2015 ASICS Junior-Cadet National Championships

2015 Junior National Freestyle Preview

Jul 21, 2015 by Ryan Holmes

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Alright folks. It's time for the grand daddy.

Say what you want about any other tournament, those who win a Fargo Junior Freestyle title go down in high school wrestling lore.

It's the Super Bowl of High School wrestling and below we give you a list of all the contenders, a sampling of their accomplishment, and notes on head-to-heads, style, and other commentary.

Have fun reading up, and don't miss the freestyle action. Cadet begins on Wednesday. Juniors get going on Thursday with semi's on Friday and finals and medal matches in one short session to cap the week off on Saturday at 10AM.

* - Number in parenthesis = wrestlers entered

100 (19)

Last Years Finals: Randon Miranda, CA tf. Zac Murillo, CT, 14-3.

Contenders:

Ryan Chauvin (CO) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ, 2014 Cadet Freestyle 6^th

Trevor Cluff (UT) – 2nd at 2015 Western Regional

Jason Holmes (AZ) – 2015 Western Regional Champ, Fargo returning 2^nd

Matt Petersen (MN) – 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle Champ

Elijah Varona (FL)

Trevor Giallombardo (MI) – 2015 Michigan Freestyle and Greco State Champ

Jaret Lane (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ, 2014 Fargo 8^th (both styles)

Commentary: Holmes was a runner-up in Cadets last year to Malik Heinselman. He wrestled up at 106 at Duals and went 6-2. Varona beat him in GR this week and teched Chauvin at Duals. Lane just beat Varona in GR finals and I like him in FS as well. A long, lanky kid, he's freestyle savvy. I think he'll give everyone else fits.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Lane 2. Varona 3. Holmes 4. Chauvin
Willie's Picks: 1. Lane 2. Chauvin 3. Varona 4. Holmes
Bratke's Picks: 1. Lane 2. Holmes 3. Varona 4. Chavin
Devin's Picks: 1. Lane 2. Holmes 3. Varona 4. Chavin

Nick's Picks: 1. Lane 2. Varona 3. Holmes 4. Chauvin
JB's Picks: 1. Holmes 2. Lane 3. Chauvin 4. Varona
CP's Picks: 1. Lane 2. Chauvin 3. Holmes 4. Varina

106 (42)

Last Years Final: Dany Vega, AZ tf. Drew Hidlebrandt, IN, 12-1.

Contenders:

Louie Hayes (IL) – 2015 Illinois State Freestyle and Greco Champ, 2014 FILA runner-up

Trey Keeley (IL) – Returning Cadet Greco Champ

Mason Naifeh (OK) – Returning 5^th

Liam Cronin (CA) – 2015 4^th place UWW World Trials, 2014 Junior Greco 7^th

Joey Thomas (MD) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ, 2014 Junior Freestyle 5^th

Dylan Koontz (WI) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 8^th, 2015 Northern Plains Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Brady Koontz (WI) – 2015 UWW Greco Champ, 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle runner-up

Commentary: Louie Hayes is the top ranked wrestler in the country. He was firing on all cylinders in GR and I'm doubt that will change in FS. The main threat to keep him from doubling up should be Joey Thomas who was undefeated at East Coast Duals and is ranked 3rd in the nation. Also watch for Mason Naifeh. He was 5th last year and his only loss at JR Duals this year was to Hayes.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Naifeh 3. Cronin 4. B. Koontz
Willie's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Naifeh 3. Thomas 4. B. Koontz
Bratke's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Naifeh 3. Cronin 4. Thomas
Devin's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Thomas 3. Cronin 4. Naifeh

Nick's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Naifeh 3. Thomas 4. B. Koontz
JB's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Keeley 3. Thomas 4. Naifeh
CP's Picks: 1. Hayes 2. Thomas 3. Naifeh 4. B. Koontz

113 (67)

Last Years Final: Jack Mueller, TX tf. Matt Schmitt, MO, 12-1.

Contenders:

Jaxon Cole (UT) – 2015 Utah State Champ Freestyle and Greco, 2014 Cadet Greco 5^th

Drew Mattin (OH) – 2015 UWW Cadet Nationals runner-up, 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Randon Miranda (CA) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 3^rd, 2014 Junior Freestyle and Greco Champ

Danny Vega (AZ) – 2015 UWW Junior World Team Trials runner-up, 2014 Junior Freestyle and Greco Champ

Derek Freitag (WA) – 2015 Washington Freestyle and Greco Champ

Breanden Coughlin (MD) – 2014 Junior Greco 3^rd

Drew West (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Greco Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco runner-up

Jet Tryon (MO) – 2015 West Region Greco Champ, 2014 Junior Freestyle 7^th

Trae Vasquez (MT) – 2015 West Regional Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Brandon Courtney (AZ)- 2015 UWW Junior Nationals 3^rd

Josh Copeland (OK)- 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 6^th

Gage Curry (PA)

Thomas Cox (NY)

Dom Lajoie (MI)- 2015 UWW Greco 4^th, 2014 Cadet Greco 2^nd

Hasan Krigger (GA)- 2015 Southeast Regional Champ

Jordan Martinez (CO)- 2015 UWW Junior Greco 2^nd, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 8^th

Joey Prata (VA)- 2015 Southeast Regional Freestyle 3^rd, 2014 ASICS FILA Cadet 2^nd

Matthew Templeton (IL)- 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Paxton Rosen (OK)- 2015 Southern Plains Champ, 2014 Ironman 6^th

Jack Wagner (IA)- 2015 Iowa High School State Champ
Sidney Oliver (MO) - 2014 Fargo Freestyle 7th

Commentary: In his last five Fargo tournaments, Danny Vega has made the finals in four of them, winning three titles. He teched Hildebrandt in the finals last year. Drew West, who made tthe GR finals last year, is back at the same weight. At 113 again, I think he's a scary out. Prata is here with something to prove in an important tournament for him in regards to recruiting. He missed out on the Cadet World Team last year after beating Kaden Gfeller, Punke, West, and Vasquez, he lost to Spencer Lee in the finals.

