Insider: The Big Show - Junior Freestyle Preview
Insider: The Big Show - Junior Freestyle Preview
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Insider: The Big Show - Junior Freestyle Preview
The grand finale. Junior Freestyle. Where placers go on to fantastic college careers and champions go down in history. Every weight is loaded and every weight will be a war.
Some weights are so deep, nationally ranked kids and returning All Americans will be out of the tournament on the first day.
This is Fargo.
*Note: The contender list was compiled from the entry list available. Additional entries and/or scratches are possible. Credentials are Greco-specific from past year unless noted.
100lbs - Entries: 26
Last Year’s Final: Tanner Rohweder (Iowa) over Carlos Fuentez (Illinois) Dec 1-0,2-1
Contenders:
Kirk Johansen (IL) - FILA 4th, Cadet 6th
Ty Lee (WI)
Hunter Marko (WI) - Cadet Champ
Zac McCauley (OH) - Cadet 7th
Dalton Roberts (MI) - Cadet 4th
Cole Rohan (OR)
Commentary: Hunter Marko was a double champ last year in cadets at 94lbs and should be considered the favorite here, though Roberts looked very strong in GR. He was 4th at 88 Cadets a year ago.
The next ‘tier’ includes McCauley, Lee, a GR AA on Tuesday, and Johansen who was the GR runner-up to Roberts.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Marko (WI) 2. Roberts (MI) 3. McCauley (OH) 4. Johansen (IL)
106lbs - Entries: 28
Last Year’s Final: Paul Mascarenas (New Mexico) over Nkosi Moody (Illinois) Dec 5-4,4-0
Contenders:
Paul Bianchi (WI)
Gage Branson (OH) - Cadet 4th
Joey Cisneros (CA)
Chris Cuccolo (NJ)
Carlos Fuentes (IL) - Returning Runner-Up
Brock George (UT) - Returning 6th
Luke Karam (PA) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Nick Lukanich (IL) - Cadet Runner-Up
Jacoby Peterson (OR)
Tanner Rowheder (IA) - Returning Champ
Miguel Silva (IL) - Cadet Champ
Brandon Staley (FL)
Clayton Stillwagon (MT)
Erik Zorilla (FL)
Commentary: Deep, deep group here. It’s rare to have 5 guys that have reached a Fargo final in one weight class. It’s rarer yet that it comes at such a low weight.
Rowheder beat Fuentes in the final at 100 last year. Silva won Cadet 100. Lukanich was a runner-up to Marko in Cadet 94. And Karam was a runner-up at 94 back in 2011.
To make things more interesting, Staley beat Cisneros at the buzzer in a wild GR final on Monday. So in total, there’s 7 guys who wrestled on the big stage.
In the end, I’m going with Karam. He’ll be big, and he’s beaten more ranked wrestlers than others have. I also like Cisneros’ tenacious style. This is your classic Fargo meatgrinder. Props to whoever runs the gauntlet here.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Karam (PA) 2. Cisneros (CA) 3. Staley (FL) 4. Silva (IL)
113lbs - Entries: 73
Last Year’s Final: Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) over Adrian Cordova (Colorado) Dec 2-0,6-0
Contenders:
Camden Bertucci (MI) - Cadet 8th
Anthony Bosco (IL)
Tyler Casamenti (NJ)
Anthony Cefolo (NJ)
Aaron Dick (MN)
Ryan Friedman (MD) - Cadet 8th
Nolan Hellickson (IA) - Cadet 3rd
Parker Howell (KS)
Darek Huff (CO)
Andrew Ibarra (CA)
Isaac Jimenez (TX) - FILA 5th
Christian Moody (OK)
Sean Nickall (CA) - Returning 7th
Elijah Oliver (TN)
Taylor Ortz (PA)
Ty Pelot (WI)
Skyler Petry (MN)
Brian Rossi (IL) - Cadet 7th
Tyler Schilling (OR)
Jake Schwarm (IA)
Josiah Seaton (KS)
Armando Torres (OH)
Doyle Trout (NE)
Adam Whitsell (MD)
Commentary: No shortage of contenders here, though there’s not a head-and-shoulders favorite.
Typically a 7th and 8th place doesn’t get you much love, but that’s what Rossi and Bertucci were last year at 106 Cadets in what was a bracket for the ages. Just to place in that weight was a huge accomplishment. Rossi has been wrestling especially well lately.
The other two guys I like don’t have much in the way of FS credentials, but their talent is undeniable. Give me Moody and Oliver to do some serious damage.
Darkhorses loom with Ohio’s Armando Torres and and Illinois’ Anthony Bosco.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Rossi (IL) 2. Moody (OK) 3. Oliver (TN) 4. Torres (OH)
120lbs - Entries: 96
Last Year’s Final: Nathan Tomasello (Ohio) over Zac Hall (Michigan) Dec 3-1,0-3,3-2
Contenders:
Kyle Akins (IL)
Jordan Allen (WV)
Austin Assad (OH) - Cadet 6th, FILA 4th
Ronnie Bresser (OR) - Returning 3rd
Sean Cannon (NV)
Casey Cobb (ID) - Returning 5th
James Flint (FL)
Dom Forys (PA)
AC Headlee (PA) - Cadet 4th
Alijah Jeffrey (IA) - Returning 8th
Cody Karns (NC)
Hunter Kelley (GA)
Jens Lantz (WI) - Cadet 7th
Kaz Onoo (IA) - Returning 4th
Jarred Oftedahl (MN) - Returning Champ, Western JR 4th
Josh Terao (HI) - Cadet 4th
Tommy Thorn (MN) - 2x Cadet WTM, Returning Champ
Cam Timok (VA)
Gannon Volk (MN) - 2011 Cadet WTM
Commentary: With multiple stops signs and World Team berths, Tommy Thorn leads a strong contingent for the title at 120. Thorn beat Bresser in the finals two years ago. Those two along with Terao, should be considered the three elite here.
Lantz has a win in folk over Thorn dating back a couple years ago. A kid on a hot streak is Timok. He could upset some folks.
