Tim Hands of 5 Point Move breaks down the senior Greco-Roman divisions of the 2019 U.S. Open.

Lightweights

Make no mistake about it -- the road to the Final X Series begins in Vegas, not North Carolina. For the second year in a row, United States Greco-Roman Seniors will require a multi-stage process to seal their spots on the World Team (with the exception of one Mr. Adam Coon), and that leaves plenty of time for each weight class to be turned upside down. 

But will it be that way? Or will the usual suspects still manage to hog the spotlight?

The first four weight classes are packed with nifty technicians and unapologetic bombers that include accomplished stars and promising up-and-comers you may not be aware of just yet. That’ll change. For now, get cozy with this group of projected contenders and then tune into the tournament to give yourself an even more intimate (and entertaining) education. 

55 Kilograms

Max Nowry (Army/WCAP) 

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships gold; 2019 Armed Forces gold; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open Champion

The most experienced athlete in this weight class by far, Nowry is looking to earn his second-straight Senior National title despite entering this season following a pair of hip surgeries. He performed brilliantly at the Pan Ams last week, notching two of his three wins via tech, and hopes to carry that momentum into Vegas prior to making any necessary adjustments prior to the Final X Series. Most see the Open as Nowry’s tournament to lose, and it just might be. But nothing is a given due to the up-and-comers who appear hot on his trail. 

Watch Nowry win the 2018 Open over Sam Hazewinkel in the video below:

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Dalton Duffield (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial runner-up; 2018 US National Team member; 2018 U23 World Team Trials Champion

Duffield could be the total package if the weight cut doesn’t stop him. A two-time Fargo champ before initially opting for the college folkstyle route, the Oklahoma stud returned to Greco in 2018 and made an immediate impact, first winning the U23 Trials ahead of surging to the #3 spot at the Senior event in his home state. 

Jabari Moody (NYAC)

Recent: 2018 U23 World Team Trials runner-up; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 4th

So damn explosive it’s almost scary, Moody has everything you want in a sizzling prospect: instincts, power, and an eagerness to throw. Where he falls short thus far is in positional nuance, which is a nice way of saying he loses ground in tie-ups and that forces him to have to do a whole bunch of extra work just to get right again. That’ll come with time. 

Britain Longmire (NV)

Recent: 2018 World Team Trials bronze; 2018 US Open 5th

When you think of Longmire, who like some here is still new to Senior, observe this fact: between the Open and World Team Trials last year, the only men he has lost to are Sam Hazewinkel and Miranda. He has beaten everyone else, including Moody, who he defeated twice. What you like is the rapid improvement and meanness in which he does his work from inside the trenches. 

Jemone Carter (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze

Carter was around in 2018 but he was really just getting his feet wet, and as such, his efforts flew under the radar. Though it has only been a single tournament this season, Carter made it a solid one, picking up a couple of nice wins en-route to third at Schultz. A big thrower, his side lift is already a weapon worthy of discussion, but it’s going to be the little things that matter more should he advance in Vegas. 

60 Kilograms

Dalton Roberts (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships 5th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze; 2018 World Team member; 2018 US Open Champion

The reigning champ is in the midst of his busiest Senior season yet, having competed at Schultz, two UWW Ranking Series events, and this past week’s Pan Ams. Add all of that European training from February into the mix, and it is reasonable to expect a very sharp and focused Roberts in Vegas. 

Ildar Hafizov (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2019 Armed Forces gold; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up

As hinted above, Hafizov presented a fearsome picture at January’s Schultz, eliciting a sigh of relief from WCAP coaches and fans alike. There’s no question -- he’s perhaps the best Greco wrestler in the country not just at this weight, but in the entire program. But can he keep up with Roberts, or the NMU rep just simply a bad match-up for him?

Watch Hafizov win the 2019 Shultz in the video below:

Mike Fuenffinger (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial silver; 2018 US Open runner-up

When Fuenffinger defeated teammate Hafizov in the Open semis last year, it was the banner moment of his Greco career, especially since he accomplished the feat via par terre. Roberts overran him in a classic the next night -- but hey, Fuenffinger clipped him back in the Schultz semis three months ago. Those two are now 2-2 against each other, which is sort of significant due to the top-heavy nature of this field. 