Count me as a big fan of Sidney Oliver. I'm going long on him here. Love his style.
Others I like are Cole, Mattin, and Courtney. They'll certainly play a part in to how this bracket plays out.

I also have a hunch Jack Wagner is going to make a big splash. He doesn't have a whole heckuva lot of FS credentials, but for the last 10 months he's been darn near unbeatable.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Mattin 2. Vega 3. Oliver 4. Cole
Willie's Picks: 1. Wagner 2. Vega 3. Oliver 4. Prata
Bratke's Picks: 1. Mattin 2. Prata 3. Vega 4. Courtney
Devin's Picks: 1. Mattin 2. West 3. Vega 4. Prata

Nick's Picks: 1. Mattin 2. Vega 3. Prata 4. Oliver
JB's Picks: 1. Mattin 2. Vega 3. Prata 4. Miranda
CP's Picks: 1. Vega 2. Wagner 3. Prata 4. Mattin

120 (92)

Last Years Final: Austin Assad, OH dec. Sean Russell, GA, 11-8.

Contenders:

Dalton Duffield (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Dack Punke (IL) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco Champ

Alex Crowe (MN) – 2015 State Freestyle and Greco Champ

Brent Jones (MN) – 2015 State Freestyle and Greco Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Bryce West (IA) – 2015 UWW Greco 3^rd, 2014 Cadet Greco 2^nd

Daniel Planta (MD) – 2015 Northeast Regional 3^rd

Denzel Tovar (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Matt Schmitt (MO) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ, 2014 Junior Freestyle 2^nd

Paul Bianchi (WI) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco Champ, 2015 Northern Plains Greco Champ

Seth Schroeck (MT) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 5^th

Sawyer Degen (MT) – 2013 Cadet Greco 5^th

Montorie Bridges (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains 2^nd, 2014 Fargo Junior 4^th

Abbas Khan (CA) – 2015 California Freestyle Champ

Jerry Mealey (OR) – 2015 Western double Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco 7^th

Jack Mueller (TX) – 2015 UWW Junior Nationals 5^th, 2014 Fargo Junior Champ

Ian Parker (MI) – UWW Cadet Freestyle 5th, 2014 Cadet Freestyle 7^th

Austin Gomez (IL) - Cadet Champ, 2x Finalist

Garrett Rowe (OK) – 2015 Southeast Regional Champ

Jacob Schwarm (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Champ

Todd Small (GA) – 2015 Southeast Regional runner-up

Chase Wickman (WA) – 2015 Washington State Freestyle and Greco Champ, 2015 West Regional runner-up
Daton Fix (OK) - Cadet Champ, 2x Cadet World Team Member

Commentary: As you can see by the sheer volume of contenders, there's no shortage of quality entries here. However there's a 'big three' here that are nearly unseatable as far as top contenders go. Fix, Mueller, and Gomez...you know their story. They've combined for ELEVEN Fargo/FILA titles! All three were beating college guys at UWW Juniors this spring.

Additionally, Schmitt, Duffield, Punke, West, and Bianchi have all appeared in a major FILA/Fargo final. Duffield, who Fix beat in state finals, is particularly looking strong. He beat Schmitt in GR finals this week.

At the end of the day, I think the situation is this - many people feel as if Mueller is a legitimate threat to Daton Fix. That's based on two three things: 1) a runner-up performance in the challenge bracket at the JR Trials that included a win over NCAA All American Darian Cruz, 2) how good he looked doing that, and 3) a tech over Austin Gomez in Las Vegas this spring.

Count me in as someone who thinks it's possible that Mueller wins this. But Fix is still the favorite. He's more dynamic, his pace more freakish, and his heart as big as them come.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Gomez 4. Bianchi
Willie's Picks: 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Duffield 4. Gomez
Bratke's Picks: 1. Fix 2. Gomez 3. Mueller 4. Parker

Devin's Picks: 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Gomez 4. Parker

Nick's Picks: 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Gomez 4. Schmitt
JB's Picks: 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Schmitt 4. Gomez
CP's Picks 1. Fix 2. Mueller 3. Gomez 4. Parker

126 (104)

Last Years Final: Mitchell McKee, MN dec. Chaz Tucker, NJ, 10-8.