Forys was an AA a couple of years ago, and is talented enough to put together a run. I also like Allen. He had a rough go of it in GR, and has limited FS experience, but he’s a scrapper. That will serve him well in the grind that is Fargo.
Count me as a HUGE fan of Austin Assad. Love his style. But I think he’ll be too undersized at 120.
Other players could include Sean Cannon, James Flint, and Kyle Akins, a FloNats placer that has been wrestling very well.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Thorn (MN) 2. Terao (HI) 3. Bresser (OR) 4. Lantz (WI)
126lbs - Entries: 89
Last Year’s Final: Cory Clark (Iowa) over Joey McKenna (New Jersey) Dec 0-6,5-3,2-2
Contenders:
Weston Basler (MO)
David Bavery (OH)
Blake Bosch (ND)
Jaydin Clayton (MO) - Cadet 7th
Jered Cortez (IL)
Sean Fausz (KY) - Cadet World Team Member
PT Garcia (CO)
Kevin Jack (CT)
Brandon James (IN) - Cadet 6th
Vincenzo Joseph (PA) - Cadet 5th
Cody Karstetter (OK)
Will Koll (NY)
Trevor Kringle (ND)
Jonathan Marmelejo (IL)
Bryce Meredith (WY) - Returning 5th
Lincoln Olson (MI) - Returning 7th, FILA 5th
Mason Pengilly (CA) - Returning 6th
Dante Rodriguez (NE)
Colton Schilling (OR)
Jordan Shearer (ND)
Noah Teaney (MO)
Nate Thomas (MN)
Nathan Tomasello (OH) - Returning Champ
Chaz Tucker (NJ) - Cadet Runner-Up
Anthony Tutolo (OH)
Tommy Walton (ND)
Deondre Wilson (IN)
Cub Yeager (OK)
Commentary: Yes, there’s a lot of names above. 95 entries and a ton of quality including both the defending champ (Tomasello) and the Cadet WTM (Fausz). I could write a book on this weight, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.
There’s also a ton of depth with 7 returning AA’s and a handful with Fargo medals in prior to 2012.
There are two guys in particular whose arc is pointing up and up. Pengilly has really become a national force at the JR level. And I promise you, you’ll all know who Jaydin Clayton is after this weekend.
I really like the grit of Vincenzo Joseph, but I’ll be reserved on him here. Going from 106 to 126 in a single year is tough to adjust to.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Tomasello (OH) 2. Cortez (IL) 3. Clayton (MO) 4. Pengilly (CA)
132lbs - Entries: 106
Last Year’s Final: Zain Retherford (Pennsylvania) over Zane Richards (Illinois) Dec 1-1,1-1
Contenders:
Colton Adams (NE)
Blake Beard (WA)
Ian Brown (PA)
Brian Burchett (WA)
Rodney Clevenger (MO)
Will Crisco (CT) - FILA 3rd
Matt Findlay (UT)
Anthony Giraldo (NJ)
Kyle Gliva (MN)
Gabe Grahek (WI)
Seth Gross (MN) - Cadet Champ
Zac Hall (MI) - Returning Runner-Up
Gary Wayne Harding (OK) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Mike Kemerer (PA) - Cadet 5th
Kent Lane (PA) - Cadet 8th
Keegan Moore (OK)
Jack Mutchnik (MD)
Michael Olson (KS) - Cadet 7th
Alex Rinaldi (NJ)
Jacob Rubio (TX) - Cadet 4th
Richie Screptock (OH) - Cadet 6th
Fredy Stroker (IA) - Cadet 5th
Hayden Tuma (ID) - Returning 3rd
Mark Voss (MN) - FILA 4th
Chris Walters (IA)
Cole Weaver (MI) - Cadet Runner-Up
Luke Wolfenberger (OK)
Commentary: With 13 All Americans, there’s going to be a lot of kids going home unhappy. Of course one talented kid will get to sat he won the stop sign in a brutal weight class.
The first ‘tier’ in my opinion, consists of a core of Hall, Gross, Stroker, Kemerer, Weaver, Tuma, Weaver and Adams. Not far behind them (at all) are guys like Giraldo and Rubio.
Stroker beat Adams on criteria at duals. Adams teched Moore (who beat Jo Jo Smith in state finals) at duals as well. Gross and Weaver split Cadet GR and FS finals last year. Harding was a runner-up to Pico two years ago and is coming off a very good dual series.
Hall and Tuma are the only ones that medalled in JR’s last year, and each took just one loss. Tuma lost to Quinton Murphy up at 138 and beat Anthony Ashnault in the 3rd place match. Hall lost in the finals at 120 to Tomasello.
In the end, it will come down to toughness. You have to have some grit to get through this and into the finals. The round robins on Friday night will be epic.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Tuma (ID) 2. Kemerer (PA) 3. Hall (MI) 4. Stroker (IA)
138lbs - Entries: 102
Last Year’s Final: Bryce Brill (Illinois) over Quinton Murphy (New York) TF 6-3,11-4
Contenders:
Kamal Abdulshakur (GA)
Jonce Blaylock (OK)
Andrew Crone (WI)
Colston DiBlasi (MO)
Patrick Duggan (PA) - Cadet Runner-Up
Ronnie Gentile (NJ) - Cadet 3rd
Nick Gil (IL) - Cadet 7th
Blaine Invernon (ID)
John Kenyon (ID) - Cadet 6th
Joey McKenna (NJ) - Returning Runner-Up, Cadet WTM, JR WTT 3rd
Ali Nasser (CA)
Aaron Pico (CA) - 2x Cadet Champ, Cadet World Team Member
Justin Oliver (MI)
Josh Reyes (OR)
Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (NY)
Luke Rowh (MN) - FILA 6th
Jo Jo Smith (OK) - Cadet Runner-Up
Tyler Smith (PA)
Logan Ryan (IA)
Jake Velarde (WA)
Brock Zacherl (PA)
Commentary: This weight could offer the showdown of the tournament. McKenna and Pico each have multiple stop signs, each made a Cadet World Team, and each are among the pound-for-pound best wrestlers in the country.