Randon Miranda (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 US National Team; 2018 US Open bronze

A brief yet whimsical flirtation back down to 55 kilograms opened Miranda’s season at the Dave Schultz, and after ramming through a few opponents in the round-robin, he was spent. That was all he needed to re-convince himself 60 is where he belongs, which is a good thing. Miranda is a speedster here and his counter-attacks are deadlier because he can set traps others aren’t familiar with. 

Taylor LaMont (Sunkist)

Recent: 2018 US Open bronze

A six-time age-group World Teamer and Junior World bronze in 2016, LaMont is still perceived as a potential torch carrier for the next generation of lightweights. His ninja-quickness is complemented by a bullheaded competitive streak, and he also doesn’t put himself in too many bad spots. That LaMont is an extremely adept turner from top only adds to his considerable arsenal.  

Ty Pelot (X-Factor Elite)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 4th; 2018 US Open 4th

Pelot has been suitably active since returning from a serious injury, and opened some eyes with his fourth at the ‘18 Nationals. The Trials didn’t pan out for him, and that’s okay.. A breakout performance in Vegas would entail garnering a win over an athlete he’s maybe not supposed to hang with just yet. He’s qualifying material as is. Everything else you’ve got here projects as a prime contender later on. 

63 Kilogram

Ryan Mango (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships silver; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open Champion

With Jesse Thielke not coming to party, some of this weight’s luster might be lost for some. Mistake. Mango can carry this bracket in terms of excitement and the best part is he’ll have plenty of help. A tear in his arm sidelined Mango until the Pan Ams, and well, he looked fine, although he is undoubtedly dissatisfied with taking second. You know what you’re getting here, which is to say maybe the most electrifying Greco athlete in the US.

Watch Mango take out Thielke in the semis of last year's Open:

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Hayden Tuma (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces gold; 2018 US National Team

When he’s on, Tuma is a walking stick of dynamite out on that mat. All of his lifts, all of his par terre work, is technically sound, explosive, and efficient. This weight class is right in his wheelhouse provided he has managed the cut appropriately. Will be in the running for the crown and a 2016 Open final rematch against Mango would make for some awfully compelling theater. 

Xavier Johnson (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces silver; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb bronze; 2018 US National Team

Consider this: Johnson is still relatively fresh on the scene, with only two legit seasons under his counting the current one -- and he is already beholden to one of the best side lifts in the nation. In Greco, the side lift for an athlete is akin to a mid-90’s fastball for a pitcher, you can’t win without one, not on the main stage. There are improvements still to be made, and par terre bottom is one area Johnson can be vulnerable. Hardly a unique situation, and this is a unique talent. 

Sammy Jones (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 7th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 US Open runner-up

“Wildman Sam” scored the biggest win of his career last month when he bombed World/Olympic bronze Stig-Andre Berge in Denmark, but that victory didn’t translate to a medal later on in the event. Still, it was a sight to see, and moreover, proof that Jones’ penchant for going right after foes in hopes of tossing them around can work at the highest level. 

Travis Rice (IRTC)

Recent: 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb Open 5th; 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix 5th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial runner-up; 2018 U23 World Team

Rice’s 2017-18 campaign was his best yet. He made the Open semis and won the U23 Trials, in the latter defeating Johnson on the strength of two incredible comebacks to sweep the series. There was a lot to like about the Schultz and that final opposite Jones, as well.  Rice has been active since then and will be more than prepared to try and one-up everything he achieved 12 months ago. That task begins in Vegas. 

67 Kilograms

Ellis Coleman (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships silver; 2019 Armed Forces gold; 2018 World Team; 2018 US Open Champion

You start off Ellis Coleman’s candidacy with the phrase “in spite of”. Try it like this -- in spite of...a career derailed by injury multiple times; dealing with an oft debilitating immunity disorder; and teetering into his prime, Coleman is the best pound-for-pound competitor the US has to offer. And he’s getting better. Coleman is still improving on the finer points and has recently made an adjustment to his lift that may prove to be game-changer. The Pan Ams final against Borrero saw his movement plenty sharp, just not his decision-making with a front headlock. It’s undeniable that he’s favored to earn his fifth title, and for good reason. 

