Skip to content
USAW

Junior Nationals freestyle finalist biographies

Share:

by USA Wrestling

100 lbs.

RED - Kirk Johansen, Glendale Heights, Ill.
Second in 2013 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Fourth in 2013 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2013 Illinois Junior National Duals team in both styles"¦ Sixth in 2012 Cadet Nationals in both styles"¦ Attends Glenbard North High School"¦ Son of Kirk Johansen and Brandi Thomas"¦ Coached by Coach Hahn and Israel Martinez"¦ Born: September 19, 1996"¦ Age: 16

BLUE - Francis Edelen, Oak Forest, Ill.
Second in 2013 Illinois state freestyle championships"¦ Competed at 113 pounds as a sophomore for Oak Forest High School with a 26-8 record"¦ Competed at 100 pounds as a freshman with a 29-11 record"¦ Son of Meg and Bill Hults"¦ Coached by Shawn Forst, Kyle Gubbins and Bryan Harney"¦ Born: September 16, 1996"¦ Age: 16

106 lbs.

RED - Joe Cisneros, Visalia, Calif.
Second in 2013 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Fourth in 2012 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ 2013 Junior National Duals All-Tournament team in both styles"¦ 2012 Junior National Duals All-Tournament Team in freestyle"¦Competed at 106 pounds as a junior for Redwood High School, with a 51-0 record"¦ Competed at 106 as a sophomore with a 40-12 record"¦ Competed at 103 as a freshman, with a 32-10 record"¦ Son of Joe and Marie Cisneros"¦ Coached by Dave Watts"¦ Born: May 23, 1996"¦ Age: 17

BLUE - Hunter Marko, Amery, Wis.
2012 USA Wrestling Cadet Triple Crown winner, winning national titles in folkstyle, Greco-Roman and freestyle..
2012 Wisconsin Cadet state champion in both styles"¦ He is a three-time state champion in folkstyle, a four-time state champion in freestyle and a four-time state champion in Greco-Roman"¦ 2010 USA Wrestling Schoolboy National Folkstyle champion"¦ He is a five-time Folkstyle National All-American"¦ Wisconsin State champion at 113 pounds as a freshman for Amery High School with a 47-2 record"¦. Son of Scott and Brooke Marko"¦ Coached by Scott Marko, Greg Nichols, Brandon Paulson, Jared Lawrence, Jake Deitchler and Tim Hartung"¦ Favorite Athlete: Aaron Rodgers"¦ Born: October 7, 1997"¦ Age: 15

113 lbs.

RED - Brian Rossi, Homer Glen, Ill.
2013 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion"¦ Seventh in 2012 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Second in 2011 Central Cadet Regionals in freestyle"¦ 2009 Northern Plains Schoolboy Regional freestyle champion"¦ Third in the Illinois state championships at 113 as a junior for Lockport Township High School with a 45-4 record"¦ Third in the Illinois state championships at 106 as a sophomore with a 45-5 record"¦ Competed at 103 as a freshman with a 21-7 record"¦ Son of Joseph and Eileen Rossi"¦ Coached by Josh Oster"¦ Born: June 11, 1996"¦ Age: 17

BLUE - Elijah Oliver, Cordova, Tenn.
Fourth in 2013 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals"¦ 2013 Junior National Duals All-Tournament Team in freestyle"¦ 2013 Tennessee state freestyle champion"¦ Tennessee state champion at 113 pounds as a sophomore for Christian Brothers High School with a 47-2 record"¦ Tennessee state champion at 106 pounds as a freshman with a 39-2 record"¦ Son of Eric and Katerina Oliver"¦ Coached by Chris Lewis, Brian Baucke, Garrett House and Vince Gioiella"¦ Born: November 26, 1996"¦ Age: 16

120 lbs.

