2016 USAW Cadet and Junior National Championships

Best Fargo Finals Since 2000

Best Fargo Finals Since 2000

Thanks to Jason Bryant's All-American Almanac, we have full history of the Cadet & Junior National tournament, which is more commonly known as "Fargo."We we

Jul 11, 2016 by Ryan Holmes
Best Fargo Finals Since 2000
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Thanks to Jason Bryant's All-American Almanac, we have full history of the Cadet & Junior National tournament, which is more commonly known as "Fargo."

We went through the almanac and pulled out the best junior freestyle national finals match-up from each year starting with 2000 and ending with last year’s tournament.

So in the spirit of #FargoWeek, let's take a look at some of the best match-ups to ever go down on the big stage. Throughout each year, the champion is listed first.

Also, leave some of your favorite match-ups and Fargo memories in the comments.

Remember, You can watch all 8 days of Fargo action LIVE right here.


2000

123: Chris Fleeger, PA vs Cory Cooperman, NJ - Both these guys went on to become three-time NCAA All-Americans. Fleeger had a pair of runner-up finishes in his career while Cooperman's highest place was 3rd.

2001

275: Steve Mocco, NJ vs Cain Velasquez, AZ - We all know how these guys ended up. Velasquez is currently fighting in the UFC and most recently had a TKO win over Travis Browne at UFC 200. Mocco added NCAA titles to his resume and has currently made the move to MMA as well.

2002

160: Johny Hendricks, OK vs Mark Perry, NJ - This might be one of the realest rivalries in wrestling. We had the pleasure of getting the firsthand take from Perry in our documentary, Driven. Truly, this match was just the beginning.



2003

135: Dustin Schlatter, OH vs Ryan Lang, OH - Schlatter went on to Minnesota where he became a three-time All-American and Lang became a four-time NCAA qualifier placing as high as second during his career.

2004

125: Coleman Scott vs Jayson Ness, MN - Both these guys went on to become NCAA champs during their college careers. Ness had one of the most memorable NCAA finals matches against Dan Dennis where he came from behind to get the win. Scott, who is now the coach at UNC, recently finished his competitive career during which he claimed Olympic Bronze in 2012.

2005

145: Brent Metcalf, MI vs Matt Dragon, PA - This was not the only match-up between these two. They also met at the Dapper Dan where Metcalf held on late to get the win.



2006

125: Michael Mangrum, WA vs Tyler Graff, CO - Mangrum became an All-American at Oregon State and Graff became a four-time AA with his highest finish being second in the 2014 NCAA Championships.

2007

145: Mario Mason, NJ vs Jake Deitchler, MN - Mason finished his career as a three-time NCAA qualifier. Deitchler went on to make the 2008 Greco Olympic team.

2008

135: Dylan Alton, PA vs Josh Kindig, PA - Alton's career didn't pan out the way he may have wanted as he was plagued with injury. Kindig come very close to claiming an NCAA title but was ultimately second in 2014.

2009

160: Derek St. John, IA vs Robert Kokesh, SD - Became multiple time All-Americans during their careers at Nebraska and Iowa.

2010

145: Alex Dieringer, WI vs Dylan Ness, MN - Both guys are now seeking success on the Freestyle and Greco scene. But they met in the Fargo finals as well as in the NCAA finals.



2011

119: Thomas Gilman, NE vs David Terao, HI - Before they were putting on crowd pleasing matches at the NCAA tournament, Terao and Gilman graced the Fargo stage for an incredible battle.



2012

132: Zain Retherford, PA vs Zane Richards, IL - As you know, both of these guys went on to the next level to do some very big things. But in 2012 it was Retherford coming out on top against Richards.



2013

138: Aaron Pico, CA vs Joey McKenna, NJ - This was an epic battle between two of the toughest guys in the country. Even though McKenna seemed to be up for the challenge it was Pico that came through to get the win.



2014

145: Isaiah White, IL vs Vincenzo Joseph, PA - This is where the rivalry started. Isaiah White really proved that he was a force when he defeated Cenzo in the finals.



2015

132: Taylor LaMont, UT vs Mitch McKee, MN - LaMont and McKee have a history that dates back to their days of elementary school and it all manifested in the best final from last year. McKee had defeated LaMont in the Greco finals, but it was LaMont that came through with a huge win in the Freestyle finals to get some revenge.



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