Check out Coleman's gold-winning match at the 2018 US Open:

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Jamel Johnson (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces silver; 2019 Dave Schultz gold; 2018 Haparanda Cup silver; 2018 Lavrikov Memorial bronze; 2018 Grand Prix of Spain silver

The only explanation for why Marine Johnson doesn’t get enough attention is because of a forced hiatus from the sport following his exit from WCAP. It’s a shame, because what he brings to the table is exemplary. Johnson blends a workhorse grinding style with some thrilling offense from top, making him one wrestler you’ll definitely want to watch. 

Austin Morrow (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 17th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze

Morrow’s work ethic is unmatched, and it has to be that way given the multiple shoulder injuries he’s had to contend with over the past few years. He is healthy now, and at Schultz he torched an up-in-weight Thielke to the surprise of many. Rest assured, he’ll be in the argument at this thing, he just might not be quite ready to assume the throne. 

Jessy Williams (NYAC/FLWC)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 15th; 2018 US Open runner-up

An extended training camp in Sweden last year led to Williams surging to the Open final, and what’s more, he executed some brilliant attacks on his way there. It fell apart at the Trials, and his past two events were also downers. But guess what? Williams just returned from Europe ahead of this year’s tournament. Maybe that means something. 

Anthonie Linares (NYAC/LOG)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze; 2018 US Open 5th

You could debate the point, but does “Twinkie” have something to prove? It would seem that he does. The NMU product had a very solid showing at the Schultz in what was a tough (but compressed) field. It has been like this -- he performs well, but he’s even better than what he shows. A sleeper competitor at the moment, Linares could use a big two days in Vegas to remind everyone exactly who he is. 

Middleweights

When it comes to US domestic Greco-Roman, there are spectrums to observe. The lightweights offer the lightning; the upper-weights deliver the thunder. So what it is that the middleweights will bring to the table on Thursday at the US Open in Las Vegas?

The most complete style of wrestling available in the country. 

Between 72 and 82 kilograms, they do it all. You get some of the zippiness the smaller guys are known for along with the hard-hitting pummeling and brutal landings the monsters have a tendency to display. Not to mention, it is right here within these three weight classes where many of America’s most overall talented athletes can be found, period.

72 Kilograms

RaVaughn Perkins (NYAC)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships gold; 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix 8th; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb Open 9th; 2018 World Team member

You turn around and look, and hey, Perkins is searching for his third Open title. Although, it’s not hard to believe since few in the nation have been as consistently excellent as the native Nebraskan. He’s also back down to 72, where he is both most comfortable and most effective. Anyone who watched his great good work at the Pan Ams knows he’s hitting on all cylinders. The question is, who is going to rise up and pose a realistic threat? 

Ray Bunker (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships gold; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 Lavrikov Memorial bronze

He’s like a machine. Bunker just keeps on coming and never wears down. That used to be all he had, but not these days. His skill-set is increasing in conjunction with his confidence. After he won the Schultz, he intimated that a place on this year’s World Team was a realistic goal. If he said that even just a year ago, he would have been laughed off. Well, no one’s laughing anymore. Bunker is legit. 

Colin Schubert (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 8th; 2018 World Team Trials 4th

Being looked at as a “wrestler’s wrestler” is a nice feather in one’s cap, but it doesn’t make World Teams or earn medals, which is all Schubert is focused on. He’s had a not-so-fantastic run recently, but part of that is because he’s not finding his way into workable positions. A correctable issue, but a necessary and important adjustment for an athlete who is as mean on the mat as it gets. 

Michael Hooker (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships silver

Some athletes are entering the Open not because they think they can win, but because they just want to qualify for the Trials. Hooker is entering because he needs to reassert his place in the pecking order. He’s so talented and was once thought of as a can’t-miss prospect. Those pieces are still there, but the accolades are not. Now would be an opportune time to change the narrative. 