Two of my favorite kids to watch are also in this weight. Jo Jo Smith was a runner-up to McKenna’s teammate Kolodzik last year. And Ali Nasser has been on a tear. He’s an outgoing SR who is uncommited to a college. I doubt he will be after Fargo.
Also pay attention to Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer. He’s a little inconsistent, but he can knock off the best at any given time.
It will also be interesting to see how two PA boys, Smith and Zacherl do. They’re both nationally ranked, but don’t have too much FS experience.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Pico (CA) 2. McKenna (NJ) 3. Smith (OK) 4. Duggan (PA)
145lbs - Entries: 103
Last Year’s Final: Anthony Collica (Ohio) over Austin Eads (Missouri) Dec 3-3,3-0,7-0
Contenders:
Branson Ashworth (UT)
Mitch Bengston (MN)
Blayne Briceno (CA)
Daniel Cartegena (TX)
Anthony Collica (OH) - Returning Champ
Kevin Cooper (KY)
Gary Dinmore (NJ)
Phil Downing (CO)
Isaac Dulgarian (KS)
Austin Eads (MO) - Returning Runner-Up
Tommy Forte (IN)
Joey Grable (WA)
Jared Johnshoy (ID)
Coltan Langaniere (MN)
Daniel Lewis (MO)
Kenny Martin (NE)
Matt Moody (GA)
Brooks Robinson (UT)
Jared Scharenbrock (WI)
Casey Sparkman (OH)
Brock Wingbermeuhl (MO)
Commentary: Good depth here with a host of talent that have the ability to join the All American club. But there’s not the top echelon of guys we see at other weights.
Both finalists from last year are back at the same weight in Collica and Eads, who both had losses in their path to the finals in ’12.
I’d consider them among the frontrunners again with outgoing SR Bengston and SR-to-be Lewis in contention for top honors. Keep your eyes peeled on Downing, Cooper, and Sparkman, and Forte.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Collica (OH) 2. Bengston (MN) 3. Eads (MO) 4. Lewis (MO)
152lbs - Entries: 88
Last Year’s Final: Josh Llopez (Maryland) over Yoanse Mejia (Florida) Dec 1-0,2-1
Contenders:
Jack Bass (VA) - Returning 4th
Ryan Blees (ND)
Logan Breitenbach (MD)
Jon Jay Chavez (ID)
Jack Clark (NJ) - 2011 Cadet 3rd
Vinny Corsaro (IN)
Weston Dobler (ND) - FILA 5th
Zach Kelly (PA) - Cadet 5th
Grant Leeth (MO) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Darick Lapaglia (MO) - Returning 7th
Seth Leigel (WI) - Returning 5th
Tyler Mann (AR) - Cadet 6th, FILA 6th
Taylor Misuna (VA)
Jake Short (MN) - Returning 3rd
Mack Short (MN) - Cadet 7th
Jacobe Smith (OK) - Cadet 6th
Brandon Sorenson (IA) - Returning 6th
Jake Spengler (FL)
Garrett Sutton (IL)
Keilan Torres (OK) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Anthony Valencia (CA) - Cadet Champ, FILA 3rd
Reed Van Anrooy (OR)
Dustin Williams (KS)
Commentary: Two notable injuries: both Grant Lamont, last year’s GR champ and Bryce Brill, last year’s FS champ, are out. But the road is still ridiculous. 14 former All American’s are in the field including 6 who have seen the raised platform.
I’d consider Jake Short and Brandon Sorenson the leaders, at least on paper. In a tournament this deep though, anything can happen. You’ll have to string together tough, hard fought bouts. Who has the grit to get it done?
I’ll let my picks do the talking. I’m probably higher on Van Anrooy and Blees than most.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Blees (ND) 2. Short (MN) 3. Sorenson (IA) 4. Van Anrooy (OR)
160lbs - Entries: 85
Last Year’s Final: Isaiah Martinez (California) over Nick Wanzek (Minnesota) Dec 4-3,0-6,3-2
Contenders:
Kimball Bastian (UT) - Cadet Runner-Up
Andrew Fogarty (MN)
Matt Gancayo (MD)
Kenny Hughes (IN)
Robert Janis (VA)
Chris Koo (NY)
Seth Monty (AZ)
Logan Marcicki (MI)
Paden Moore (MN)
Brian Murphy (IL) - Returning 7th
Grant Nehring (MN)
Calvin Ochs (KS)
Burke Paddock (NY)
Bobby Reece (WA) - Cadet 7th
Ryan Preisch (PA)
Markus Scheidel (OH)
Troy Seymour (NY)
Ethan Tursini (AZ) - Cadet 3rd
Chris Weiler (PA) - Cadet 7th, FILA 6th
Commentary: A lot like 145 where there is quality depth without the front-line stars.
For my money, give me Brian Murphy at the top. He’ll be a little undersized, but he’s THAT good.
One thing, collectively, that this group lacks is consistency. That being the case, it’s really difficult to make projections. It could go in a million ways. For instance, Paddock and Bastian, talent-wise, are good enough to be at the top. But can they put it all together for 7 or 8 matches without hitting a pothole?
Also keep an eye on Koo, who is vastly underrated nationally.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Murphy (IL) 2. Paddock (IA) 3. Preisch (PA) 4. Bastian (UT)
170lbs - Entries: 81
Last Year’s Final: Kyle Crutchmer (Oklahoma) over Micah Barnes (Minnesota) Dec 1-0,6-0
Contenders:
Elliot Antler (CT)
Tyler Askey (GA)
Kyle Bateman (OR)
Patrick Coover (PA)
Lance Dixon (OK)
Nick Feigner (CA)
Andrew Garcia (MI)
Jared Johnson (KS)
Davonte Mahomes (IL)
Xavier Montalvo (IL) - Cadet 4th, FILA 5th
Jacob Morrissey (WI)
Bo Nickal (TX) - Cadet Champ, Cadet World Team Member
TJ OHara (MN) - Cadet 3rd
Bryce Pappas (MD)
Adis Radoncic (NY)
Chandler Rogers (WA) - Cadet Runner-Up, FILA 3rd
Daniel Vitale (MN) - Cadet 5th
Nick Wanzek (MN) - Returning Runner-Up
Commentary: Several truly elite level guys at this weight make it interesting at the top.