RED - Kaid Brock, Stillwater, Okla.
Second in 2013 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Third in 2012 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals"¦ Second in 2012 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Second in 2012 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Third in 2011 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2011 Southern Plains Cadet freestyle champion"¦ Oklahoma state champion at 113 as a sophomore for Stillwater High School with a record of 37-0"¦ Third in the Oklahoma states as a freshman at 106 pounds with a 38-7 record"¦ Son of Kim and Pamela Brock"¦ Coached by Todd Chesbro"¦ Born: January 17, 1996"¦ Age: 17

BLUE - Nathan Tomasello, Parma, Ohio
2011 and 2012 Junior Nationals freestyle champion"¦ Second in 2013 FILA Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2013 Central Junior Regionals freestyle champion"¦ Fifth in 2012 FILA Junior World Team Trials"¦ Fifth in 2012 FILA Junior Nationals"¦ Fourth at 2011 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Fourth in 2011 FILA Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2010 FILA Cadet National champion"¦ Second in 2009 FILA Cadet Nationals"¦ Two-time Cadet National All-American"¦ Four-time Ohio state champion"¦ State champion as a senior at 120 pounds for for Cuyuhoga Valley Christian Academy with a 51-0 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 113 pounds with a 43-0 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 103 pounds with a 43-0 record"¦ State champion as a freshman at 103 pounds with a 37-5 record"¦ Son of Sue and Tom Tomasello"¦ Coached by Dan Lorence and Erik Burnett"¦ ASICS All-American First Team member"¦ Born: May 1, 1994"¦ Age: 19

126 lbs.

RED- Jered Cortez, Carol Stream, Ill.
Sixth in 2011 Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2010 Cadet Nationals freestyle champion"¦ 2010 Central Regional Cadet freestyle champion"¦ Second in 2010 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Second in 2009 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Third in 2009 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Three-time Illinois state champion"¦ Illinois state champion as a junior at 126 pounds for Glenbard North High School with a 52-0 record"¦ Illinois state champion as a sophomore at 120 pounds with a 51-0 record"¦ Illinois state champion as a freshman at 112 pounds with a 39-4 record"¦ Son of Robert and Nicole Cortez"¦ Coached by Maru Hahn"¦ Born: August 4, 1994"¦ Age: 18

BLUE - PT Garcia, Lakewood, Colo.
Fifth in 2012 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals"¦ Two-time Colorado state Junior freestyle champion... Two-time Colorado state champion"¦ State champion as a junior at 132 pounds for Bear Creek High School with a 40-2 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 120 pounds with a 46-1 record"¦. Second in the state as a freshman at 112 pounds with a 33-2 record"¦ Son of Paul and Deann Garcia"¦ Coached by Steve Burdick and Scott Dooley"¦ Born: October 17, 1995"¦ Age: 17

132 lbs.

RED -Seth Gross, Rosemont, Minn.
2011and 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle champion"¦ 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman"¦ State champion as a junior for Apple Valley High School at 132 pounds with a 25-2 record"¦. State champion as a sophomore at 120 pounds with a 45-4 record"¦ Third in the Minnesota state championships at 103 pounds as a freshman with a 40-7 record"¦ Son of Troy and Rhonda Gross"¦ Coached by Dalen Wasmund"¦ Born: March 15, 1996"¦ Age: 16

BLUE - Kyle Gliva, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Third in 2013 Northern Plains Regionals in freestyle"¦ Seventh in 2013 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Sixth in 2011 Cadet Nationals"¦ 2011 Northern Plains Cadet champion in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman"¦ Second in 2011 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Sixth in 2010 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2010 Northern Plains Cadet champion in both styles"¦ Fifth in 2010 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Three-time Minnesota high school champion"¦ State champion as a senior at 132 pounds for Simley High School with a 46-4 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 113 pounds with a 31-2 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 103 pounds with a 44-1 record"¦ Second in Minnesota state meet as a freshman at 103 pounds with a 38-9 record"¦ Son of Keith and Sue Gliva"¦ Coached by Will Short, Jared Lawrence and Brandon Paulson"¦ Born June 28, 1995"¦ Age: 18

138 lbs.

RED -Joseph McKenna, Towaco, N.J.
2013 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ Second in 2012 Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ Third in 2013 FILA Junior Nationals"¦ 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals champion"¦ Eighth at 2012 FILA Cadet World Championships"¦ 2011 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion and fifth in freestyle"¦ 2010 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ Third in 2010 FILA Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ 2011 Cadet National Duals All-Tournament Team in both styles"¦Prep Nationals champion at 132 pounds as a junior for Blair Academy with a 28-1 record"¦ Prep National champion at 120 pounds as a sophomore with a 32-2 record"¦ Prep National champion at 103 pounds as a freshman"¦ Son of James and Natalie McKenna"¦ Coached by Solomon Fleckman and Matt Ciampa"¦Born: August 3, 1995"¦ Age: 17

