Down and Dirty Junior Greco-Roman Nationals weight-by-weight preview
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Hayden Maley of Oregon hits a big throw in the 2016 Junior National Greco-Roman finals. Maley returns at 220 pounds and seeks a repeat title. Photo by John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com
The sixth and final national individual tournament at the USMC Junior and Cadet Nationals in Fargo has been set up and ready to go on Thursday, with the Junior Greco-Roman wrestlers ready for battle.
There will be one wrestler battling for a Junior Triple Crown, heavyweight Anthony Cassioppi of Illinois, after winning both the Folkstyle Nationals in Iowa and the Freestyle Nationals here in Fargo. Another wrestler, Iowa’s Max Lyon, won the first two legs of the Triple Crown at 182 pounds, but did not enter the Junior Greco-Roman Championships.
There are four returning champions: Brendan Garcia of Colorado, Tommy Brackett of Tennessee, Haydn Maley of Oregon and Brandon Metz of North Dakota.
This event will feature some athletes who have focused on Greco-Roman extensively, as well as some others who excel in both styles. There will also be a nice mix of experienced Junior athletes with some young Cadets. It should be exciting as this all sorts out.
100 – There is one returning Junior Greco-Roman All-American in the draw, Anthony King of Illinois, who was fifth last year. The top athletes from the Junior Freestyle Nationals earlier in the week who has entered in Greco-Roman is second-place Jackson Cockrell of Oklahoma and third-place Jacob Rundell of Illinois. Parker Decker of Texas was second in the UWW Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals earlier this year.
Others separated – Christian Goin (IL), Daniel Rehfeldt (MI), Preston Blotter (UT)
106 – Brendon Garcia of Colorado, the 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion at 100 pounds, is up one weight class this year in his attempt to repeat. He was third in Junior Freestyle earlier this week. Garcia made All-Tournament Team in Greco at the Junior National Duals. In last year’s Junior Greco finals, Garcia defeated Brenden Chaowanapibool of Washington, who has also entered at 106 pounds. 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman Samuel Latona is looking for a third Fargo title after winning Alabama’s first-ever Junior freestyle title earlier this week. Steele Dias of Nevada was sixth in the Cadet Greco Nationals in 2016. David Stepanian of Michigan was fourth in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals, and was fifth at the Cadet Nationals last year.
Others separated – Blake Fredrrickson (CA), Jarod Kosman (CT), Justin Cardani (IL), Devin Harrison (IA), Reese Fry (MI), Manny Drexler (WI)
113 – Joseph Harrison of Nebraska was a Junior Nationals Greco runner-up last year. He will be challenged by Brandon Kaylor of Washington, who was fifth at last year’s Junior Greco and was a Junior freestyle runner-up earlier in the week. Cevion Severado of Missouri of second in the 2017 UWW Junior Greco-Roman World Team Trials in April, then second in the UWW Junior Freestyle World Team Trials in June. Cody Phippen of Missouri was third in the 2015 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman, earned All-Tournament in Junior Greco National Duals and was third in this week’s Junior Nationals in freestyle. Ryan Rowland of Florida placed fifth in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Jace Koelzer of Kansas, a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion, was fourth in the Junior freestyle this year already. Eric Barnett of Wisconsin, sixth in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in freestyle, was fourth in the Junior Folkstyle Nationals this spring, and was a member of the 2015 Cadet World Greco-Roman team. Anthony Molton of Illinois was second in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Destin Summers of Idaho was fourth in the 2016 Cadet National Greco tournament.
Others separated – Andres Lucero (CO), Darrick Stacey (ID), Blake Mateu (LA), Beau Kaup (NE), Login Agin (OH), Nick Onea (PA), Gregory Coapstick (TX)
120 – Patrick McKee of Minnesota, a Junior Nationals freestyle champion this year, was third in the Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman last summer. McKee also was third in the UWW Junior Nationals in Greco in 2017. There are a number of returning medalists from last summer’s Junior Nationals in the field here, including Ezra Elliott of Illinois (4th at 100), Nathan Rankin of Texas (4th at 106), Dominic LaJoie of Michigan (4th at 113), Ty Smith of Nevada (6th at 106). Returning from Israel, where he was a freestyle medalist at the Senior-level Maccabiah Games, Moshe Schwartz of Colorado was a member of the 2016 Cadet World Greco-Roman Team and is a former Cadet Triple Crown winner. Don’t overlook Ridge Lovett of Idaho, who won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco this year and was a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion. Tate Carney of Iowa was fourth in the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals, and was seventh in last year’s Junior National Greco. Go back to the 2015 Junior Natonals, and you find Dylan Koontz of Wisconsin was a Junior Greco-Roman runner-up and Brady Koontz of Wisconsin was third in the Junior Grecos. Last year, Dylan Koontz was seventh at 113 in Junior Greco-Roman. Oscar Nellis of California was eighth in the 2015 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Rayvon Foley of Michigan, a Junior freestyle runner-up in 2016 who was sixth this year in Junior freestyle, is a great talent. As you can see, 120 pounds is loaded with tough competitors.