Contenders:

Dylan Duncan (IL) – 2015 Illinois Freestyle State Champ, 2014 Cadet Freestyle Champ

Austin Assad (OH) – 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle Champ

Ryan Friedman (MD) – 2014 Junior Greco 3^rd

Nolan Hellickson (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle Champ

Cody Karstetter (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ, 2014 Junior Greco 4^th

Alex Madrigal (IL) – 2015 Freestyle State Champ

James Pawelski (IL) – 2015 Greco State Champ

Gabe Townsell (IL) – 2014 FILA 3^rd

Coltan Williams (TX) – 2014 Cadet Greco Champ

Joey Revelli (UT) – 3rd place West Regional Greco

Cameron Hunsaker (UT) – Greco State Champ

Peter Del Gallo (ME) – 2015 Northeast Greco Champ

Ryan Leisure (IA) – 2015 UWW Greco 4^th, 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Tanner Cox (UT) – 2015 Utah Freestyle State Champ

Michael Doetsch (MD) – 2015 3rd Northeast Regional

Nick Farro (NJ) – 2015 High School States 6^th

Kaden Gfeller (OK) – 2015 UWW Cadet 6^th, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 3^rd

Ryan Leisure (IA) – 2015 UWW Cadet 5^th, 2015 Northern Plains double Champ

Alexander Mackall (OH) – 2013 Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Brock Rathburn (IA) – 2015 Southern Plains runner-up

Chris Poland (MI) – 2014 Fargo Junior Greco 8^th

Requir van der Merwe (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Dalton Young (WA) – 2015 Northwest Regional Champ, 2014 Fargo Cadet 5^th (both styles)

Navonte Demison (CA)

Commentary: Duncan beat Yianni here last year in Cadet finals. Assad rallied late to overtake Sean Russell in JR 120. Townsell and Williams both made the big stage, albeit in GR. However the guy I like at this weight is Kaden Gfeller. He's grown into 126. He's healthy. And he's a damn bull.

The interesting thing about this weight is that we'll get to find out a lot about several guys whose status is sort of nebulous - those who we want to know 'just how good they are' or are on the bubble of rankings. Rathbun, Van der Merwe, Del Gallo, Farro...

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Gfeller 2. Assad 3. Townsell 4. Williams
Willie's Picks: 1. Gfeller 2. Assad 3. Duncan 4. Karstetter
Bratke's Picks: 1. Assad 2. Gfeller   3. Townsell   3. Van der Merwe
Devin's Picks: 1. Gfeller 2. Assad 3. Townsell 4. Duncan
Nick's Picks: 1. Gfeller 2. Assad 3. Van der Merwe 4. Duncan
JB's Picks:   1. Williams 2. GFeller 3. Assad 4. Duncan
CP's Picks: 1. Assad 2. Gfeller 3. Townsell 4. Duncan

132 (105)

Last Years Final: Tommy Thorn, MN dec. Ke-Shawn Hayes, MO, 5-1.

Contenders:

Taylor LaMont (UT) – 2015 UWW Greco runner-up, 2014 Junior Greco Champ

Mitch McKee (MN) – 2015 UWW Freestyle runner-up, 2014 Junior Freestyle Champ

Corey Shie (OH) – 2015 UWW Greco 5^th, 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Chris DeBien (TN) – 2014 FILA Greco 3^rd

Hunter Marko (WI) - 2014 6th Place JR FS
Ryan Deakin (CO) – 2015 Freestyle State runner-up

Morgan Fuenffinger (MN) – 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Kaid Brock (OK) – 2015 UWW Junior World Trials 3^rd, 2014 Junior Freestyle 5^th

Ben Freeman (MI) – 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle 4^th, 2014 Cadet Freestyle runner-up

Jonathan Gabriel (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional runner-up, 2014 Junior Freestyle 6^th

AJ Jaffe (IL) – 2015 Southern Plains 3^rd, 2014 Cadet Freestyle 6^th

Lincoln Olson (MI) – 2015 Michigan State Champ, 2014 Junior Freestyle 7^th

Salvatore Profaci (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional 1st place, New Jersey 4^thCommentary: With all due respect to everyone else in the field, can we just have Brock and McKee wrestle a best-of-three? Why? Well, remember this semi from last year? Or how about their match this year at JR Duals? Sandwiched in between was a McKee 13-2 tech at JR WTT's. While there's certainly tough outs and absolutely no guarantee either of them gets to the finals, it would be highly entertaining.

In particular, the two Michiganders, Freeman and Olson, and perennial contender LaMont, are the most likely to derail that train.

Freeman was a runner-up here to Austin Gomez last year way down at 113, and continued to impress with his performance in Akron.

Still, not only do I want to see McKee-Brock, they're the most obvious picks. The story in their series is pretty much this - Brock takes a high volume of shots, McKee counters. I'm going to take Brock again. I think he'll do a better job in those key situations. Then again, I've picked Taylor everytime against Dake.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. McKee 2. Brock 3. LaMont 4. Freeman
Willie's Picks: 1. Brock 2. McKee 3. Olson 4. Freeman
Bratke's Picks:   1. Brock 2. McKee 3. Freeman 4. Olson
Devin's Picks: 1. Brock 2. McKee   3. LaMont 4. ShieNick's Picks:   1. Brock 2. McKee 3. Freeman 4. LaMont
JB's Picks:   1. McKee 2. Brock. 3. Lamont 4. Shie
CP's Picks: 1. McKee 2. Brock 3. Lamont 4. Olson

138 (117)

Last Years Final: Matt Findlay, UT tf. Brock Zacherl, PA, 18-8.