BLUE - Aaron Pico, Whittier, Calif.
2013 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle"¦ 2013 FILA Junior Nationals champion in freestyle"¦. 2013 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion"¦ 2012 Cadet Triple Crown winner, with national titles in folkstyle, Greco-Roman and freestyle"¦ 2011 Cadet Nationals freestyle and Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2011 and 2012 California Cadet state freestyle champion"¦ 2011 Western Regionals Cadet freestyle and Greco-Roman champion"¦ California state champion as a freshman at 132 pounds for St. John Bosco High School with a 46-0 record"¦ Son of Anthony and Gina Pico"¦ Coached by Omar Delgado and Valentin Kalika"¦ ASICS All-American First Team member"¦ Born: September 23, 1996"¦ Age: 16

145 lbs.

RED - Anthony Collica, Solon, Ohio
2012 Junior Nationals freestyle champion"¦. Fourth in 2011 Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2011 and 2012 Central Regional freestyle champion"¦ 2011 Central Regional Cadet champion"¦ Three-time Ohio state champion"¦ Ohio state champion as a senior at 152 pounds for Solon High School with a 49-1 record"¦ Ohio state champion as a junior at 145 pounds for with a 44-3 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 130 pounds with a 45-3 record"¦ State Qualifier as a freshman at 112 pounds with a 34-7 record"¦ Son of Mike and Beth Collica"¦ Coached by Tony Digluvanni and Jim Hewitt"¦ Born May 6, 1994"¦ Age: 19

BLUE - Blayne Briceno, Simi Valley, Calif.
2013 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2013 West Junior Regionals champion in both styles"¦ Third in 2012 West Junior Regionals in Greco-Roman and fifth in freestyle"¦ 2011 West Junior Regionals champion in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman"¦Seventh in 2010 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ 2008 Schoolboy National champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and second in folkstyle"¦ Sixth in California state championships as a senior for Crespi Carmelite High School at 152 with a 54-6 record"¦ Eighth in California states as a junior at 132 with a 52-5 record"¦ Competed at 119 pounds as a freshman with a 42-16 record"¦ Son of Carlos and Melanie Briceno"¦ Coached by Mike Odman and Leonard Simon"¦ Born: August 16. 1994"¦ Age: 18

152 lbs.

RED - Ryan Blees, Bismarck, N.D.
Second in 2013 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Second in 2012 Preseason Nationals"¦ Second in 2012 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Fourth in 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Fourth in 2011 Cadet Nationals in both styles"¦ 2011 Northern Plains Cadet champion in both styles"¦ Three-time North Dakota state champion"¦ State champion as a junior at 160 pounds for Bismarck High School"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 138 pounds "¦ State champion as a freshman at 130 pounds"¦ Son of Jeff and Kris Blees"¦ Coached by Jeff Schumacher, Chad Renner and Scott Knowlen"¦ Born: July 9, 1995"¦ Age: 18

BLUE -Jake Short, Inver Grove Heights, Minn
Third in 2012 Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦. Second in 2011 Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦ 2011 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle Nationals champion"¦ 2010 Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle"¦ 2010 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals champion"¦ Eighth in 2009 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Four-time Minnesota state champion"¦. State champion as a senior for Simley High School at 152 pounds with a 50-0 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 145 pounds with a 49-1 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 149 pounds with a 47-3 record"¦ State champion at 130 pounds as a freshman with a 41-9 record"¦ Son of Wil and Jodi Short"¦ Coached by Will Short"¦ Born: October 24, 1994"¦ Age: 18.

160 lbs.