Lenny Merkin (NJRTC)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 4th

Merkin’s life is not entirely Greco, not yet. If it were, who knows how he’d be viewed? Who knows what he would, or could, or will achieve? What you get with Merkin is an appealing blend of all-style mechanics with a hard-nosed Greco attitude. He can be turned and lifted, but he can also drum up scores in a heartbeat. That’s exactly what this sport needs. 

Eleazar Deluca (NJRTC)

Recent: 2018 World Team Trials 4th; 2018 US Open 7th

Last year, it was readily apparent that Deluca needed to grow comfortable with the environment, with the general way Senior Greco operates. He took a few lumps -- and he also collected a few scalps. We are a full season removed from that beginning phase. So unless Deluca, who at one point was listed on an overseas trip but didn’t go, has been completely dormant, expect a much improved athlete out there on the arena floor Thursday morning. 

77 Kilograms

Kamal Bey (Sunkist)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships silver; 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix 9th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 World Championships 7th; 2018 Junior World Championships 5th

Trite to say, but like US National Team head coach Matt Lindland pointed out recently, the only way to beat Bey is to not wrestle him. That means tying him up, and hard; hanging on two-on-one’s; and burying your head in his clavicle whilst hoping the ref just lets it go. Domestic opponents have shown more of an eagerness to exchange with Bey, and their collective track record of late kind of speaks for itself. 

Patrick Smith (Minnesota Storm)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 5th; 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix 19th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 Haavisto Cup silver; 2018 Haparanda Cup bronze; 2018 Lavrikov Memorial bronze; 2018 US National Team member

An active Smith is a happy Smith, and so far this season, no one has been as active as Smith. Simple, right? What’s maybe not as simple but definitely as interesting is that the Minnesota brawler has performed impressively up a full weight class, and his Schultz final against Manville showed that he’s a real player here both this year and next. 

Mason Manville (NLWC)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial silver; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up

We’re talking two tournaments in a row where Manville basically came in cold and lit up the joint en-route to the finals. The first was the ‘18 Trials with the aforementioned Schultz as the second. A true “competitor”, and when you say it, you enunciate the “tor” like Daniel Plainview. Manville was born to compete, and he’s also a master at figuring out others’ weaknesses on the fly. Should he just up and win this thing, either over Bey or someone else, no one will die of shock. 

Jesse Porter (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 9th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze; 2018 U23 World Team member

It’s not meant as a slight to Porter’s past vanquishers, but most of his domestic losses have arrived by his own undoing. He likes to lull opponents to sleep before unleashing all sorts of flying chaos, and while really, really entertaining, he can also get caught in-between because of this. Consistency, on both US shores and foreign, is the next piece in the Porter puzzle. Once he locks it into place, look out. 

Kendrick Sanders (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2018 US Open dnp

The best US Greco-Roman wrestler of his generation to have never made a World Team. A dubious distinction, but it’s hardly subjective. Sanders took his place among the elite as soon as he decided this style was for him. You get the feeling that 2020 will be it, one way or the other. Sanders is still in his athletic prime, and truth be told, more skillful than everyone here. But does he know that? And if so, does he believe it? We’d like to see Sanders at his zenith and Friday evening sounds about right. 

Corey Hope (NYAC)

Recent: (It’s been a while)

There is likely not one fan, one coach, or even one fellow athlete who is expecting a run from Hope in Las Vegas. Who could blame them? He has spent way more time rehabbing the past few years than he has competing. Thing is, Hope is too strong and knowledgeable to just dismiss. He also likes to be in your face the entire six minutes. Tough to deal with. So while a trip to the Final X Series would certainly catch most off-guard, and rightfully so, a very solid first-time-back effort that at least gets him to Raleigh is where the smart money resides. 

Chris Gonzalez (NYAC)

Recent: 2018 World Team Trials 4th; 2018 US Open 4th

Gonzalez is making his Bellator debut just two weeks after the Open wraps up. You might say that his participation in Vegas is just part of his training, or some kind of distraction before a high-profile fistfight. Wrong. Gonzalez showed last year he can manage both disciplines well. If anything, he demonstrated more heat in matches, not less. After barely missing out on the National Team last June, his viability will only be questioned by the foolish. 