Rogers, Nickal, Wanzek, Johnson, Mahomes, and Montalvo have all wrestled on the raised platform. And Tyler Askey is a juggernaut.
Nickal won the FILA bracket and the Cadet World Team spot over Rogers and Mark Hall in Akron earlier this year. Rogers just breezed his way to the GR title.
There isn’t a group of four I have more confidence in to occupy the top spots than this group. The question is: in what order?
Willie’s Picks: 1. Nickal (TX) 2. Rogers (WA) 3. Wanzek (MN) 4. Askey (GA)
182lbs - Entries: 70
Last Year’s Final: Jordan Rogers (Washington) over Glenn Climmons (Georgia) Dec 5-2,2-0
Contenders:
Domenic Abounader (OH) - 2011 Cadet 3rd
Ryan Christensen (WA) - Cadet Champ
Nick Corba (OH)
Andrew Dixon (OK) - Returning 8th
Terrell Fields (PA)
Dan Hawkins (MD)
Preston Lehmann (ND)
Austin McCloskey (IN)
Troy Murtha (MD)
Jose Ortiz (PA)
Michael Pixley (MO) - Cadet Champ
Armani Robinson (OH) - Cadet 6th, FILA 5th
Aaron Rothwell (WI) - 2011 AA
Jesse Stephanos (FL)
Jake Stilling (WI)
Jake Turk (IL)
Daick Vancura (MN)
Tyler Wildmo (MI)
Dylan Wisman (VA)
Commentary: Three absolute studs highlight the field here. Abounader probably should have been a finalist in his last trip to Fargo in 2011. Christensen and Pixley won titles at 170 and 182, respectively, in Cadets last year.
Lehmann should be considered his own tier within the dynamics of this weight. If there’s anyone that can usurp the big three here, it’s him.
Then you have guys on the cusp, like Murtha, Rothwell, and Corba.
Three guys that have been wrestling well that I want to take a look at are McCloskey, Stephanos, and Stilling. And we’ll see if Andrew Dixon makes the jump.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Abounader (OH) 2. Christensen (WA) 3. Pixley 4. Lehmann (ND)
195lbs - Entries: 55
Last Year’s Final: Sam Brooks (Illinois) over Broc Berge (Minnesota) Fall 3-1,0:32
Contenders:
Will Balow (MN)
Joel Dixon (OK)
Bryce Fisher (IA)
Micah Gill (UT)
Nezar Haddad (PA)
Marcus Harrington (IA)
Jared Haught (WV)
Logan Kirby (MD)
Andre Lee (IL)
Eugene Martin (SD)
Chance McClure (GA)
Ralph Normandia (NJ)
Kyle Pope (CA)
Mitch Sliga (IN) - 2011 and 2010 Cadet Champ
Jeramy Sweany (CA)
Allen Turcinhodzic (PA)
Matt Welch (MT)
Derek White (OK)
Reggie Williams (NY)
Commentary: After not losing a match in Fargo for two years, in 2012 Mitch Sliga lost his opening round bout in a brutal weight class and with a brutal draw. He’s back and is by far the class of the field. In fact there is no other Freestyle All American in the bunch.
Though that’s not to say there isn’t talent. McClure is wrestling at an extremely high level right now and coming off a GR title. And I really like the two Californians to contend here. Sweany and Pope will both play a factor.
Look for Haddad, Haugh, and Harrington to do some damage. And then there’s Dixon, who is always dangerous.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Sliga (IN) 2. McClure (GA) 3. Sweany (CA) 4. Pope (CA)
220lbs - Entries: 53
Last Year’s Final: J`Den Cox (Missouri) over Michael Swider (Illinois) Dec 4-0,5-0
Contenders:
Ricky Briggs (MN)
Cory Daniel (MD)
Kacee Hutchinson (NC)
Joey Kaufman (AL)
Parker Knapp (OH)
Fletcher Miller (IN)
Roy Nash (UT) - Cadet Champ, FILA 3rd
Matt Olausen (MD) - Cadet 7th
Tommy Peterson (MN)
Edgar Ruano (IL)
Kaleb Staack (IA)
Jake Temple (PA)
Connor Tolley (IN) - Fila Runner-Up, Cadet 5th
Commentary: A little detail most people probably didn’t catch was Tolley beating Nash for True 2nd at FILA’s. That being said, I’ll take Nash this go round.
Look for this to be the coming out party for Fletcher Miller, another talented upperweight from Indiana, who’s really been churning them out lately.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Nash (UT) 2. Tolley (IN) 3. Miller (IN) 4. Kaufman (AL)
HWT - Entries: 43
Last Year’s Final: Adam Coon (Michigan) over Donte Winfield (Indiana) Dec 1-0,1-0
Contenders:
Nathan Butler (KS)
Robert Barrios (CA)
Wes Bernard (IN)
Adam Coon (MI) - Returning Champ, 2011 Cadet World Champion
Michael Hobbs (IL)
Adarios Jones (IL)
Tate Orndorff (WA)
Jake Scanlan (IA) - Returning 4th
Newton Smerchek (WI)
Cordell Soileau (VA) - FILA 3rd
Wyatt Spears (OR) - Cadet Champ
Sam Stoll (MN) - 2011 Cadet Champ
Jesse Webb (AL)
Zach Wood (MI)
Commentary: Heavyweight at Fargo is always a good bracket and this year is no exception. Coon and Stoll are among the the nation’s elite. They’ll be chased by solid contenders Butler, Bernard, Smerchek, and Scanlan.
Spears won both styles of Cadets last year. Jesse Webb isn’t freestyle savvy, but he’s a grinder. I’d put money on him to place.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Coon (MI) 2. Stoll (MN) 3. Butler (KS) 4. Bernard (IN)
The grand finale. Junior Freestyle. Where placers go on to fantastic college careers and champions go down in history. Every weight is loaded and every weight will be a war.