RED - Markus Scheidel, Bay Village, Ohio
Sixth in 2011 Cadet Nationals in freestyle"¦ Two-time Ohio state freestyle champion"¦ Third in 2010 Central Cadet Regionals in freestyle"¦ Second in Ohio state championships as a senior for St. Edward High School with a 37-5 record"¦ Second in Ohio state championships as a junior with a 33-10 record"¦ Fifth in the Ohio state championships as a sophomore with a 33-10 record"¦ Competed as a freshman with a 14-7 record"¦ Son of Ron and Debbie Scheidel"¦ Coached by Greg Urbas and Mike Kulczyki"¦ Born: May 29, 1995"¦ Age: 18

BLUE - Davonte Mahomes, Oak Park, Ill.
2013 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2013 USA Wrestling Folkstyle Junior Nationals champion"¦ Third in 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Third in 2011 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Two-time Illinois Greco-Roman state champion, and one-time freestyle state champion"¦ Third in Illinois state champion ships at 160 as a junior for Oak Park-River Forest High School with a 49-1 record"¦ Third in Illinois states as a sophomore at 152 with a 37-2 record"¦ Competed at 145 as a freshman with a 32-5 record"¦ Son of Dashawn Harris"¦. Coached by Mike Powell and Brian Molini"¦ Born: October 24, 1995"¦ Age: 17

Note: Mahomes remains eligible for the Junior Triple Crown.

170 lbs.

RED - Tyler Askey, Newnan, Ga.
2013 Southeast Regional Junior freestyle champion"¦ Second in 2012 USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals"¦ Fourth in 2010 Cadet Nationals in freestyle and fifth in Greco-Roman"¦ Fourth in 2010 Southeast Cadet Regionals in freestyle and fifth in Greco-Roman"¦ 2010 Southeast Regional Cadet Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2010 Southeast Regional Junior freestyle champion"¦ 2010 Central Regional Cadet champion"¦ Fifth in 2009 Cadet Nationals in freestyle and seventh in Greco-Roman"¦ Four-time Georgia state champion"¦ State champion as a senior at 170 pounds for Northgate High School with a 43-0 record"¦ State champion as a Junior at 170 with a 45-0 record"¦ state champion as a sophomore at 152 with a 49-0 record"¦ state champion as a freshman at 140 with a 51-0 record"¦ Son of Dan and Melissa Askey"¦ Coached by Adrian Anderson and Arturo Holmes"¦Born February 25, 1994"¦ Age: 19

BLUE - Bo Nickal, Allen, Texas
2012 USA Wrestling Cadet Triple Crown winner, with titles in folkstyle, Greco-Roman and freestyle"¦ 2013 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and third in Greco-Roman"¦ 2011 Cadet National Duals All-Tournament Team"¦ Second in 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman and freestyle"¦ Third in 2011 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman and seventh in freestyle"¦ State champion as a junior for Allen High School at 160 with a 49-1 record"¦. State champion as a sophomore at 145 pounds with a 49-3 record"¦ Second in the state as a freshman at 125 pounds with a 45-3 record"¦ Son of Jason and Sandy Nickal"¦ Coached by Jerry Best and Jason Nickal"¦ Born January 14, 1996"¦ Age: 17

182 lbs.

RED - Michael Pixley, Gladstone, Mo.
2012 Cadet National champion in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman"¦ Missouri state Junior freestyle champion"¦ 2012 USA Wrestling Cadet Folkstyle Nationals champion at 170 pounds"¦ 2012 Missouri State Cadet champion in both styles"¦ 2011 Southern Plains Regional champion in both styles"¦ Missouri state champion as a junior at 182 pounds for Blue Springs High School with a 44-0 record"¦. Third in the Missouri state championships as a sophomore with a 50-2 record"¦ Son of Keith and Dawn Pixley"¦ Coached by Mike Hagerty and Jason Keck"¦ Born: August 13, 1996"¦ Age: 16

BLUE - Riley Lefever, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Second in 2012 Central Junior Regionals in Greco-Roman and fourth in freestyle"¦2013 ISWA Indiana Triple Crown winner"¦ Two-time Indiana state champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman"¦ Second in Indiana state championships at 170 pounds as a senior for Carroll High School, with a 46-1 record"¦ Competed at 160 pounds as a junior, with a 38-3 record"¦ Competed at 140 pounds as a sophomore with a 26-15 record"¦ Competed at 125 pounds as a freshman, with an 11-18 record"¦ Son of Kent and Nancy Lefever"¦ Coached by Scott Raypole and Joe Caprino"¦ Born: May 15, 1995"¦ Age: 18

195 lbs.