82 Kilograms

Cheney Haight (NYAC)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships gold; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 4th; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open bronze

The lion may sleep tonight but the “White Tiger” is wide awake. Haight, 34, is still prowling the prairie, handing out arm throws and beatdowns to willing dance partners. Last week in Argentina, Haight cruised to his third Pan Ams title and said beforehand that he feels even better than he did a year ago, when he fell to Geordan Speiller in the Trials finals. If you’re in this weight class, that’s not fantastic news. 

John Stefanowicz (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships gold; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb 8th; 2018 Haparanda Cup bronze; 2018 US National Team member

Stefanowicz’s season thus far has included: a bronze overseas in his first tournament back; a win over U23 World finalist/’19 Euros champ Rajbek Bisultanov of Denmark; and a close victory over multi-time Trials finalist Jon Anderson at Armed Forces. Not bad. But he hasn’t beaten Haight yet. He doesn’t have to here, either, but wouldn’t you know it, there is an incentive being offered if he does. Not that he needs one. 

Jake Fisher (Curby 3-Style)

Recent: 2018 World Team Trials bronze; 2018 US Open 7th

Fisher took two years off before returning for the ‘18 Open, where he went all the way up to 87 kilos. He looked okay, despite part-timing it. But he’s too good for it to look like anything else. 82 fit him much nicer at the Trials, and you saw flashes of the old Fisher out there in Oklahoma. He still has that punishing underhook, stout positioning, and will to win. As for his actual candidacy in Vegas? He’s being seen as a sleeper, though that can change in a hurry based on how his first match goes.  

Carter Nielsen (Minnesota Storm/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Thor Masters 8th; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial silver; 2018 U23 World Team

If belief in one’s self is the most essential component to becoming a successful Greco-Roman athlete, then consider Nielsen on the right path. He does not wrestle to win; he wrestles as if giving an inch equals death. You might remember Nielsen going at it with Bey in the Schultz final, but hopefully you didn’t miss his first two matches at Thor Masters, or his second bout at the U23 Worlds. The movement, the aggression, the darting setups...they’re hard to ignore. But it’s the intangible desire to fight past exhaustion that stands out the most. 

Andrew Berreyesa (NYAC/FLWC)

Recent: 2018 Junior World runner-up; 2018 U23 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 UWW Junior National Champion

Simply put, Berreyesa is one of the US program’s top young faces, and it would have still been this way had he NOT engineered that mesmerizing march to the Junior World final. He’s a mature, analytical kind of athlete, knows where his strengths are but is devoted to eliminating weaknesses. Berreyesa enjoys as full of a Greco toolbox as we’ve seen from a young guy in quite a while, including par terre defense, which already sets him apart from most in the pack. 

Upperweights

This is a very interesting era in United States Greco-Roman, for we have entered a space where the upper-weights steal a lot of the headlines. That’s not to say the light and middleweights are lacking, certainly not. When we’re talking speed, crispness, and head-turning throws, the little guys still provide show-stopping entertainment. 

But actual competitive strength and foundational depth are a different story. That’s what is available with the upperweights. 

When you have a heavyweight who is coming off of a World silver, a light-heavy who is ranked third, and an 87-kilogram weight class that features a two-time Olympian and a pair of recent World Teamers, there isn’t much debate. As has been the case occasionally throughout our nation’s history, USA Greco’s biggest strengths right now revolve around its biggest athletes.

87 Kilograms

Patrick Martinez (NYAC)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships bronze; 2019 Thor Masters 7th; 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix 18th; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb Open 12th; 2018 US World Team member

At the highest reaches of the sport, Greco is a “turn and not get turned” game. Martinez’s improvement on the latter this season has been remarkable, and Lord knows he’s had a lot of practice. Now that he’ll be back to battling with domestic opponents, that’s a huge edge to have. But of course, for as deep as 87 is, it’s a pummel-happy weight class with matches often left in the refs’ hands. To really stand out here, it would behoove Martinez to pressure his way to scoring chances on the feet, something he can certainly do - but doesn’t do enough of. 

