Every wrestler circles the Olympic Team Trials as their main goal in their four-year cycle. Without winning at the trials, the wrestler can’t earn the sport’s ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal.

Now, the four-year wait is nearly over. Wrestlers will battle in Iowa City's Carver Hawkeye Arena on April 9 and 10 for the right to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Note: Some of the trial winners will have to earn the spot for the U.S. at the Last Chance Qualifiers in Mongolia or Turkey later this spring.

The Field 57kg (125 lbs)

Tony Ramos (2015 USA World Team member)
Coleman Scott (Past Olympic or World Team member)
Tyler Graff (Bill Farrell highest medalist)
Daniel Dennis (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 1st)
Sam Hazewinkel (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 2nd)
Erkin Tadzhimetov (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 4th)
Nathan Tomasello (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 5th)
Joe Colon (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 6th)
Angel Escobedo (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 7th)
Alan Waters (Dave Schultz highest medalist)
Nico Megaludis (NCAA champion)
Nahshon Garrett (NCAA champion)
Obe Blanc (Last Chance Qualifier Champion)

Rankings Used To Seed

1. Tony Ramos, Iowa City, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC)
2. Tyler Graff, New Brunswick, N.J. (New York AC)
3. Daniel Dennis, Iowa City, Iowa. (Titan Mercury WC)
4. Coleman Scott, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Sunkist Kids)
5. Erkin Tadzhimetov, Orem, Utah (New York AC)
6. Sam Hazewinkel, Norman, Okla. (Sunkist Kids)
7. Joe Colon, Cedar Falls, Iowa (Titan Mercury WC)
8. Nathan Tomasello, Parma, Ohio (Titan Mercury WC)

The Favorites

Tony Ramos has been the world representative the past two years. He hasn’t lost domestically since his full-time arrival at the senior level in the spring of 2014. He enters the trials as a favorite as many questions surround his weight class, but so many question marks surround the weight class that I wouldn't go betting the mortgage on Ramos being the representative in Rio. It's worth remembering that he has never lost in Carver Hawkeye Arena.

Tyler Graff finished seventh at the 2015 U.S. Open, and third in the World Team Trial mini-tournament, which placed him fourth on the ladder and off of the national team. It hardly sounds like a track record that would lead anyone to believe he'll wear the Stars and Stripes in Rio.

The pre-tournament ranking and optimism comes from his past freestyle experience on Junior World Teams and an impressive run through the Bill Farrell Memorial International. There, he mounted a furious comeback to knock off Stevan Micic in round two before laying waste to the rest of the field. The driving force for Graff at the Farrell was a lethal par terre game -- he uses both a gut wrench and leg lace in that position. What makes it so good is the fact that he is able to get to the turns from a set position. You often see these holds caught in transition from the takedown, but Graff can work each turn after the bottom wrestle has bellied out in a defensive position. Graff is certainly capable of beating almost anyone in the world in a one-match situation because of the strength of his par terre offense.  

Coleman Scott has never won a U.S. Open or made a world team, but he does have an Olympic bronze medal and is capable of showing up in the biggest moments. He wrestled 61kg at the Pan American Championships, but weighed in 59kg to use it as a simulation for this weekend’s trials. Scott could pose a huge threat to Ramos in the semifinal if the pre-tournament rankings hold up at the seeding meeting.

The Dark Horses

It feels weird putting the Senior Nationals champion and projected third seed in the dark horse section, but when you consider Daniel Dennis wasn't competing over a year ago, I thought it made sense. He wrestled very well against some of the world's best at the Yarygin. Plus, Graff is projected to be on his side, and you can see in the match above that was an easy win for Dennis. If he has corrected his deficiencies defending in par terre, he should be considered among the favorites to win.

Nahshon Garrett has the skill set that to be a world-class freestyle wrestler. When under attack, he runs the corner to a single leg as well as anyone I have ever seen. But par terre and non-controlled exposure are unknown situations for Garrett. Matt McDonough exposed these weaknesses to defeat him for the 2014 World University Team spot at 57kg. If he has tightened up his defense at all in these areas, he will be a handful for anyone in the field.


Nico Megaludis made the mini-tournament final against Ramos in 2014 and lost 1-0. The lone point was awarded to Ramos for almost scoring a takedown. Megaludis has some international experience from the 2013 World University Games, and he took fifth at the 2014 Golden Grand Prix and 2015 Grand Prix of Spain. I don’t see Megaludis running the gauntlet to make the team, but a win over anyone in the field in the early rounds won’t surprise me one bit.