Others separated – Vicente Loiaza (AZ), Derek Ramos (ID), Delon Kanari (IL), Aiden Reeves (IA), King Sandoval (MD), Benjamin Kamali (MI), Tyler Cunningham (NE), Antonio Saldate (NV),
126 – This weight class also has a number of Junior Greco All-Americans back on the mat. Austin Macias of Illinois was second at 120 pounds last year in Junior Greco, followed by Jet Taylor of Oklahoma in third. Alex Thomsen of Iowa was fifth in Junior Greco-Roman at 126 pounds last year and was also fifth in the Junior Freestyle Nationals this year. Go back to 2014 and Corbin Nirschl of Kansas was a Junior Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up. Nirschl was sixth in this year’s UWW Junior Greco-Roman Nationals. Trae Vasquez of Montana has placed nationally in Greco at a number of major events.
Others separated – Braeden Dickinson (ID), Jevon Parrish (KS), Jack Huffman (NE), Graham Shore (OH)
132 – Dalton Young of Washington won the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals at 60 kg, and went on to win a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Championships later in the spring. Last year, Young was a Junior Nationals runner-up in Greco-Roman. Jack Karstetter of Oklahoma was eighth at 126 at last year’s Junior National Greco. Roll back to 2015, and Coltan Williams of Texas was fourth in Junior Greco. Riley Gurr of Montana was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2015. Job Greenwood of Colorado was seventh in the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Trevor Mansfield of South Carolina was a strong second at the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman and made All-Tournament Team at the Junior Greco Duals.
Others separated – Michael Mello (CA), Mel Ortiz (CT), Caleb Call (ID), Savion Haywood (IL), Rylee Molitor (MN), Dylan Schrickram (OK), Alexander Cruz (WA)
138 – Brent Jones of Minnesota was fifth in Junior Greco-Roman in 2016, and was a strong third in Junior Greco back in 2015. Jones was also third in the Junior freestyle earlier this week. Mason Phillips of Washington was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion in 2016, and won the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Jack Davis of Pennsylvania, seventh in Junior freestyle earlier this week, won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2016 and was fifth in the 2016 Cadet World Championships. Mason Hartshorn of California was fifth in the 2016 Junior Greco, and added fourth place in the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Raphael Rodriguez of Idaho was second at 63 kg at the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Allston Nutter of Wisconsin was a UWW Cadet All-American this year. Joshua Steele of Missouri was fourth in the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals and was a Cadet Greco All-American last year. 2017 Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up Jeremy Schoenherr of Wisconsin is giving Greco a try.
Others separated – Alex Miller (AL), Jacob Garcia (AZ), Jevon Pargo (IL), We Rachal (IL), Brandon Ramos (IL), Jared Thieler (KS), Jason Kraisser (MD), Nick Freeman (MI), Zakery Kohler (UT)
145 – This weight has a lot of depth, but no dominant favorite. Returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans include Jaden Enriquez of California who sixth at 138, Alexander Lloyd of Minnesota, who was sixth at 145 and Calvin Germinaro of Minnesota, who was eighth at 138 last year in Fargo. Enriquez was fifth in Junior Freestyle at 138 earlier this week, while Lloyd finished fourth at 145 in Junior Freestyle. All have other Greco experience, including Enriquez’ Cadet Nationals Greco title in 2014. Also watch for Brock Hardy of Utah, a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up, who was seventh in Junior freestyle at 145 pounds this week. Nolan Baker of Illinois was fifth in the Junior Greco-Roman Nationals in 2015. Peyton Omania of California has a strong Greco pedigree, placing fifth at the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017, and competing on the UWW Cadet World Team in 2016. Jacob Greenwood of Colorado was third in the 2014 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Britton Holmes of Colorado, a Cadet Greco All-American in 2014, trains at the USOTC and will compete in Greco at Northern Michigan. Logan Jensen of Utah was fourth in 2016 Cadet Nationals.