Contenders:

Ben Brancale (MN) – 2015 Freestyle and Greco State Champ, 2014 Junior Freestyle 8^th

Quentin Hovis (AZ) – 2015 Cadet Greco Pan-Am Games Champ, 2015 UWW Cadet 3^rd

Brady O’Keefe (NV) – Freestyle and Greco State Champ

Josef Palik (MN)

Charlie Kane (CT) – 2015 Northeast Regional Freestyle Champ

Hunter Kelley (GA) – 2015 Southeast Regional Freestyle and Greco Champ

Jarrett Degen (MT) – 2015 West Greco Regional 3^rd

Michael Murphy (TN) – 2015 Central Regional runner-up

Will Kui (NJ) – 2014 Junior Greco runner-up

Justin DeMicco (OH) – 2015 3rd Central Region, 2015 Beast of the East 8^th

Ryan Epps (MN)) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 8^th place

Evan Eldred (IN) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 7^th

Carter Happel (IA) – 2015 Iowa Freestyle Champ, Northern Plains Freestyle 3^rd

Cameron Kelly (OH) – 2014 Ironman Champ

Matthew Kolodzik (NJ) – 2015 UWW Junior Nationals 4^th, 2014 FILA Juniors runner-up

Zachary Krause (IL) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle All-American

Robert Lee (WI)

Boo Lewallen (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Tristan Moran (OK) – UWW JR 3rd

Keegan Moore (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains runner-up

Conner Noonan (OR) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 6^th

Commentary: Good lord, what a weight. There's very strong depth, and the list of title contenders are top notch. Kolodzik and Happel have won Cadet titles. Those two, along with Lewallen, Moore, and Kelly make for five Top 5 guys in the nation at their weight class.

Interestingly enough, neither Boo, nor Keegan, nor Kelly has ever placed here. Both were a round away in 2014. And Kolodzik didn't look quite himself at Vegas where Moran came from behind not once, but twice, to beat him. So it makes for an incredibly difficult weight to handicap.

Here's where I'm at - Kolodzik's the guy to beat. He's been far to consistent and has by far the most FS credentials. However, I absolutely love the progress of Keegan Moore and the where Boo is at. Like most weights at Fargo, the field is loaded and full of potential hazards, but I'm looking at one of those two to make the deep run.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Lewallen 2. Moore 3. Kolodzik 4. Hovis
Willie's Picks: 1. Lewallen 2. Kolodzik 3. Moore 4. Kelly
Bratke's Picks:   1. Lewallen 2. Moore 3. Kolodzik   4. Kelly
Devin's Picks:    1. Lewallen 2. Kolodzik 3. Moore   4. Moran
Nick's Picks:   1. Lewallen 2. Kolodzik 3. Moore 4. Kelly
JB's Picks:   1. Kolodzik 2. Happel 3. Lewallen 4. Moran
CP's Picks: 1. Kolodzik 2. Moore 3. Lewallen 4. Happel

145 (104)

Last Years Final: Isaiah White, IL dec. Vincenzo Joseph, PA, 9-3.

Contenders:

Pat Lugo (FL) – 2013 Freestyle and Greco All-American

Keegan Shaw (IA) – 2015 Iowa State Junior Greco runner-up, 2015 Northern Plains 3rd

Austin O’Connor (IL) – Returning Freestyle 5^th

Dakota Wall (ID)

Lenny Merkin (NY) – 2014 Junior Greco 7^th

Jaron Jensen (UT) – 2015 UWW Greco 3^rd

Johnny O’Hearon (UT) – 2015 West Junior Regional Champ, Freestyle and Greco State Champ

Joshy Cortez (CA) – 2015 West Junior Regional runner-up

Kyle Bierdumpfel (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional 3^rd, 2014 FILA 5^th

Kenan Carter (IL) – 2015 Central Region Freestyle 2^nd, 2014 Fargo Junior Greco 7^th

Zachary Diamond (HI) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 6^th

Stephen Glasgow (NJ) – 2015 New Jersey High School runner-up

Eric Hong (PA) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 3^rd

Beau Guffey (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Freestyle Champ

Aaron Meyer (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains runner-up

Shayne Oster (IL) – 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Tommy Strassenberg (WA) – 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle 8^th

Fredy Stroker (MN) – 2015 UWW Junior World Trials Freestyle 4^th, 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle 4^th

Max Thomsen (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Champ

Zander Wick (CA) – 2015 California High School runner-up

Commentary: Fredy Stroker's performance at Madison lingers in my head. He really pushed elite college talent like Retherford and Ashnault, and beat Thomsen. Add to that he's been training full time at the OTC in preparation for this. He's going to be super sharp.
I like him and Lugo in the finals. Lugo has been path of destruction. He absolutely torched some very good talent (albeit in folk) at Disney Duals.

I mentioned in another article how this Fargo will serve as barometer for Austin O'Connor and Stephen Glasgow - two prodigous talents. Along with Wick and Bierdumpfel, we're talking about determining the pecking order for some of the best 49/57 prospects in the Class of 2016 and 2017.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Stroker 2. Thomsen 3. Lugo 4. O'Connor

Willie's Picks: 1. Stroker 2. Lugo 3. Thomsen 4. O'Connor
Bratke's Picks: 1. Stroker 2. O'Connor 3. Thomsen 4. Lugo
Devin's Picks:   1. Stroker 2. Thomsen 3. Lugo 4. O'Connor
Nick's Picks:   1. Stroker 2. Thomsen 3. Lugo 4. Guffey
JB's Picks:   1. Stroker 2. Thomsen 3. Wick 4. Bierdumpfel
CP's Picks: 1. Stroker 2. Thomsen 3. Hong 4. Wick

152 (113)

Last Years Final: Mason Manville, NJ dec. David McFadden, NJ, 7-2.