Early Matches To Watch

Daniel Dennis vs Joe Colon, Quarterfinal

The seeds could get shaken up and change the bracket from the pre-tournament rankings. I expect Joe Colon to move to the six seed and potentially set up a quarterfinal matchup with Daniel Dennis. Colon was injured in Las Vegas in December, and fell to sixth place after a semifinal loss to Hazewinkel. A potential quarterfinal with Dennis really intrigues me, and who doesn’t enjoy watching Colon match up against a Hawkeye?

Nahshon Garrett vs His Draw

After a dominant collegiate season, there are so many questions surrounding Garrett heading into the weekend. Does he handle the day before weigh-in at 57kg well? Has he tightened up his par terre defense? Will he be freestyle savvy and use the shot clock to his advantage? I can’t wait to watch.

The Pick

Daniel Dennis over Tony Ramos, two matches to one
[polldaddy poll="9375397"]

The Field 65kg (143 lbs)

Brent Metcalf (2015 USA World Team member)
Reece Humphrey (2015 USA World Team member)
James Green (2015 USA World Team member)
Jordan Oliver (Bill Farrell highest medalist)
Jimmy Kennedy (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 1st)
Logan Stieber (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 2nd)
Aaron Pico (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 4th)
Kellen Russell (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 5th)
Frank Molinaro (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 6th)
Jason Chamberlain (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 7th)
Jayson Ness (Dave Schultz highest medalist)
Dean Heil (NCAA champion)
Zain Retherford (NCAA champion)
Bernard Futrell (Last Chance Qualifier Champion)

Rankings Used To Seed

1. Brent Metcalf, Iowa City, Iowa (New York AC/Hawkeye WC)
2. James Green, Lincoln, Neb. (Titan Mercury WC)
3. Jordan Oliver, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
4. Jimmy Kennedy, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC/Cliff Keen WC)
5. Reece Humphrey, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC/Ohio RTC)
6. Logan Stieber, Columbus, Ohio (Titan Mercury WC/Ohio RTC)
7. Aaron Pico, Whittier, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
8. Kellen Russell, Ann Arbor, Mich. (New York AC/Cliff Keen WC)

The Favorites

Brent Metcalf has owned this weight in the United States for several years. He has great wins internationally, but hasn’t put them together at the World Championships. Will the second time through the process end in disappointment again? Or will Metcalf continue to reign?

James Green owns the only senior-level world medal in the field with a bronze from the 2015 World Championships. He doesn’t wait in the best-of-three series because the medal was at the non-Olympic weight of 70kg. At that weight, he also defeated 65kg world champion Frank Chamizo of Italy. If he can perform at that level again, he will certainly be one of the favorites. But Green has struggled in his two outings at 65kg. He dropped a first-round match at Yasar Dogu in February, and lost to Anthony Jose Montero Chirinos of Venezuela in the finals at the Pan-American Championships. There, Green looked lethargic and lacked his normally explosive attacks. If he expects to make the team, he has to take something away from that weight cut and make adjustments.

Jordan Oliver has been a solid No. 2 at 65kg over the past few years. At the Bill Farrell Memorial, he seemed to be losing that status to long-time rival, Logan Stieber. But Oliver was able to score a big four-pointer late in that match to continue his dominance in their rivalry. Oliver seems to suffer from mental blocks when he faces Metcalf, but is probably considered a favorite against every other wrestler in the field.

The Dark Horses

Jimmy Kennedy has one of the best international resumes of any current American regardless of weight class. Last year, he was able to make the national team while healing an injured knee. Another year of growing into the weight class and appearing to be healthy leads me to believe Kennedy has as good of a chance to represent the United States in Rio as anyone in the field.

Post-World Championships, Logan Stieber boasts the best international wins in the field, including world bronze medalist and former world champion Soslan Ramonov of Russia. But the catch is Stieber has taken several losses against domestic competition. Oliver knocked him off after trailing most of the bout at the Bill Farrell in November, and Kennedy dominated Stieber at U.S. Senior Nationals in December. He's the most prolific scorer in the field, but he needs to play some situational defense in order to get over the hump domestically.

Early Matches To Watch

Jordan Oliver vs Logan Stieber, Quarterfinal

I can’t believe the seeds will hold up with Humphrey ahead of Stieber, but this is the current matchup with the rankings. Oliver has controlled the rivalry, but Stieber won their most important meeting in the NCAA finals. Don’t panic if Stieber moves up to the number five seed. In that case, we'll get to see Stieber and Kennedy tangle in the quarterfinals. Either way, it's truly a win-win for the spectators.

