The Cadet National tournament has given us some of the most exciting finals matches over the years.

Plenty of our big time stars clashed in hopes of claiming a spot on the World Team. As we inch closer to the first whistle of this year’s tournament we take a look back at our best match-ups of the UWW Cadet National Tournament from 2011 to 2015.

2015: Daton Fix vs Spencer Lee

Last year Daton Fix shocked us all when he defeated returning Cadet World Champ Spencer Lee in back-to-back matches to claim the spot at 55kg. Prior to them meeting at 55kg, the two also met in the finals at 50kg in 2013 where Lee handily took the match over Fix.

Check out matches one and two as Fix and Lee had everyone on the edge of their seat with every point scored.

2014: Nick Suriano vs Daton Fix

Before he shocked everyone by defeating Spencer Lee, Fix went down to the wire with Nick Suriano. Both guys put on an incredible defensive display, just like they did at WNO in the marathon match.

Watch as both guys show off their stingy defense to decide the 54kg spot.

2013: Mark Hall vs Bo Nickal

These two future teammates met in the finals in 2013 and it did not disappoint. In true Nickal fashion the reckless abandon was apparent in every point-scoring situation as he nearly pinned Hall early in the match. This one was certainly a match for the ages.

2012: Zain Retherford vs Bryce Brill

It took three periods to decide this match. Brill and Retherford battled hard with each guy getting the best of each other every period. Watch as Brill gives Retherford all he can handle.

2011: Adam Coon vs Ty Walz

This rivalry certainly runs deep and it has always been grueling. Coon and Walz fought hard to win the spot with the first period being decided on criteria.

Check out these two big men before they were NCAA stars.