Ben Provisor (NYAC/NLWC)

Recent: 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix 14th; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open Champion

Although Provisor did get himself over to Hungary this past winter, that was more of a training excursion than a relevant competitive sample size to hone in on. He was reportedly slowed by a staph infection leading to last year’s World Team Trials, and he had to deal with a nagging knee later on. By all accounts he’s healthy, and if so, there is some unfinished business here for him to handle and that could start with his fourth Open title. 

Joe Rau (TMWC/Chicago RTC)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze; 2018 Haparanda Cup silver; 2018 US Open runner-up

Rau suffered a broken jaw last June thanks to a practice room incident with another athlete, which forced him out of the Trials. To make up for it, he booked himself all over Europe through the summer (as well as most of the fall) and has appeared at every camp held at the OTC. He’s always motivated, but this time everything seems different. That the Open is only the first step to making the World Team means this weight class is even more of a gauntlet than usual, and Rau has done his part to prepare accordingly. 

Barrett Stanghill (Minnesota Storm/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 6th; 2018 US Open runner-up

Assuming that Stanghill is done being a “tweener” and will no longer flirt with 82 kilos, he could find himself really starting to press the perceived top guys here, if not overtake them completely. Most figure that he’s a year away. Stanghill has shown repeatedly that there are not a whole lot of weaknesses in his game, and his return to Marquette under Andy Bisek has turned his confidence up a notch or two. Definitely one of the more intriguing guys to pay attention to this week.

James Souza (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships gold

It’s so hard for casuals to ignore Souza’s physique and that is totally understandable. He looks like he was assembled in a laboratory by men in white coats who just wanted to see what would happen if you crammed muscle tissue in as many areas as possible. But underneath that musculature is an elitely-functioning athlete whose grasp of this style is beginning to match his gifts. Souza wasn’t supposed to make a dent in ‘18; instead, he nearly made the National Team. And he is two steps better this year. Something to think about.   

Khymba Johnson (NYAC/OTS)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 4th; 2018 US Open 5th

Johnson is becoming the standard example of a wrestler who is good, but even better than his results -- even though it’s becoming tougher to keep sticking with that argument. We’re two-and-a-half years removed from his National final, and consistency, or lack thereof, is now the issue. Johnson is so easy to root for -- and when he’s crushing someone, it all looks very natural. However, it’s time to either step up, step down, or commit to 97 if he feels the space here is too crowded. 

Vaughn Monreal-Berner (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships silver; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial 8th

No one is going to pay much mind to Monreal-Berner, but what most don’t get is that he had some relevant age-group experience prior to joining the Marines and is now gradually making adjustments on the Senior level that matter. As an Armed Forces medalist he’s already locked in for the Trials, so his presence in Vegas means something. It might mean he has a point to prove. 

97 Kilograms

G’Angelo Hancock (Sunkist)

Recent: 2019 Pan Am Championships silver; 2019 Thor Masters bronze; 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix gold; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb bronze; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial gold; 2018 World Team member

If a bye to the Final X Series wasn’t hanging in the balance, there would be little reason for Hancock to appear in this event given how insanely busy his schedule has been this year. There will not be a more confident guy to watch on Thursday. Despite a very weird if not poorly-officiated bout in the Pan Am finals and another one in Denmark, Hancock has been able to execute nearly everything he has wanted to this season -- and that’s against foreigners. Take that however you want. 

Daniel Miller (Marines)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships gold; 2019 Grand Prix Zagreb Open 10th; 2018 Haparanda Cup bronze; 2018 Lavrikov Memorial bronze; 2018 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open Champion

Forget for a second that Miller is the returning Open champ, or the fact that he was giving Hancock all he could handle during most of their time together last June. What makes the Marine Captain truly dangerous right now is that he is engineering micro adjustments both during practices and even in-match. He’s seeing holes he didn’t know were there before, correcting them, and then punishing opponents. Most seem to think that there is still some distance between he and the #1 guy, but if there is, it might not be much. 