Some weights are so deep, nationally ranked kids and returning All Americans will be out of the tournament on the first day.
This is Fargo.
*Note: The contender list was compiled from the entry list available. Additional entries and/or scratches are possible. Credentials are Greco-specific from past year unless noted.
100lbs - Entries: 26
Last Year’s Final: Tanner Rohweder (Iowa) over Carlos Fuentez (Illinois) Dec 1-0,2-1
Contenders:
Kirk Johansen (IL) - FILA 4th, Cadet 6th
Ty Lee (WI)
Hunter Marko (WI) - Cadet Champ
Zac McCauley (OH) - Cadet 7th
Dalton Roberts (MI) - Cadet 4th
Cole Rohan (OR)
Commentary: Hunter Marko was a double champ last year in cadets at 94lbs and should be considered the favorite here, though Roberts looked very strong in GR. He was 4th at 88 Cadets a year ago.
The next ‘tier’ includes McCauley, Lee, a GR AA on Tuesday, and Johansen who was the GR runner-up to Roberts.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Marko (WI) 2. Roberts (MI) 3. McCauley (OH) 4. Johansen (IL)
106lbs - Entries: 28
Last Year’s Final: Paul Mascarenas (New Mexico) over Nkosi Moody (Illinois) Dec 5-4,4-0
Contenders:
Paul Bianchi (WI)
Gage Branson (OH) - Cadet 4th
Joey Cisneros (CA)
Chris Cuccolo (NJ)
Carlos Fuentes (IL) - Returning Runner-Up
Brock George (UT) - Returning 6th
Luke Karam (PA) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Nick Lukanich (IL) - Cadet Runner-Up
Jacoby Peterson (OR)
Tanner Rowheder (IA) - Returning Champ
Miguel Silva (IL) - Cadet Champ
Brandon Staley (FL)
Clayton Stillwagon (MT)
Erik Zorilla (FL)
Commentary: Deep, deep group here. It’s rare to have 5 guys that have reached a Fargo final in one weight class. It’s rarer yet that it comes at such a low weight.
Rowheder beat Fuentes in the final at 100 last year. Silva won Cadet 100. Lukanich was a runner-up to Marko in Cadet 94. And Karam was a runner-up at 94 back in 2011.
To make things more interesting, Staley beat Cisneros at the buzzer in a wild GR final on Monday. So in total, there’s 7 guys who wrestled on the big stage.
In the end, I’m going with Karam. He’ll be big, and he’s beaten more ranked wrestlers than others have. I also like Cisneros’ tenacious style. This is your classic Fargo meatgrinder. Props to whoever runs the gauntlet here.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Karam (PA) 2. Cisneros (CA) 3. Staley (FL) 4. Silva (IL)
113lbs - Entries: 73
Last Year’s Final: Tommy Thorn (Minnesota) over Adrian Cordova (Colorado) Dec 2-0,6-0
Contenders:
Camden Bertucci (MI) - Cadet 8th
Anthony Bosco (IL)
Tyler Casamenti (NJ)
Anthony Cefolo (NJ)
Aaron Dick (MN)
Ryan Friedman (MD) - Cadet 8th
Nolan Hellickson (IA) - Cadet 3rd
Parker Howell (KS)
Darek Huff (CO)
Andrew Ibarra (CA)
Isaac Jimenez (TX) - FILA 5th
Christian Moody (OK)
Sean Nickall (CA) - Returning 7th
Elijah Oliver (TN)
Taylor Ortz (PA)
Ty Pelot (WI)
Skyler Petry (MN)
Brian Rossi (IL) - Cadet 7th
Tyler Schilling (OR)
Jake Schwarm (IA)
Josiah Seaton (KS)
Armando Torres (OH)
Doyle Trout (NE)
Adam Whitsell (MD)
Commentary: No shortage of contenders here, though there’s not a head-and-shoulders favorite.
Typically a 7th and 8th place doesn’t get you much love, but that’s what Rossi and Bertucci were last year at 106 Cadets in what was a bracket for the ages. Just to place in that weight was a huge accomplishment. Rossi has been wrestling especially well lately.
The other two guys I like don’t have much in the way of FS credentials, but their talent is undeniable. Give me Moody and Oliver to do some serious damage.
Darkhorses loom with Ohio’s Armando Torres and and Illinois’ Anthony Bosco.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Rossi (IL) 2. Moody (OK) 3. Oliver (TN) 4. Torres (OH)
120lbs - Entries: 96
Last Year’s Final: Nathan Tomasello (Ohio) over Zac Hall (Michigan) Dec 3-1,0-3,3-2
Contenders:
Kyle Akins (IL)
Jordan Allen (WV)
Austin Assad (OH) - Cadet 6th, FILA 4th
Ronnie Bresser (OR) - Returning 3rd
Sean Cannon (NV)
Casey Cobb (ID) - Returning 5th
James Flint (FL)
Dom Forys (PA)
AC Headlee (PA) - Cadet 4th
Alijah Jeffrey (IA) - Returning 8th
Cody Karns (NC)
Hunter Kelley (GA)
Jens Lantz (WI) - Cadet 7th
Kaz Onoo (IA) - Returning 4th
Jarred Oftedahl (MN) - Returning Champ, Western JR 4th
Josh Terao (HI) - Cadet 4th
Tommy Thorn (MN) - 2x Cadet WTM, Returning Champ
Cam Timok (VA)
Gannon Volk (MN) - 2011 Cadet WTM
Commentary: With multiple stops signs and World Team berths, Tommy Thorn leads a strong contingent for the title at 120. Thorn beat Bresser in the finals two years ago. Those two along with Terao, should be considered the three elite here.
Lantz has a win in folk over Thorn dating back a couple years ago. A kid on a hot streak is Timok. He could upset some folks.
