Sawyer Bartelt received phone calls from over 15 programs across the country on June 15th. What was Sawyer’s response to the coaches he talked to on that first day? “I’ll call you back.” Bartelt wasn’t being rude, he was busy competing at the Junior Duals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was focused on performing to the best of his abilities. That competition distracted him from all of the calls and made that first day feel less than extraordinary. However, looking back at it now, Bartelt said he was surprised by the number of calls he received and that they all came early on that opening day of recruitment.

However, it shouldn’t be surprising that over 15 coaches contacted Bartelt or that they were "cool" with Sawyer calling them back. Bartelt's currently ranked #9 in our 2024 Big Board and brings an impressive list of accolades into his junior season of high school. Along with being a 2-time Florida state champ, Bartelt was a Fargo champ last summer in Greco and finished 5th in freestyle. This year, he finished 3rd (in Greco) and 4th (in freestyle) and the U17 world team trials this past April. He then went on to win U17 Pan-Am gold in June by going 4-0 with 3 techs and a pin. Sawyer is a coveted recruit and will likely be a career 197-pounder once he reaches the collegiate level.

Check out Sawyer Bartelt dominating at U17 Pan-Ams:

The Timeline

After a few weeks of fielding calls, Bartelt now understands he has a lot of options and will take the same, patient approach he had on June 15th into the rest of his recruiting process. He hasn’t narrowed down his list of potential schools and is currently focused on Fargo (July 16-22) where his goal is to win titles in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman at 195 pounds. After Fargo, Bartelt said he’ll whittle his list down to prepare to take his official visits in the fall. 

While Bartelt is keeping his options open, there are a few things that are important to him that will influence his decision. First, is the culture of the program. Sawyer said he wants to go to a college town that is invested in the program and loves wrestling. After that, he wants the team to connect on more than just wrestling off the mat. For Bartelt, that includes hunting and fishing - something that he loves doing to get away from the grind of competition (and recruiting). Sawyer is also interested in pursuing an Engineering degree and said it’d be a bonus if he went to a school that had other wrestlers in that major on his team.

Looking ahead, Bartelt reiterated that he plans on taking his time throughout the recruiting process and that he’s excited to take his official visits in the fall. After that, Sawyer said it is important for him to commit prior to his senior year so that he can focus on competing and enjoy his final year of high school. 

Check out Bartelt's win in the 2021 Greco Fargo Finals:

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In