Contenders:

Larry Early (IL) – 2014 Fargo Junior Greco 3^rd

Austin Kraisser (MD) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Mason Manville (VA) – 2015 UWW Junior Greco runner-up, 2014 Cadet World Champ

Liam Corbett (HI) – 2015 Western Champ

Nick Knutson (MN) – 2015 Greco Southern Plains 4^th

Chase Straw (IA) – 2015 Southeast Regional Champ, 2014 Junior Greco 8^th

Dan Kelly (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Greco Champ

James Nereim (FL) – 2015 Florida Greco 3^rd

Miles Patton (MN) – 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle runner-up

Michael Callahan (IL) – 2015 Illinois Freestyle State Champ

Colton Clingenpeel (IA) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 4^th

Liam Corbett (HI) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 5^th

Cole Erickson (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle Champ

Hayden Hidlay (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional Freestyle Champ

Austin Hiles (OH) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Jose Champagne (IN) – 2013 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 3^rd

Michael Kemerer (PA) – 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle 5^th

Griffin Parriott (MN) – 2015 UWW Junior Nationals 3^rd, 2014 FILA runner-up

Jimmy Saylor (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional 3^rd

Wyatt Sheets (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Chase Straw (IA) – 2015 Southeast Regional Champ, 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 8^th

Luke Troy (CA) – 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle 5th, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 3^rd

Evan Wick (CA) – 2015 Junior West Regional Champ

Hunter Willits (CO) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 7^th

Nick Monico (PA)
James Pleski (MN)

Commentary: Absolutely incredible weight class. Hidlay, Kraisser, and Parriott currently sit at #1, #2, and #4 in the country. Manville is #2 at 160. They're joined by Top 5 graduates Larry Early and Michael Kemerer.

Kraisser beat Early at Fargo two years ago (if that even matters now). Kemerer was Hidlay's only loss at the state tournament this year. Hidlay beat Kraisser in an entertaining and high level bout in FloNational finals.

Picking anyone outside of those five would seem heretical. And I don't see anyone pulling any surprises. So distinguishing between these, here's what I got...

Kemerer is an absolute offensive machine. He's really hit another gear when it comes to attacking. Think: Jason Nolf. Despite how defensively sound Mason Manville is, I don't see him being able to fend Kemerer off or put up points enough to keep pace with him.

I love where where Hidlay is right now. He's strong, technical, savvy, and mentally tough. Kemerer beat him in a close match in folk, but Hidlay is a little better in FS, and Kemerer, I'd say, not as FS-adept right now. That being said, how fresh will Hidlay be after wrestling all through Greco to a title?

For me, Early is an X-factor. I have no idea where he is in his training and in his freestyle "adjustment" cycle. We haven't really seen him in competition since the regular season eneded. His ability is undeniable; he could win it all. But under the circumstances, I'm hedging a bit.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Kemerer 2. Hidlay 3. Early 4. Sheets
Willie's Picks: 1. Kemerer 2. Hidlay 3. Manville 4. Early
Bratke's Picks: 1. Kemerer 2. Hidlay 3. Early 4. Parriott
Devin's Picks: 1. Hidlay 2. Kemerer 3. Manville 4. Early
Nick's Picks: 1. Kemerer 2. Hidlay 3. Manville 4. Early
JB's Picks: 1. Early 2. Manville 3. Hidlay 4. Parriott
CP's Picks: 1. Early 2. Kemerer 3. Hidlay 4. Manville

160 (96)

Last Years Final: Ryan Blees, ND dec. Logan Massa, MI, 5-2.

Contenders:

Colston Diblasi (MO) – 2015 Missouri State Champ

Brandon Kui (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional Greco runner-up

Jeremiah Moody (WI) – 2015 UWW Greco 6^th, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Jesse Porter (NY) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Kasey Klapprodt (SD)

Taylor Owens (ID) – 2015 West Regional Greco Champ, 2014 FILA Greco 6^th

Trey Meyer (WA) – 2015 West Regional Greco 3^rd, 2015 West Regional Freestyle Champ

Johnny Blankenship (MO) – 2015 UWW Cadet 6^th, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle runner-up

Brandon Dallavia (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ, 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Gary Jantzer (OR) – 2014 Cadet Folk runner-up, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 7^th

Riley Jaramillo (OR) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco Champ

Canten Marriott (MO) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Tyler Selemaea (MO) – 2015 Western Regional Champ

Joe Smith (OK) – UWW Junior Nationals 5^th

Trace Carello (IL)- 2015 Illinois Freestyle runner-up
Jake Restrepo (NY)
Fernie Silva (IL)
Taylor Venz (MN)

Commentary: Joe Smith has taken 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in his trips to Fargo. But the big stop sign has eluded him. In contrast to several other weights where there are no clear cut favorites, Smith represents exactly that. There are, of course, several talented guys capable of tripping him up. There are two other Fargo champs here - Meyer and Dallavia, and the runner-up to Meyer in Johnny Blankenship.

And Smith has had some not-so-fond moments where he's let matches get away from him. But this should be his year.

Sneaky picks to make some noise might be Restrepo and Marriott. I really like Restrepo's progress. Marriott has been a bit inconsistent of late, but the ability is there.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Smith 2. Meyer 3. Blankenship 4. DiBlasi
Willie's Picks: 1. Smith 2. Meyer 3. Blankenship 4. Dallavia
Bratke's Picks:    1. Smith 2. Dallavia 3. Meyer 4. DiBlasi
Devin's Picks:   1. Smith 2. Meyer 3. DiBlasi 4. Blankenship
Nick's Picks:   1. Smith 2. Dallavia 3. DiBlasi 4. Marriott
JB's Picks:   1. Smith 2. Dallavia 3. Blankenship 4. Meyer
CP's Picks: 1. Smith 2. Dallavia 3. DiBlasi 4. Meyer

170 (77)

Last Years Final: Chandler Rogers, OK tf. Josef Johnson, NJ, 10-0.