Forys was an AA a couple of years ago, and is talented enough to put together a run. I also like Allen. He had a rough go of it in GR, and has limited FS experience, but he’s a scrapper. That will serve him well in the grind that is Fargo.
Count me as a HUGE fan of Austin Assad. Love his style. But I think he’ll be too undersized at 120.
Other players could include Sean Cannon, James Flint, and Kyle Akins, a FloNats placer that has been wrestling very well.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Thorn (MN) 2. Terao (HI) 3. Bresser (OR) 4. Lantz (WI)
126lbs - Entries: 89
Last Year’s Final: Cory Clark (Iowa) over Joey McKenna (New Jersey) Dec 0-6,5-3,2-2
Contenders:
Weston Basler (MO)
David Bavery (OH)
Blake Bosch (ND)
Jaydin Clayton (MO) - Cadet 7th
Jered Cortez (IL)
Sean Fausz (KY) - Cadet World Team Member
PT Garcia (CO)
Kevin Jack (CT)
Brandon James (IN) - Cadet 6th
Vincenzo Joseph (PA) - Cadet 5th
Cody Karstetter (OK)
Will Koll (NY)
Trevor Kringle (ND)
Jonathan Marmelejo (IL)
Bryce Meredith (WY) - Returning 5th
Lincoln Olson (MI) - Returning 7th, FILA 5th
Mason Pengilly (CA) - Returning 6th
Dante Rodriguez (NE)
Colton Schilling (OR)
Jordan Shearer (ND)
Noah Teaney (MO)
Nate Thomas (MN)
Nathan Tomasello (OH) - Returning Champ
Chaz Tucker (NJ) - Cadet Runner-Up
Anthony Tutolo (OH)
Tommy Walton (ND)
Deondre Wilson (IN)
Cub Yeager (OK)
Commentary: Yes, there’s a lot of names above. 95 entries and a ton of quality including both the defending champ (Tomasello) and the Cadet WTM (Fausz). I could write a book on this weight, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet.
There’s also a ton of depth with 7 returning AA’s and a handful with Fargo medals in prior to 2012.
There are two guys in particular whose arc is pointing up and up. Pengilly has really become a national force at the JR level. And I promise you, you’ll all know who Jaydin Clayton is after this weekend.
I really like the grit of Vincenzo Joseph, but I’ll be reserved on him here. Going from 106 to 126 in a single year is tough to adjust to.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Tomasello (OH) 2. Cortez (IL) 3. Clayton (MO) 4. Pengilly (CA)
132lbs - Entries: 106
Last Year’s Final: Zain Retherford (Pennsylvania) over Zane Richards (Illinois) Dec 1-1,1-1
Contenders:
Colton Adams (NE)
Blake Beard (WA)
Ian Brown (PA)
Brian Burchett (WA)
Rodney Clevenger (MO)
Will Crisco (CT) - FILA 3rd
Matt Findlay (UT)
Anthony Giraldo (NJ)
Kyle Gliva (MN)
Gabe Grahek (WI)
Seth Gross (MN) - Cadet Champ
Zac Hall (MI) - Returning Runner-Up
Gary Wayne Harding (OK) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Mike Kemerer (PA) - Cadet 5th
Kent Lane (PA) - Cadet 8th
Keegan Moore (OK)
Jack Mutchnik (MD)
Michael Olson (KS) - Cadet 7th
Alex Rinaldi (NJ)
Jacob Rubio (TX) - Cadet 4th
Richie Screptock (OH) - Cadet 6th
Fredy Stroker (IA) - Cadet 5th
Hayden Tuma (ID) - Returning 3rd
Mark Voss (MN) - FILA 4th
Chris Walters (IA)
Cole Weaver (MI) - Cadet Runner-Up
Luke Wolfenberger (OK)
Commentary: With 13 All Americans, there’s going to be a lot of kids going home unhappy. Of course one talented kid will get to sat he won the stop sign in a brutal weight class.
The first ‘tier’ in my opinion, consists of a core of Hall, Gross, Stroker, Kemerer, Weaver, Tuma, Weaver and Adams. Not far behind them (at all) are guys like Giraldo and Rubio.
Stroker beat Adams on criteria at duals. Adams teched Moore (who beat Jo Jo Smith in state finals) at duals as well. Gross and Weaver split Cadet GR and FS finals last year. Harding was a runner-up to Pico two years ago and is coming off a very good dual series.
Hall and Tuma are the only ones that medalled in JR’s last year, and each took just one loss. Tuma lost to Quinton Murphy up at 138 and beat Anthony Ashnault in the 3rd place match. Hall lost in the finals at 120 to Tomasello.
In the end, it will come down to toughness. You have to have some grit to get through this and into the finals. The round robins on Friday night will be epic.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Tuma (ID) 2. Kemerer (PA) 3. Hall (MI) 4. Stroker (IA)
138lbs - Entries: 102
Last Year’s Final: Bryce Brill (Illinois) over Quinton Murphy (New York) TF 6-3,11-4
Contenders:
Kamal Abdulshakur (GA)
Jonce Blaylock (OK)
Andrew Crone (WI)
Colston DiBlasi (MO)
Patrick Duggan (PA) - Cadet Runner-Up
Ronnie Gentile (NJ) - Cadet 3rd
Nick Gil (IL) - Cadet 7th
Blaine Invernon (ID)
John Kenyon (ID) - Cadet 6th
Joey McKenna (NJ) - Returning Runner-Up, Cadet WTM, JR WTT 3rd
Ali Nasser (CA)
Aaron Pico (CA) - 2x Cadet Champ, Cadet World Team Member
Justin Oliver (MI)
Josh Reyes (OR)
Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (NY)
Luke Rowh (MN) - FILA 6th
Jo Jo Smith (OK) - Cadet Runner-Up
Tyler Smith (PA)
Logan Ryan (IA)
Jake Velarde (WA)
Brock Zacherl (PA)
Commentary: This weight could offer the showdown of the tournament. McKenna and Pico each have multiple stop signs, each made a Cadet World Team, and each are among the pound-for-pound best wrestlers in the country.