RED -Joel Dixon, Edmond, Okla.
Oklahoma state champion at 195 pounds as a junior for Edmond North High School with a 42-0 record"¦ Third in the Oklahoma state championships at 182 pounds as a sophomore with a 36-6 record"¦ State qualifier as a freshman at 171 pounds with a 36-6 record"¦ Son of Linda and Tom Dixon"¦ Coached by Hardell Moore"¦ Born: March 15, 1995"¦ Age: 18

BLUE - Mitch Sliga, Fishers, Ind.
Seventh in 2013 FILA Junior Nationals in freestyle"¦. 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals freestyle champion"¦ 2011 Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and fourth in folkstyle"¦ 2010 Cadet Triple Crown winner, capturing USA Wrestling national titles in folkstyle, Greco-Roman and freestyle"¦ Fifth in 2011 FILA Cadet Nationals"¦ Four-time Folkstyle Nationals champion"¦ Two-time USA Wrestling Kids Triple Crown winner"¦ 24-time ISWA Indiana state champion"¦. State champion as a senior at 195 pounds for Fishers High School with a 49-0 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 195 with a 48-0 record"¦ Third in 2011 state championships as a sophomore at 189 pounds with a 36-1 record "¦ Third in 2010 state tournament at 189 pounds as a freshman "¦ Son of Chris and Michele Sliga"¦ Coached by Jake Harreld and Brady Eppert"¦ Born January 10, 1995"¦ Age: 18

220 lbs.

RED - Angus Cowell, Lakeville, Conn.
2013 New England Prep School champion for Hotchkiss School"¦. Competed at 195 pounds as a junior with a 36-6 record"¦. Son of Andrew and Heidi Cowell"¦ Coached by Tald Davis and John Knapp"¦ Born April 22, 1995"¦ Age: 18

BLUE - Roy Nash , West Valley City, Utah
2013 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2012 Cadet National champion in freestyle and Greco-Roman"¦ 2013 Western Regional Junior champion in both styles"¦ 2013 FILA Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion and second in freestyle"¦2012 Western Regional Cadet champion in both styles"¦ Fourth in 2011 FILA Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ 2010 Schoolboy National champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman"¦ 2010 Western Regional Triple Crown winner, taking gold in all three styles"¦ State champion as a junior at Taylorsville High School at 220 with a 46-0 record"¦ Son of Bob and Teriann Nash"¦ Coached by Wayne Watts and Brandon Ruiz"¦ Born January 11, 1996"¦ Age: 17

285 lbs.

RED - Adam Coon, Fowlerville, Mich.
2012 Junior Triple Crown winner, with national titles in folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman"¦ 2013 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ 2013 USA Wrestling Folkstyle Junior Nationals champion"¦ Second in 2013 FILA Junior World Team Trials in both styles"¦ 2013 FILA Junior Nationals champion in both styles"¦ 2011 FILA Cadet World champion in freestyle"¦ 2011 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion"¦ Undefeated at 2012 Junior National Duals"¦ 2011 FILA Cadet Nationals champion"¦ 2010 Cadet Nationals champion in Greco-Roman, and second in freestyle"¦ Second in 2010 Cadet Folkstyle Nationals"¦ Four-time Michigan state champion"¦ State champion as a senior at 285 for Fowlerville High School with a 55-0 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 285 pounds with a 50-0 record"¦ state champion as a sophomore at 215 pounds"¦ State champion as a freshman at 215 pounds"¦ Son of Dan and Dana Coon.., Coached by Dan Coon"¦ Will attend the Univ. of Michigan"¦ Born November 14, 1994"¦ Age: 18

Note: Coon remains eligible for the Junior Triple Crown. He is attempting to become the first person to win two Junior Triple Crowns

BLUE - Nathan Butler, Leavenworth, Kansas
Fifth in 2013 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman"¦ Three-time Kansas Junior state champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman"¦ 2012 FILA Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman"¦ Third in 2012 USA Wrestling Junior Folkstyle Nationals"¦ 2011 Cadet Nationals All-American in Greco-Roman"¦ Three-time Kansas state champion"¦ State champion as a senior at 285 pounds for Leavenworth High School with a 44-0 record"¦ State champion as a junior at 220 pounds with a 42-1 record"¦ State champion as a sophomore at 215 pounds with a 44-3 record"¦ Fifth in the state as a freshman with a 27-14 record"¦ Son of Jeff and Kelly Butler"¦ Coached by Jay Johnston, Adam Venegas and Clint Slyter"¦ Born: February 22, 1995"¦ Age: 18

Read More#