2016 Open Wrestling Championships

UWW Junior 74kg: Best Show In Town

UWW Junior 74kg: Best Show In Town

Without a doubt, 74kg is the most top-heavy weight at UWW Juniors. There’s a lot of history between competitors, including multiple meetings in freestyle an

Apr 28, 2016 by Christian Pyles
UWW Junior 74kg: Best Show In Town
Without a doubt, 74kg is the most top-heavy weight at UWW Juniors. There’s a lot of history between competitors, including multiple meetings in freestyle and folkstyle events.

Here’s a look at the contenders and some of the matches. Watch all of action LIVE on FloWrestling!

Mark Hall, Minnesota

The Penn State commit is looking to make his second-straight junior world team at 74kg, and he'll start here in Vegas. Hall has faced a number of competitors and has had outstanding success. His defense, positioning and par terre are game-changers.


Logan Massa, Michigan

Following a strong showing as a true freshman for Michigan, Massa is looking to make a junior world team at the weight his brother Taylor once wrestled for Team USA at the junior level. Massa and Hall had a great battle at the Olympic Trials. Massa should not be overlooked.



Anthony Valencia, Arizona State

Valencia will have his work cut out for him if he wants to make his second junior world team. He knocked off Isaiah Martinez two years ago in three matches to make the team. Mark Hall emerged as the favorite here, but Valencia has narrowed the gap from their Who's #1 match.



Joe Smith, Oklahoma State

The Cowboy All-American has made incredible strides in the past year. With continued improvement, I think he could be in the mix with everyone, including Hall. Should he meet Hall again, I'm curious about the adjustments he'd make. Smith is a tactical wrestler who can execute a game plan.




Vincenzo Joseph, Penn State

This will be Penn State fans' first look at Vincenzo in awhile. A year ago, he had a fantastic run at 66kg Junior World Team Trials. With Vincenzo potentially wrestling 165 lbs next year for the Nittany Lions, this will be a great measuring stick for the freshman.