Others separated – Jose Rubio (AZ), Brody Lamb (CO), Ezekial Williamson (ID), Duncan Nelson (IL), Jake Stiles (IL), Mason Wallace (KS), Tyler Shilson (MN), Logan Meek (OR), Nathan Moore (WA)
152 – Looking for more Fargo gold is two-time Junior Nationals freestyle champion Anthony Artalona of Florida, who was third in the Junior Nationals in Greco in 2016. Artalona was a Cadet National double champion back in 2015, which means he has four Fargo titles already in his great career. Artalona has moved up from 145, where he won his Junior Freestyle title. There are two returning Junior Nationals Greco All-Americans in the mix this time, Justin Ruffin of Georgia, who was eighth at 145 in 2016, and Thomas Lisher of Missouri, who was eighth at 145 in 2015. Peyton Robb of Minnesota was third in the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman this year, then won Pan American Cadet gold medals in both styles. Last year, Robb was fifth in Cadet Greco. Dawon Andrews of Arizona was a 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman champion and Tyler Eischens of Minnesota was a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up. Ruffin was fourth in 2017 Junior Freestyle, while Eischens was eighth in Junior freestyle this year.
Others separated – Perez Perez (CA), Braydon Huber (ID), Markus Hartman (IL), Matthew Ortiz (IL), Zachary Barnes (IA), Peter Enos (NV), Demitreus Henry (NY), Jon McGowan (OK), Isaac Wilcox (UT)
160 – Tyler Dow of Wisconsin won the UWW Junior Nationals title this year, and won a silver medal at the Junior Nationals in freestyle earlier this week. Dow was a Cadet Nationals Greco runner-up last year. Jaron Chavez of Idaho was fourth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year and was seventh in Junior Nationals freestyle this week. Edmond Ruth of Pennsylvania was fourth in the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2017. Braeden Redlin of Texas was third in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman.
Others separated – Nathan Baca (CO), Jack Fisher (IL), Jalin Harper (KS), Jake Rando (LA), Jaryn Curry (OK), Jack Ervien (WA), John Knight (WA)
170 – 2016 Junior Nationals runner-up Max Wohlabaugh of Florida is seeking to win the title this year. He was third in Junior Nationals freestyle this year, after placing second in Junior Freestyle in 2016. Andrew Berreyesa of Nevada was third in 2016 Junior Greco-Roman at 170, while Billy Higgins III of Nebraska was fourth in Junior Greco at 152. Berreyesa was also fifth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Trent Hidlay of Pennsylvania, the 2017 Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up, is giving Greco-Roman a test this year. Hidlay was All-Tournament Team in Greco-Roman at the Junior National Duals this year. Zachary Braunagel of Illinois was third at the UWW Cadet Greco Nationals this year, and was fourth in the Junior Nationals in freestyle earlier this week. Tate Samuelson of Colorado was sixth at the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Samuelson also was All-Tournament in the Junior Greco Duals in June. Benjamin Root of Pennsylvania was fourth in the 2016 Cadet Greco Nationals.
Others separated – Evan Bockman (AK), Faustin Lopez (CO), Hunter Mullin (KS), Josh Ramirez (LA), Jeremiah Kent (MO), Shane Flandermeyer (OK), Jose Acosta (WI)
182 – 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion Tommy Brackett of Tennessee is back for another run for gold. Jack Jessen of Illinois, who was fourth at Junior Greco-Roman in 2016, was second in the Junior freestyle tournament a few days ago. Victor Marchelli of Ohio placed eighth at the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Tyler Barnes of New York was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2016. Lucas Davison of Indiana, third in Junior freestyle this year, and Cameron Caffey of Illinois, fourth in Junior freestyle, are entered in Greco-Roman. Both Davison and Caffey were Greco-Roman All-Americans as Cadets. Joshua Stillings of Pennsylvania was fourth in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman.