Two of my favorite kids to watch are also in this weight. Jo Jo Smith was a runner-up to McKenna’s teammate Kolodzik last year. And Ali Nasser has been on a tear. He’s an outgoing SR who is uncommited to a college. I doubt he will be after Fargo.
Also pay attention to Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer. He’s a little inconsistent, but he can knock off the best at any given time.
It will also be interesting to see how two PA boys, Smith and Zacherl do. They’re both nationally ranked, but don’t have too much FS experience.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Pico (CA) 2. McKenna (NJ) 3. Smith (OK) 4. Duggan (PA)
145lbs - Entries: 103
Last Year’s Final: Anthony Collica (Ohio) over Austin Eads (Missouri) Dec 3-3,3-0,7-0
Contenders:
Branson Ashworth (UT)
Mitch Bengston (MN)
Blayne Briceno (CA)
Daniel Cartegena (TX)
Anthony Collica (OH) - Returning Champ
Kevin Cooper (KY)
Gary Dinmore (NJ)
Phil Downing (CO)
Isaac Dulgarian (KS)
Austin Eads (MO) - Returning Runner-Up
Tommy Forte (IN)
Joey Grable (WA)
Jared Johnshoy (ID)
Coltan Langaniere (MN)
Daniel Lewis (MO)
Kenny Martin (NE)
Matt Moody (GA)
Brooks Robinson (UT)
Jared Scharenbrock (WI)
Casey Sparkman (OH)
Brock Wingbermeuhl (MO)
Commentary: Good depth here with a host of talent that have the ability to join the All American club. But there’s not the top echelon of guys we see at other weights.
Both finalists from last year are back at the same weight in Collica and Eads, who both had losses in their path to the finals in ’12.
I’d consider them among the frontrunners again with outgoing SR Bengston and SR-to-be Lewis in contention for top honors. Keep your eyes peeled on Downing, Cooper, and Sparkman, and Forte.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Collica (OH) 2. Bengston (MN) 3. Eads (MO) 4. Lewis (MO)
152lbs - Entries: 88
Last Year’s Final: Josh Llopez (Maryland) over Yoanse Mejia (Florida) Dec 1-0,2-1
Contenders:
Jack Bass (VA) - Returning 4th
Ryan Blees (ND)
Logan Breitenbach (MD)
Jon Jay Chavez (ID)
Jack Clark (NJ) - 2011 Cadet 3rd
Vinny Corsaro (IN)
Weston Dobler (ND) - FILA 5th
Zach Kelly (PA) - Cadet 5th
Grant Leeth (MO) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Darick Lapaglia (MO) - Returning 7th
Seth Leigel (WI) - Returning 5th
Tyler Mann (AR) - Cadet 6th, FILA 6th
Taylor Misuna (VA)
Jake Short (MN) - Returning 3rd
Mack Short (MN) - Cadet 7th
Jacobe Smith (OK) - Cadet 6th
Brandon Sorenson (IA) - Returning 6th
Jake Spengler (FL)
Garrett Sutton (IL)
Keilan Torres (OK) - 2011 Cadet Runner-Up
Anthony Valencia (CA) - Cadet Champ, FILA 3rd
Reed Van Anrooy (OR)
Dustin Williams (KS)
Commentary: Two notable injuries: both Grant Lamont, last year’s GR champ and Bryce Brill, last year’s FS champ, are out. But the road is still ridiculous. 14 former All American’s are in the field including 6 who have seen the raised platform.
I’d consider Jake Short and Brandon Sorenson the leaders, at least on paper. In a tournament this deep though, anything can happen. You’ll have to string together tough, hard fought bouts. Who has the grit to get it done?
I’ll let my picks do the talking. I’m probably higher on Van Anrooy and Blees than most.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Blees (ND) 2. Short (MN) 3. Sorenson (IA) 4. Van Anrooy (OR)
160lbs - Entries: 85
Last Year’s Final: Isaiah Martinez (California) over Nick Wanzek (Minnesota) Dec 4-3,0-6,3-2
Contenders:
Kimball Bastian (UT) - Cadet Runner-Up
Andrew Fogarty (MN)
Matt Gancayo (MD)
Kenny Hughes (IN)
Robert Janis (VA)
Chris Koo (NY)
Seth Monty (AZ)
Logan Marcicki (MI)
Paden Moore (MN)
Brian Murphy (IL) - Returning 7th
Grant Nehring (MN)
Calvin Ochs (KS)
Burke Paddock (NY)
Bobby Reece (WA) - Cadet 7th
Ryan Preisch (PA)
Markus Scheidel (OH)
Troy Seymour (NY)
Ethan Tursini (AZ) - Cadet 3rd
Chris Weiler (PA) - Cadet 7th, FILA 6th
Commentary: A lot like 145 where there is quality depth without the front-line stars.
For my money, give me Brian Murphy at the top. He’ll be a little undersized, but he’s THAT good.
One thing, collectively, that this group lacks is consistency. That being the case, it’s really difficult to make projections. It could go in a million ways. For instance, Paddock and Bastian, talent-wise, are good enough to be at the top. But can they put it all together for 7 or 8 matches without hitting a pothole?
Also keep an eye on Koo, who is vastly underrated nationally.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Murphy (IL) 2. Paddock (IA) 3. Preisch (PA) 4. Bastian (UT)
170lbs - Entries: 81
Last Year’s Final: Kyle Crutchmer (Oklahoma) over Micah Barnes (Minnesota) Dec 1-0,6-0
Contenders:
Elliot Antler (CT)
Tyler Askey (GA)
Kyle Bateman (OR)
Patrick Coover (PA)
Lance Dixon (OK)
Nick Feigner (CA)
Andrew Garcia (MI)
Jared Johnson (KS)
Davonte Mahomes (IL)
Xavier Montalvo (IL) - Cadet 4th, FILA 5th
Jacob Morrissey (WI)
Bo Nickal (TX) - Cadet Champ, Cadet World Team Member
TJ OHara (MN) - Cadet 3rd
Bryce Pappas (MD)
Adis Radoncic (NY)
Chandler Rogers (WA) - Cadet Runner-Up, FILA 3rd
Daniel Vitale (MN) - Cadet 5th
Nick Wanzek (MN) - Returning Runner-Up
Commentary: Several truly elite level guys at this weight make it interesting at the top.