Contenders:

Kamal Bey (IL) – 2014 Cadet Freestyle and Greco runner-up

Beau Breske (WI) – 2015 UWW Cadet 4th (both styles), 2014 Cadet double Champ

Jordan Bushey (NY) – 2015 Northeast Regional 3rd, 2014 Junior Freestyle 8^th

Matt Rundell (IL) – 2015 Illinois State Greco Champ

Spencer Hansen (UT) – 2015 Utah Freestyle and Greco State Champ

Andrew Berreyesa (NV) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 8^th, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Carter Neilsen (MN) – 2014 Junior Greco 5^th

Kevin Parker (NY) – 2015 Southeast Regional 3^rd

Regan Bye (SD) – 2015 South Dakota State Freestyle and Greco runner-up

Brett Bye (SD) – 2014 Fargo Junior Greco 3^rd

Spencer Carey (NJ) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 3^rd, 2014 Cadet Greco 7^th

Ben Bolingbroke (UT) – 2015 Folkstyle Nationals 6^th

Hayden Hansen (OK) – 2014 Fargo Junior 7^th

Dale Hilleman (IA) – 2015 Iowa Freestyle State Champ

Jacob Holschlag (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Champ

Jake Lanning (IL) – 2015 Southeast Regional Champ

Andrew McNally (OH) – 2 015 Ohio State Freestyle Champ, 2014 FILA 6^th

Xavier Montalvo (IL) – 2015 Illinois Freestyle State Champion

Matthew Waddell (GA)- 2015 UWW Greco 5^th

Jared Siegrist (PA) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 4^th

Alexander Herringshaw (NY)
Weston Dobler (ND)

Commentary: Bey put on a show in Greco. But freestyle is a different ball game. Plus there are rumors swirling that he may go up or down a weight. Still, after what we just were witness to, it's tough to pick against him.

Breske, who's wrestled Bey in Fargo finals three times already, is obviously a top contender.
But the guys I really like here are Bye, who is moving up after winning Greco at 160, and Montalvo.

I was super high on Bye after taking 4th here last year (with wins over Holschlag and McNally), and after seeing him earlier in the week, I'm back on that train.

Additionally, there are a lot of guys at this weight I'm really interested in seeing. Holschlag could have a good tournament. And I expect Siegrist to be a potential breakout candidate. He currently sits at #9 in the country at 182.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Montalvo 2. Bey 3. Breske 4. Rundell
Willie's Picks: 1. Montalvo 2. B. Bye 3. Bey 4. Siegrist
Bratke's Picks: 1. Montalvo 2. Bey 3. B. Bye 4. Siegrist
Devin's Picks: 1. Bey 2. Montalvo 3. Breske 4. B. Bye

Nick's Picks: 1. Montalvo 2. Bey 3. Breske 4. Hansen
JB's Picks: 1. Bey 2. Montalvo 3. Breske 4. B. Bye
CP's Picks: 1. Montalvo 2. Bey 3. Breske 4. Bye

182 (66)

Last Years Final: Myles Martin, NJ tf. AJ Kowal, OH, 10-0.

Contenders:

Luke Drugac (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional 3^rd, 2014 Cadet Greco 6^th

Garett Fogel (OH) – 2015 Ohio State Greco 6^th

Aaron Paddock (NY) – 2015 Northeast Regional Greco runner-up

Nick Reenan (TX) – 2015 Junior Freestyle and Greco Pan-Ams Champ, 2014 FILA Cadet Greco Champ, 2013 Freestyle and Greco Champ

Roman Romero (CA) – 2015 California State Freestyle Champ

Owen Webster (MN) – 2015 Northern Plains Champ, 2015 UWW Cadet Freestyle Champ

Andrew Buckley (MO) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco runner-up

Isaac Luellen (KS) – 2015 Southern Plains Freestyle runner-up, 2014 Cadet Greco 4^th

Antonio Agee (VA) – 2015 Northeast Freestyle runner-up, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 8^th

Mason Reinhardt (WI) – 2015 Northern Plains Greco Champ, 2014 Junior Greco 7^th

Bridger Barker (AZ) – 2013 Fargo Cadet Freestyle runner-up

Ben Darmstadt (OH) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 3^rd

Kyle Gentile (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

James Handwerk (OH) – 2015 Freestyle and Greco State Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco runner-up

Kyle Hostetter (MO) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Seth Mcleod (ID) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 4th

Keegan Moore (MN) – 2015 UWW Freestyle Runner Up, 2014 Fargo Double Champ

Trevor Nichelson (NE) – 2015 UWW Greco 4th

Nathan Traxler (IL) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ, 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle 7th

Adrian Wroblewski (IL) – 2015 West Regional Champ
Trevor Allard (NY)
Dylan Wisman (MO) - Returning JR 3rd

Commentary: One of the most loaded weight classes this year at Fargo, complete with the top flight studs, the depth, and the sneaky 'now my name's on the map' type kids. Moore and Reenan have both won double titles here before. Webster shocked everyone in Akron and made the world team beating four straight ranked opponents and then #1-Moore.

Both Darmstadt and Wisman had just one loss in 3rd place performances here last year and are/were Top 5 guys.

Gentile's stock is on the rise after a great showing at Flo and an undefeated JR Duals.
Underclassmen I'm really interesting in gauging are Agee and Nichelson.

Alright analysis time...

