2019 USMC Cadet and Junior National Championships

The Best of Cadets Day 1

Here are the highlights from the opening day of Fargo.

Jul 14, 2019 by Willie Saylor

USA Wrestling's level system is working. They refined the process heading into this year and it makes for better, more balanced brackets. The result is a quieter first session. But not everyone was immune from upsets. We even saw a defending champ go down in Round 1.

Already a subscriber? Log In

The intensity picked up in the second session. And now that the quarterfinals are set, nothing is out of consideration.

Before we get there though, let's hit the highlights from Day 1.

Watch Fargo 2019 Live on Flo

July 13-19 | 9AM Central

#10) Harrison Trahan Pushes Favorite TJ Stewart

Already a subscriber? Log In

Spectators went to Mat 13 to see TJ Stewart bombs. What they got instead was a darn good bout as Harrison Trahan gave him a good go.

#9) Two Contenders Hit in Round 1

Already a subscriber? Log In

Super 32 Middle School Champ Meyer Shapiro (MD) takes out Nasir Bailey (IL), the only 8th grader to place in the high school division last year at Super 32.

#8) Kyren Butler Beats PA Champ Herrera

Already a subscriber? Log In

#7) 94lb. Sterling Dias Is Slick & Powerful

Sterling Dias is so very slick.
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) July 13, 2019

#6) :23 Gets Put Back On The Clock

Already a subscriber? Log In

Returning Runner-Up Manny Rojas (MI) was in a wild scramble at the end. After review, :23 were re-wrestled and Rojas moved on.

#5) Returning Champ Williams Survives Two Scares

Already a subscriber? Log In

Ranked #2 in the country, Jordan Williams (OK) rallied from a 6-4 deficit in Round 2, and then scored a point with 7 seconds left to beat Garrett Grice (NE).

#4) John Wiley Beasts It

Oh he really did it to 'em.
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) July 14, 2019

#3) The Cernus-Shapiro Scramble

Already a subscriber? Log In

#2) Clayton Whiting Techs Top Contender

Give him all 5!
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) July 13, 2019

I had this as my Fargo final. Turns out, we got that match up in the first round.

#1) Returning National Champ Goes Down!

Already a subscriber? Log In

Noah Pettigrew (195), a freshman from Georgia lost to Indiana's Evan Bates in the first round. Pettigrew was a double Fargo finalist last year, winning the title in FS. Bates took 3rd as a Sophomore in Indiana states.