2016 USAW Cadet and Junior National Championships

The Toughest Weight At Fargo?

The brackets haven't been drawn, and the entries haven't been finalized, but the early nominee for toughest Fargo weight goes to Fargo Junior 120.The Junior

Jul 16, 2016 by Christian Pyles

The brackets haven't been drawn, and the entries haven't been finalized, but the early nominee for toughest Fargo weight goes to Fargo Junior 120.

The Junior Freestyle tournament begins on Thursday morning and will run through Fargo's conclusion Saturday afternoon.

The Fargo 120 Contenders:

#2 Gavin Teasdale - The two time PA state champion is making the trip back to Fargo this Summer. The former Fargo Cadet champion will likely be the favorite on paper based on his past credentials and skill set. He made waves this Spring with a fantastic showing at UWW Junior Nationals where he made the finals after upsetting Oklahoma State Freshman Nick Piccininni. He has fantastic leg attacks, a lethal head pinch and tons of freestyle experience from his times on the Cadet World Teams. He sets a high bar, but he'll have to deliver to stand on top of the podium. I don't see him walking through this bracket unchallenged.

#2 Danny Vega - The Arizona native is ready to put the finishing touches on an outstanding high school career. Vega is a former Triple Crown winner who will be wrestling at Iowa State next year. He's a precise technician, but may or may not be a full sized 120. As big as Gavin is, I could see size being an issue.

Danny Vega puts his slickness on display at Dapper Dan

#7 Drew Mattin - Ohio's Mattin has been solid in all competition. He's notched some big wins in his career including a victory over 2-time Double Fargo Champ Roman Bravo-Young. Mattin has been in the finals of Fargo before and also was True 2nd UWW Cadet Trials.

#8 Brandon Courtney - Courtney will look to go back to back at Fargo Juniors. He won 113 last year, this field will have significantly more landmines than his bracket a year ago.

Courtney and Mattin's Fargo final from a year ago

#9 Paxton Rosen - Rosen is an Oklahoma State champ and a previous Fargo All American. He'll represent a strong contingent of Oklahoma wrestler that includes Jet Taylor and Dalton Duffield.

#9 Jack Wagner - Ok, I've got some super duper inside information here on Jack Wagner (alright, Willie told me this). He thinks Wagner is the sleeper of this tournament. He thinks he can make the finals and will be able to give Teasdale fits. He recently graduated high school and will be heading to the University of Iowa next year. We'll see if Willie's predictions ring true for the Iowa state champion.

Other Contenders
#13 Matt Parker
#15 Ian Timmins
#18 Jet Taylor
Anthony Pisciotta
Bryce West
Brenden Baker
Dalton Duffield
Colin Valdiviez
Jaxon Cole