- Reenan is too small.
- Traxler and Darmstadt aren't freestylers.
- Keegan Moore doesn't have the gas tank.
- Owen Webster can't do it again, can he?
- It seems I'm coming up with reasons for everyone to NOT win it.
- Oh, and McLeod will surprise.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Reenan 2. Moore 3. Wisman 4. Webster
Willie's Picks: 1. Reenan 2. Wisman 3. McLeod 4. Moore

Bratke's Picks:   1. Reenan 2. Moore 3. Traxler 4. Wisman
Devin's Picks:   1. Reenan 2. Moore 3. Webster 4. Gentile
Nick's Picks:   1. Reenan 2. Moore 3. Wisman 4. Traxler

JB's Picks: 1. Reenan 2. Moore 3. Webster 4. Wisman
CP's Picks: 1. Reenan 2. Webster 3. Moore 4. Wisman

195 (63)

Last Years Final: Bobby Steveson, MN dec. Lance Benick, MN, 3-1.

Contenders:

Wyatt Koelling (UT) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco Champ, 2015 UWW Junior runner-up, 2014 Cadet Freestyle and Greco runner-up

Jeffrey Allen (VA) – Virginia Freestyle and Greco State Champ, 2014 Cadet Freestyle 4^th

Dean Drugac (NJ) – 2015 Northeast Regional Greco runner-up, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Jack Buell (NY) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Sammy Colbray (OR) – Returning Junior Greco Champ, 2014 FILA runner-up

Zane Black (PA)- 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Christian Brunner (IL)- 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 7^th

David Chadd (WI)- 2015 Northern Plains Champ, 2014 Fargo Junior Greco 8^th

Roderick Davis (GA)- 2015 Southeast Regional Freestyle and Greco Champ

Jake Jakobsen (PA) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 4^th

Bailey Kelly (KS) – 2015 Southern Plains runner-up

Jared Langley (KS) – 2015 Kansas State Freestyle and Greco Champ

Dalton Hahn (WI) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Greco 6^th

Andrew Marsden (IL) – 2015 Illinois High School State Champ, 2014 FILA runner-up

Kevin Mulligan (NJ) – 2015 New Jersey High School State Champ, 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle 5^th

Jordan Ortiz (PA) – 2015 Northeast Regional Champ

Jacob Seely (CO) – UWW World Trials runner-up, 2014 Fargo Junior 7^th

Tyler Self (OR) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 5^th

Jacob Sobbing (MO) – 2015 Southern Plains Regional Greco Champ
Jack Harris (OH) - 2013 Cadet Runner-Up

Commentary: Koelling was a runner-up in both styles last year in Cadets to Keegan Moore. He beat Colbray in GR finals on Tuesday. Colbray's only loss in JR's last year was to eventual champ Bobby Steveson.

Seely's stock has been increasing. He was runner-up at JR's in Vegas and at the trials (both to Anthony Cassar). He took 7th here last year losing 7-5 to Colbray and to Joel Dixon. You have to love Mulligan's gritty, workmanlike style. The kid's a grinder suited well for deep, tough tournaments where heart is every bit as important as talent.

David Chadd is a legitimate deep sleeper. He lost a close one to Keegan Moore in the finals of folk nats.

Marsden, to me, is an X-factor. I wouldn't be surprised if he knocked off a highly regarded contender, yet I don't think he goes all the way. His fellow statesman Brunner, is kinda the same. He's had a wildly up-and-down summer. He beat Traxler, lost to Schultz, teched Koelling, and was teched by Koelling...you get the picture. He's clearly a factor, but can he string matches together?

Holmes’ Picks:   1. Jakobsen 2. Colbray 3. Koelling 4. Marsden
Willie's Picks: 1. Colbray 2. Seely 3. Koelling 4. Mulligan
Bratke's Picks:   1. Colbray 2. Seely 3. Koelling 4. Mulligan
Devin's Picks:   1. Colbray 2. Koelling 3. Mulligan 4. Marsden
Nick's Picks: 1. Colbray 2. Koelling 3. Marsden 4. Seely
JB's Picks:   1. Seely 2. Colbray 3. Koelling 4. Mulligan
CP's Picks: 1. Colbray 2. Koelling 3. Seely 4. Mulligan

220 (57)

Last Years Final: Marcus Harrington, IA dec. Andrew Dixon, OK, 7-2.

Contenders:

Matt Stencel (OH) - Returning Cadet Champ

Christian Ayala (CA) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 3^rd, 2014 Cadet Greco 3^rd

Kyler Childers (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Freestyle Champ

Darryl Aiello (CA) – 2015 West Kids Champ (all three styles)

Trevor Eicher (WA) – 2015 NW Regional Freestyle Champ, 2013 Fargo Greco 6^th

Brian Barnes (OR) – 2015 Western Regional 3^rd

Dallas Goodpaster (WA) – 2015 Western Regional Champ, 2015 Northwest Greco Champ

James Ford (OH) – 2015 Ohio State Freestyle/Greco Champ

Harry Walker (FL) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco 7^th, 2015 Southeast Regional 2^nd

Ethan Andersen (IA) – 2014 FILA Cadet Greco Champ

Matthew Correnti (NJ) – 2015 New Jersey High School State runner-up

Christian Colucci (NJ) – UWW Junior 3^rd

Russell Coats (OK) – 2 015 Southern Plains Greco Champ

Christian Lance (MO) – 2015 Southern Plains Champ

Cole Nye (PA) – 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 4^th

Eric Johnson (IL) – 2015 Illinois Freestyle runner-up

Jeremy Rodman (MN) – 2015 Minnesota State Freestyle runner-up

Jordan Wood (PA) – 2015 UWW Freestyle runner-up, 2014 FILA Cadet Champ

Commentary: Jordan Wood was a Cadet World Silver Medalist last year and the #1 220 in the country. But a loss to Gable Steveson in Akron proved he wasn't unbeatable. He's the leader of a strong 220 field here.

