
Steve Monk (FS AA, WI)
Steve Hernandez (NV)
Dillon Dennis (FL)

TOM’s Pick: Roulo (VA) over Smith (MN). Liguori (NY), 3rd.

152 lbs
Last year’s Greco-Roman National champion, Kendrick Sanders of Florida, will have to go through a talented field to repeat. The traditionally loaded weight has the second most entrants including many of the major players from last year’s 145 and 152lb brackets.

Number of Entrants: 79

Returning AAs:
Kendrick Sanders (National Champion, FL)
Tyler Sheridan (3rd @145, CA)
Brock Gutches (3rd @152, OR)
Joey Cozart (4th, FL)
Taylor Smith (6th, OH)
Tyler Davis (8th, KS)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Seth Thomas (3rd, OR)

Other Contenders:
Joe Castenello (Fila Champ, IL)
Eric Hess (PA)
Nick Milano (PA)
Nestor Taffur (NJ)

TOM’s Pick: Gutches (OR) over Sanders (FL). Sheridan (CA) 3rd.

160 lbs
No real stars. No household names. This weight class is comprised of a lot of solid kids who have been in the 5-8 range of AA status. That will change this year. Someone’s gonna make a name for themselves.

Number of Entrants: 62

Returning AAs:
Mike Curby (6th, MI)
Kyle Detmer (8th, KS)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Joey Moorehouse (2nd, IL)
Cam Vlahos (4th, IN)
Frank Cousins (6th, FL)

Other Contenders:
Corey Lear (FS AA, PA)
Ronnie Balfour (FS AA, OK)
Stephen West (FS AA, CA)
Robert Kokesh (FS AA, SD)

TOM’s Pick: Curby (MI) over West (CA). Detmer (KS) 3rd.

171 lbs
A talented class of upper-weights return to Fargo this year. Each of the last four weights features multiple entries that have won a national title. At 171 Ethan Lofthouse (UT) will have to tangle with a host of Fargo medalists to retain his Junior title, including last year’s Cadet National champion, Levi Clemons (FL).

Number of Entrants: 55

Returning AAs:
Ethan Lofthouse (National Champion, UT)
Mike Evans (3rd, PA)
Mark Stenberg (3rd @160, IL)
Patrick Martinez (5th @160, CA)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Levi Clemons, (Cadet National Champion, FL)
Ethan Blackstock (3rd, GA)
Lee Wildes (3rd @152, FL)
Luis Alba (7th, FL)

Other Contenders:
Tyler Beckwith (Fila Champ, NY)

TOM’s Pick: Evans (PA) over Lofthouse (UT). Clemons (FL) 3rd.

189 lbs
As a fan, 189 makes the flight, the hotels, the room service, etc, all worth it. There’s quality and quantity. A bevy of guys could make this interesting. Round after round should see competitive bouts as they battle to bring home a national title.

Number of Entrants: 63

Returning AAs:
Joel Bauman (2nd, MN)
Jon Fausey (3rd, PA)
Kurt Swartz (4th @189, WA)
Tyler Lehman (4th @171, MN)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Andrew Campolattano (Cadet National Champion, NJ)
Scott Schiller (3rd, ND)
Ben Brooks (4th, IL)
Harrison Honeycutt (6th, NC)
Mike McGrath (7th, NY)

Other Contenders:
Matt Loew (Fila 3rd, NY)
Jay Taylor (Fila 6th, FL)
Craig Kelliher (MN)
Andre Petroski (PA)

TOM’s Pick: Fausey(PA) over Campolattano (NJ). Bauman(MN) 3rd.

215 lbs
Another upper-weight, another laundry list of studs. All returning Junior placers have moved on, making room for this batch of last year’s Cadets to compete for the title immediately. There are 7 guys who made it to the finals of either Fargo or Fila’s.

Number of Entrants: 53

Returning AAs:
None

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Mike Sojka (Cadet National Champion, IL)
Conner Medbery (2nd, CO)
Zane Peterson (3rd, MN)
Cody Davis (5th, TX)
Jon Acors (8th, NY)

Other Contenders:
Alex Polizzi (Fila Champ, WI)
Aaron Pavlenko (Fila 2nd, AZ)
Grant Haschak (WA)

TOM’s Pick: Sojka (IL) over Polizzi (WI). Medbery (NY) 3rd.

285 lbs
There’s some quality in the biggest of the big men. Four of last year’s Junior Greco AAs are back, including runner-up Kyle Kober (IA). Last years cadet champ and third place finisher are moving up, making it a solid scrap for placing during the medal rounds. Depth here is a little suspect, though.

Number of Entrants: 36

Returning AAs:
Kyle Kober (2nd, IA)
Niko Bogojevic (6th, IL)
Jake Kettler (7th, MN)
Jacob Mitchell (8th, OR)

Cadet AAs Moving Up:
Evan Craig (Cadet National Champion, PA)
Karl Green (3rd, MD)

Other Contenders:
Spencer Myers (PA)

TOM’s Pick: Kober (IA) over Craig (PA). Kettler (MN) 3rd.

Posted in All Open Mat News, Events, High School Wrestling, International, USA Wrestling |

Aspen Kmeic and C.J. Ikenberry found the going a bit too tough in their next bouts.

Colton Eck lost the first frame 0-1 and was trailing in the second, 0-5. Back on their feet, Colton threw his opponent for a 3+1 and appeared from several angles to have earned the fall. But it wasn't to be. Eck goes on to lose the frame, 4-9.

D'Juan Thomas is learning a bit of Greco on the fly ... he fought valiantly but lost his bout.