Lucas Sheridan (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships silver; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial silver; 2018 US National Team member; 2018 US Open bronze

You won’t come across a more devoted, impassioned wrestler, or one who wields as many weapons for this weight class. Sheridan is practically letter-perfect for 97 due in large part to what has been uncanny power, better footspeed than most, and an increasing ability to pummel into and out of positions without sacrificing good offensive looks. You’d just like to see him make those looks count, and his headlock, which is a whammer, can serve as the great equalizer simply because the threat of it is enough for others to bail. 

Eric Twohey (Minnesota Storm)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze; 2018 Haavisto Cup silver; 2018 US Open 5th

Medical school student Twohey got his start in Senior Greco last year by piecing together his training with the Storm whenever time allowed. Unless something changed, that is still how he’s rolling. What is more important to note is that every tournament Twohey has entered thus far, he has been a serious player, including at the Haavisto Cup in Finland. It’s obvious his degree of natural talent is considerable, and should certainly be more than enough to get himself a ticket to North Carolina. 

Chad Porter (Sunkist)

Recent: 2018 Junior World Team member 

We definitely want to see what Porter has to offer at the Senior level. His pace and movement last year at age-group accentuated his all-style wrestling skills, which was nice for domestic Junior but likely won’t cut it in this tournament. So how has he adapted and evolved? What does his par terre defense look like? There is little doubt that if Porter applies himself to Greco he can be a star. You just hope he recognizes that, too. 

130 Kilograms

Toby Erickson (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2019 Armed Forces Championships gold; 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial silver

A very strong performance at the Dave Schultz Memorial (even if it ended in less than ideal fashion) escorted Erickson to another Armed Forces title, but it is what has happened since that is just as important. The big guy’s training has really kicked in throughout the spring and he reportedly had himself a great camp with the US team that went to the Pan Ams. With Coon focusing on leg-grabbing this Open, Erickson finds himself in prime position to earn his second Senior stop sign. But we’d still like to see a 2019 version of that match-up.

David Tate Orndorff (UVRTC)

Recent: 2018 US National Team member; 2018 U23 World Team Trials runner-up; 2018 US Open bronze

It’s not enough to know how to wrestle Greco, you have to know how to wrestle “heavyweight Greco”, which is practically its own style. What Orndorff shows is that he can out-hustle plodders and capitalize on small openings normally missed by these behemoths. That gas tank is important, but what you also love about Orndorff is his mentality. He’ll grind and fight, but not just for the sake of doing so. This dude likes to score. It’s why he bronzed in Vegas last year, and it’s why he earned a spot on the National Team ahead of more established competitors. 

Jacob Mitchell (Army/WCAP)

Recent: 2018 World Team Trials 4th

Mitchell hasn’t competed in Greco in nearly a year, but don’t hold that against him. He has the domestic experience to stack up with everyone here, and because he entered into this discipline as a fine folkstyler, can move well, throw well, and scramble better than most heavies.

Haydn Maley (California RTC)

Recent: 2017 UWW Junior World Team Trials runner-up

A terrific age-group competitor, Maley didn’t make an appearance in 2018, so it has been two full years since he fell in the Junior Trials (and subsequently wrecked ship at the Pan Ams). A classical wrestling athlete. Maley -- now this is understanding it has been 24 months or so -- is a thoroughbred who expresses unique instincts and refined body mechanics that you rarely see in today’s larger folk wrestlers who crossover. He’s listed here at 130, and if that holds, size might be an issue. But talent won’t be. 

West Cathcart (Stoopstyle)

Recent: 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial bronze

It was refreshing to see Cathcart suit up for Schultz Greco back in January and he pounded out a bronze, with almost like, no issue, literally. A little breather from competition may have done the former NMU wrestler some good. Maybe it brought him perspective. Whatever it did, Cathcart, who used to compete at 98 kilos, competed with steely aggression that is sorely needed in this field. Assuming he’s coming to Vegas with that approach, his will be a name to watch next month at the Trials.