Among the challengers will be last year's Cadet Champ, Matt Stencel, who gave Correnti his only loss. I'm big on Correnti here. To the general public, his stock sort of dipped a little when he lost in state finals to Tyree Sutton. The problem with that perspective was that at the time, we didn't realize Sutton was freakishly good.

I like the other NJ entry too. A state champ, Colucci was on a good run last year in Fargo that included a win over 4x Fargo Champ Roy Nash. He didn't place though, losing to Hemida and Grayson, who turned out to be Top 5 guys.

Another question you have to ask is, can you get on board with the momentum of James Ford, who beat Jordan Wood in GR finals on Tuesday? From 'decent' to national champion in two years. He certainly looks the part, and I'm buying in.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Wood 2. Anderson 3. Ayala 4. Colucci
Willie's Picks: 1. Wood 2. Stencel 3. Ford 4. Correnti
Bratke's Picks: 1. Stencel 2. Wood 3. Ford 4. Childers
Devin's Picks: 1. Wood 2. Ford 3. Stencel 4. Anderson
Nick's Picks: 1. Wood 2. Stencel 3. Ford 4. Lance
JB's Picks: 1. Wood 2. Stencel 3. Ford 4. Anderson
CP's Picks: 1. Wood 2. Stencel 3. Ayala 4. Lance

285 (67)

Last Years Final: Adarios Jones, IL dec. Jesse Webb, MA, 3-0.

Contenders:

Mansur Abdul-Malik (MA) – 2015 Northeast Regional Freestyle 4^th

Mason Giordano (OH) – 2015 State Greco 5^th

Carter Isley (IA) – 2015 Iowa State Champ Folkstyle

Korey Walker (OK) – 2015 Oklahoma Greco State Champ

Kevin Vough (OH) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco Champ

Dante Jiovenetta (FL) – 2015 Western Regional runner-up

Griffin Qualls (OK) – 2015 Southern Plains Freestyle 3^rd

Hunter Mullins (WA) – 2015 Western Regional Greco 3^rd, 2014 Greco 5^th

Daniel Stibral (SD) – 2015 South Dakota State Champ

Jacob Lill (GA) – 2015 Southeast Regional Greco runner-up

Osawaru Odigizhuwa (OR) – 2014 Cadet Freestyle Champ, 2014 Cadet Greco runner-up

Sam Bouis (VA) – 2015 Freestyle State Champ, 2014 Virginia Beach runner-up

Tommy Helton (IL) – 2015 UWW Cadet Greco runner-up, 2015 Northeast Regional runner-up

Trenton Lieurance (OK) – Oklahoma National Team Member

Gannon Gremmel (IA) – 2015 Northern Plains Champ, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle Champ

Michael Mccauley (CA) – 2015 West Regional Champ

Austin Myers (KY) – 2015 Central Regional Champ, 2014 Fargo Junior Freestyle 3^rd

Andrew Piehl (MN) – 2015 Northern Plains Freestyle runner-up, 2014 Fargo Cadet Freestyle 7^thCommentary: It's always fun to have a super heavyweight field. With 11 wrestlers that were ranked in the Top 20 nationally at some point, this field will compose the deepest Fargo bracket of any tournament in the last year, and it's not even close. There are five wrestlers here tha have been to a Fargo final and seven that have placed Top 3.

The Odighizuwa-Vough semi decided the Cadet title last year. But both stumbled in GR this week. Is it a style thing? I think so. I look for significantly stronger performances by both in FS.

Mullins was runner-up to Odighizuwa last year. Gremmel won Cadets. But despite the depth of this bracket, and in a tournament where you're almost completely unsure of any champion pick, I'm more confident in selecting the winner here than at any weight. Austin Myers, despite being an undersized HWT right now, has just too lethal a combo of technique-power-motor. Give me the Kentuckian all day.

Holmes’ Picks: 1. Myers 2. Abdul-Malik 3. Odigizhuwa 4. Isley
Willie's Picks: 1. Myers 2. Odighizuwa 3. Gremmel 4. Vough
Bratke's Picks: 1. Odighizuwa 2. Myers 3. Vough 4. Isley
Devin's Picks:   1. Myers 2. Odighizuwa 3. Isley 4. VoughNick's Picks: 1. Myers 2. Odighizuwa 3. Vough 4. Walker
JB's Picks:   1. Gremmel 2. Myers 3. Vough 4. Odighizuwa
CP's Picks: 1. Myers 2. Odighizuwa 3. Vough 4. Gremmel

Team Champs:
Holmes’ Picks:   1. Oklahoma 2. Illinois 3. New Jersey
Willie's Picks:   1. Oklahoma 2. Illinois 3. New Jersey
Bratke's Picks:   1. Oklahoma 2. Illinois 3. New Jersey
Devin's Picks:   1. Oklahoma 2. Illinois 3. New JerseyNick's Picks:   1. Oklahoma 2. Illinois 3. New Jersey
JB's Picks: 1. Illinois 2. Oklahoma 3. California
CP's Picks: 1. Illinois 2. Oklahoma 3. New Jersey