Rogers, Nickal, Wanzek, Johnson, Mahomes, and Montalvo have all wrestled on the raised platform. And Tyler Askey is a juggernaut.
Nickal won the FILA bracket and the Cadet World Team spot over Rogers and Mark Hall in Akron earlier this year. Rogers just breezed his way to the GR title.
There isn’t a group of four I have more confidence in to occupy the top spots than this group. The question is: in what order?
Willie’s Picks: 1. Nickal (TX) 2. Rogers (WA) 3. Wanzek (MN) 4. Askey (GA)
182lbs - Entries: 70
Last Year’s Final: Jordan Rogers (Washington) over Glenn Climmons (Georgia) Dec 5-2,2-0
Contenders:
Domenic Abounader (OH) - 2011 Cadet 3rd
Ryan Christensen (WA) - Cadet Champ
Nick Corba (OH)
Andrew Dixon (OK) - Returning 8th
Terrell Fields (PA)
Dan Hawkins (MD)
Preston Lehmann (ND)
Austin McCloskey (IN)
Troy Murtha (MD)
Jose Ortiz (PA)
Michael Pixley (MO) - Cadet Champ
Armani Robinson (OH) - Cadet 6th, FILA 5th
Aaron Rothwell (WI) - 2011 AA
Jesse Stephanos (FL)
Jake Stilling (WI)
Jake Turk (IL)
Daick Vancura (MN)
Tyler Wildmo (MI)
Dylan Wisman (VA)
Commentary: Three absolute studs highlight the field here. Abounader probably should have been a finalist in his last trip to Fargo in 2011. Christensen and Pixley won titles at 170 and 182, respectively, in Cadets last year.
Lehmann should be considered his own tier within the dynamics of this weight. If there’s anyone that can usurp the big three here, it’s him.
Then you have guys on the cusp, like Murtha, Rothwell, and Corba.
Three guys that have been wrestling well that I want to take a look at are McCloskey, Stephanos, and Stilling. And we’ll see if Andrew Dixon makes the jump.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Abounader (OH) 2. Christensen (WA) 3. Pixley 4. Lehmann (ND)
195lbs - Entries: 55
Last Year’s Final: Sam Brooks (Illinois) over Broc Berge (Minnesota) Fall 3-1,0:32
Contenders:
Will Balow (MN)
Joel Dixon (OK)
Bryce Fisher (IA)
Micah Gill (UT)
Nezar Haddad (PA)
Marcus Harrington (IA)
Jared Haught (WV)
Logan Kirby (MD)
Andre Lee (IL)
Eugene Martin (SD)
Chance McClure (GA)
Ralph Normandia (NJ)
Kyle Pope (CA)
Mitch Sliga (IN) - 2011 and 2010 Cadet Champ
Jeramy Sweany (CA)
Allen Turcinhodzic (PA)
Matt Welch (MT)
Derek White (OK)
Reggie Williams (NY)
Commentary: After not losing a match in Fargo for two years, in 2012 Mitch Sliga lost his opening round bout in a brutal weight class and with a brutal draw. He’s back and is by far the class of the field. In fact there is no other Freestyle All American in the bunch.
Though that’s not to say there isn’t talent. McClure is wrestling at an extremely high level right now and coming off a GR title. And I really like the two Californians to contend here. Sweany and Pope will both play a factor.
Look for Haddad, Haugh, and Harrington to do some damage. And then there’s Dixon, who is always dangerous.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Sliga (IN) 2. McClure (GA) 3. Sweany (CA) 4. Pope (CA)
220lbs - Entries: 53
Last Year’s Final: J`Den Cox (Missouri) over Michael Swider (Illinois) Dec 4-0,5-0
Contenders:
Ricky Briggs (MN)
Cory Daniel (MD)
Kacee Hutchinson (NC)
Joey Kaufman (AL)
Parker Knapp (OH)
Fletcher Miller (IN)
Roy Nash (UT) - Cadet Champ, FILA 3rd
Matt Olausen (MD) - Cadet 7th
Tommy Peterson (MN)
Edgar Ruano (IL)
Kaleb Staack (IA)
Jake Temple (PA)
Connor Tolley (IN) - Fila Runner-Up, Cadet 5th
Commentary: A little detail most people probably didn’t catch was Tolley beating Nash for True 2nd at FILA’s. That being said, I’ll take Nash this go round.
Look for this to be the coming out party for Fletcher Miller, another talented upperweight from Indiana, who’s really been churning them out lately.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Nash (UT) 2. Tolley (IN) 3. Miller (IN) 4. Kaufman (AL)
HWT - Entries: 43
Last Year’s Final: Adam Coon (Michigan) over Donte Winfield (Indiana) Dec 1-0,1-0
Contenders:
Nathan Butler (KS)
Robert Barrios (CA)
Wes Bernard (IN)
Adam Coon (MI) - Returning Champ, 2011 Cadet World Champion
Michael Hobbs (IL)
Adarios Jones (IL)
Tate Orndorff (WA)
Jake Scanlan (IA) - Returning 4th
Newton Smerchek (WI)
Cordell Soileau (VA) - FILA 3rd
Wyatt Spears (OR) - Cadet Champ
Sam Stoll (MN) - 2011 Cadet Champ
Jesse Webb (AL)
Zach Wood (MI)
Commentary: Heavyweight at Fargo is always a good bracket and this year is no exception. Coon and Stoll are among the the nation’s elite. They’ll be chased by solid contenders Butler, Bernard, Smerchek, and Scanlan.
Spears won both styles of Cadets last year. Jesse Webb isn’t freestyle savvy, but he’s a grinder. I’d put money on him to place.
Willie’s Picks: 1. Coon (MI) 2. Stoll (MN) 3. Butler (KS) 4. Bernard (IN)
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