Aaron Pico vs James Green, Quarterfinal

Pico has two Junior World medals on his resume and Green earned one at the senior level. I can’t think of two guys in the field that have styles that clash more than Pico and Green. Will Pico be able to get his heavy hand on Green, or will Green be able to strike from the outside?

The Pick

Logan Stieber over Brent Metcalf, two matches to one

*If Stieber moves to the number five seed in front of Humphrey, I will take Metcalf over Oliver in two matches. Jimmy Kennedy is a terrible match-up for Logan.

[polldaddy poll="9375405"]

The Field 74kg (163 lbs)

Jordan Burroughs (2015 USA World Team member) 
Dan Vallimont (Bill Farrell highest medalist)
Andrew Howe (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 1st)
Chris Perry (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 2nd)
Nick Marable (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 3rd)
Logan Massa (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 4th)
Adam Hall (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 5th)
Quinton Godley (Olympic Trials Qualifier - 7th)
Kevin LeValley (Dave Schultz highest medalist)
Isaiah Martinez (NCAA champion)
Alex Dieringer (NCAA champion)
Mark Hall (Last Chance Qualifier Champion)

Rankings Used To Seed

1. Jordan Burroughs, Lincoln, Neb. (Sunkist Kids)
2. Andrew Howe, Norman, Okla. (New York AC)
3. Chris Perry, Stillwater, Okla. (Titan Mercury WC)
4. Dan Vallimont, Long Beach, N.Y. (New York AC/Blue and Gold WC)
5. Kevin LeValley, Lewisburg, Pa. (Buffalo Valley RTC)
6. Nick Marable, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids)
7. Logan Massa, St. Johns, Mich. (New York AC/Cliff Keen WC)
8. Adam Hall, Raleigh, N.C. (Titan Mercury WC)

The Favorite

Jordan Burroughs is the greatest American freestyler of all-time. Don’t worry, I'm not going to lay out the argument for that statement here in the preview, but I truly believe he is the best ever. I wouldn’t be offended if he got the Sadulaev treatment and didn’t even have to wrestle here, but he does have to go through the process and waits in the best-of-three championship series because he is the reigning world champion. Whoever makes the championship series will be a game competitor, but they aren’t beating the champ.

The Dark Horses

Andrew Howe is one of the toughest matches for Jordan Burroughs, but he's going to have to battle for that best-of-three series. In December, he won his latest match against rival Chris Perry. I expect those two to fight for the right to wrestle Jordan Burroughs.

Chris Perry went against conventional wisdom and cut down to 74kg. Everyone else is growing and trying to put on size while Perry is going right into the lion’s den. Perry went to work in Las Vegas after losing to Howe, and was seen drilling a position from his loss just minutes after the bout. Can he get a crack at the champ?

Alex Dieringer is going to have a huge impact on this weight class in the future, which could start right now. He has blown through the NCAA field the past two years, and it will be fun to watch him finally be tested. He has a great background in freestyle that includes a Junior World silver medal. Is he ready?

Early Matches To Watch

Alex Dieringer vs His Draw

I have no idea where Dieringer will land in the bracket, so he could draw into Perry or Howe. No matter who he wrestles, it will be fun to watch.

Mark Hall vs His Draw

Mark Hall probably isn’t quite ready break into the top tier of this weight class, but I do think he can win against guys in the field. He won the Junior World Team spot with Logan Massa in the same bracket last year, who finished fourth at U.S. Senior Nationals. "Old guard vs. new guard" is always fun to watch. How deep of a run can Hall make?

The Pick

Jordan Burroughs over Andrew Howe, two matches to zero

[polldaddy poll="9375406"]

Olympic Team Trials Schedule

Saturday, April 9
Men’s freestyle (65 kg and 125 kg)
Women’s freestyle (58 kg, 63 kg and 69 kg)
Greco-Roman (59 kg, 66 kg, 85 kg and 98 kg)
8:00 a.m. – Doors open to Carver-Hawkeye Arena
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Preliminaries through Challenge Tournament finals
5:00 p.m. – Doors open to Carver-Hawkeye Arena
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Best two of three Championship Series

Sunday, April 10
Men’s freestyle (57 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg)
Women’s freestyle (48 kg, 53 kg, 75 kg)
Greco-Roman (75 kg and 130 kg)
8:00 a.m. – Doors open to Carver-Hawkeye Arena
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Preliminaries through Challenge Tournament finals
5:00 p.m. – Doors open to Carver-Hawkeye Arena
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Best two of three Championship Series.