Along with being recognized as the best incoming talent to high school, so come expectations.

Usually we must stay patient as it often takes time to adjust to new age groups. But that wasn't the case in Fargo, where it was almost unbelievable how much success the Class of 2022 was having.

FloWrestling's Top 50 Incoming Freshmen

Twenty-eight of the Top 50 Freshmen wrestled in Fargo. Fifteen of them placed including seven of them that reached the finals. 

A lot of people are talking about #1-Ryan Crookham underperforming. But while 7th place for a reigning Super32 Champ might sound sub-par, his tournament wasn't all that bad. He lost 5-5 to the eventual champ, Ybarra. The other loss was 'bad,' but not cause for alarm.

The two champs from the FR group were Jordan Williams (106) and Noah Pettigrew (195), who ironically wrestled other FR Big Boarders in the finals - Alex Almeyda and Kolby Franklin, respectively.

Daniel Cardenas lost in the finals to Jakason Burks, who is now #1 in the country. Luke Geog, whose high school is still to be decided, was a runner-up to the 9th-ranked Travis Mastrogiovanni of Blair. It's possible they see each other again this season as one school in the mix is perennial powerhouse St. Edward.

Michigan's Manny Rojas was beaten in the finals by #18-Tate Picklo of Oklahoma.

Kilic didn't place but beat Brock McMillen, who is a PA State finalist and this year's FloNationals Champ. Kilic also beat Noah Horst, who went on to take 7th here. 

Doubling Up

Kolby Franklin went 2nd in FS, 1st in GR. He was the only freshman to reach the finals in both styles. 

Only Chittum and Pettigrew joined Franklin as double AA's.

Greco Success

A handful of Freshmen placed only in Greco. Two champs in Greco - Damien Lopez at 132 and Kolby Franklin. Other placers in Greco on the FR Big Board were Angelo Lozado, Caleb Henson, Robert Avila, Matt Singleton, Jack Darrah, and Chase Horne.

Where We Missed

So I'm feeling like I really nailed the proper freshmen for the Big Board. And then comes along Nicolar Rivera (WI), who won the whole thing. He should have certainly been on there. A big whiff. We knew of him; Nomad and I marveled at him in Akron. For some dumb reason, I thought he was going to be a Soph.

One kid who was on the bubble during the first iteration of the FR rankings was Seth Shumate of Ohio. He had a fantastic Fargo week, AA'ing in both styles. He'll certainly be in next time.

FR Big Board FS Results in Fargo