2016 FloNationals

Major Competition Coming To FloNationals

Major Competition Coming To FloNationals

The list of hammers coming to the FloNational tournament continues to grow day-by-day.

Mar 15, 2016 by Ryan Holmes
Major Competition Coming To FloNationals
The list of hammers coming to the FloNational tournament continues to grow day-by-day. We’ve got returning champs and All-Americans riddled throughout the impressive contingent of wrestlers looking to take home a FloNats belt.



Let’s take a look at some of the competitors making the trip to FloNats this year. To see a full list of competitors or register for this year’s tournament click here.


FloNats Newcomers…


Sammy Evans, TN: The future UTC Moc will be bringing the heat to the crop of big men at this year’s tournament after winning another state title with a perfect 62-0 record.

#9-Nathan Traxler, IL: After collecting his second Illinois state title with a 9-3 win over Patrick Brucki in the finals, which capped off his 50-2 season, Traxler comes to FloNationals looking to take home a belt.



#14-Jarrett Degen, MT: Fresh off his second straight state championship run, Degen will be throwing his hat in the ring at FloNationals for the first time.


Getting Over The Hump…


#7-Julian Chlebove, PA: Coming off his freshman season where he claimed a Class AAA state title, Chlebove returns to FloNationals this year after coming seconds way, literally, from reaching the finals as an 8th grader last season. He ended up in third place finish with a win over Quinn Kinner in the consolation finals.



#3-Taylor LaMont, UT: The 4x Utah State champ recently dazzled us with an impressive win as part of Team USA as they dominated Team Minnesota. Now he’s in the hunt for a FloNats belt after finishing fourth with a loss to Sammy Sasso.



#7-Kanen Storr, MI: Fifth place was clearly not good enough because Storr is back and he’s looking for nothing but a title. The three-time Michigan state champ left FloNats on a good note with a win over Josh Heil last year which is exactly why he’s making the return; to get the belt.



Up And Comers…


Josh Saunders, MO: Could he be the first 8th grader to win a FloNational title in the high school division? It’s possible. This summer, Saunder defeated Tyson Klump, who just won his second Class AAA PA state title at the Journeymen Classic, so he’s certainly up for the task of taking on some great competition.



Carson Manville, VA: The Manville clan returns, but this year it’s Carson who will be looking for some FloNats hardware. However, he will be doing double duty. The 7th grader will not just be competing in the youth school division on the final day, but he will also be weighing-in for the high school tournament too. Could the youngster shock some people?

Andrew Alirez, CO: Fresh off a Colorado 4A state championship run, Andrew Alirez will be making a run at the FloNationals title this year. Alirez, a Fargo All-American, is an extremely tough freshman who currently sits at #23 on our Freshman Big Board.


Don’t Call It A Comeback…


#2-Justin Mejia, CA: The future Iowa Hawkeye just recently claimed his third California state title. Over the years, Mejia has been a force who has always been in the top 5. After skipping last year’s tournament, Mejia returns this year searching for a title. In 2014, Mejia took a loss to Sammy Sasso and ended up placing 7th with a win over Brandon Courtney.



#3-Jelani Embree, MI: As a freshman, Embree came up short of the podium. Then last year he took a year off from FloNats and made the Jr. World Team, however, an injury kept him from competing. But now he is back. Watch out for Embree.

#4-Nick Raimo, NJ: Probably one of the most interesting returners is Raimo, the highly touted freshman was at last year’s tournament, but after taking a loss he left the tournament and unknowingly missed his next match which eliminated him from competition. Well, he is back. And after taking a loss in the New Jersey state final, you know he will be in the hunt for a title.