Others separated – Christian Knop (AL), Myles Wilson (CO), Drake Barbee (OK), Dakota Carnes (OK), Austin Harris (OR), Samuel Mitchell (WI)
195 – The finalists of the 2017 Junior Nationals in freestyle, Jacob Warner of Illinois and runner-up Miles Lee of Pennsylvania, are both entered in Greco-Roman. Lee was third in the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Warner won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco in 2016. Brandon Whitman of Michigan was fifth in the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman and was third in the Junior Freestyle this year behind Warner and Lee. Whitman also made Junior Nationals All-Tournament Team in Greco. Dalton Hahn of Wisconsin was sixth in Junior Nationals Greco-Roman last year. Joseph Miller of Nevada was fourth in UWW Cadet Nationals in 2017, while Kaleb Gaede of Colorado was eighth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Chad Porter of Arizona has been a placewinner at the UWW Junior Nationals the last two seasons in Greco. Iowa has a pair of 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman All-Americans on tab, Kaleb Reeves and Logan Schumacher.
Others separated – Brett Campbell (MO), Bear Hughes (OK), Collin McCoy (TX), Jackson McKinney (WA).
220 – Hadyn Maley of Oregon, the 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion, is seeking to repeat this year. Maley was second in Junior Freestyle earlier this week. Maley was second in the 2017 UWW Junior World Team Trials and won the Pan American Junior Championships this spring. Tyler Curd of Missouri was a Cadet Greco-Roman national champion in 2016 and was seventh in the Junior Freestyle Nationals this week. Jace Punke of Illinois was a runner-up to Curd in the Cadet Greco-Roman last summer and was fifth in Junior Nationals freestyle this year. Enutifa Gamia of Iowa was fourth at the UWW Cadet Nationals this year up at heavyweight. Max Villnow of Wisconsin was fourth in the 2016 UWW Cadet Nationals. Chase Trussell of Utah was fourth in the Cadet Greco Nationals last year.
Others separated: Chase Umphries (AZ), Keaton Fogler (IL), Tyrell Gordon (IA), Guy Snow (IA), Max Darrah (MO), Cameron Sauerwein (OH), Bradley Smith (OH), Mason Lancaster (OK), Payton Smith (SD), Collin Lawler (TX), Wade Wheeler (VA),
285 – Anthony Cassioppi of Illinois is gunning for a Junior Triple Crown, after winning Junior National titles in both folkstyle and Greco-Roman earlier this year. Cassioppi was also second in the UWW Junior Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, then went on to win double titles at the UWW Junior Pan American Championships. Add in the Junior National Duals Greco-Roman All-Tournament Team honor for Cassioppi. His top challenger will be Brandon Metz of North Dakota, who is the defending Junior Nationals Greco-Roman heavyweight champion, a tournament where Cassioppi was third. In the Junior National freestyle finals this year, Cassioppi beat Metz, 4-1. Looking to mess up a Cassioppi vs. Metz final is Spencer Trenary of Iowa, a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2016, or Aaron Costello of Iowa, who was sixth in the Junior Nationals Greco last summer. Jack Delgarbino of Ohio was second in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Montana Phillips of Oklahoma was a Cadet National Greco runner-up last year.
Others separated – Jake Levengood (CA), Sammy DeSeriere (CO), Austin Emerson (MI), Jeff Queer (MT), Lee Herrington (NE), Jayvon Davidson (NJ), Jayson Gomez (NY),
The sixth and final national individual tournament at the USMC Junior and Cadet Nationals in Fargo has been set up and ready to go on Thursday, with the Junior Greco-Roman wrestlers ready for battle.
There will be one wrestler battling for a Junior Triple Crown, heavyweight Anthony Cassioppi of Illinois, after winning both the Folkstyle Nationals in Iowa and the Freestyle Nationals here in Fargo. Another wrestler, Iowa’s Max Lyon, won the first two legs of the Triple Crown at 182 pounds, but did not enter the Junior Greco-Roman Championships.
There are four returning champions: Brendan Garcia of Colorado, Tommy Brackett of Tennessee, Haydn Maley of Oregon and Brandon Metz of North Dakota.
This event will feature some athletes who have focused on Greco-Roman extensively, as well as some others who excel in both styles. There will also be a nice mix of experienced Junior athletes with some young Cadets. It should be exciting as this all sorts out.
100 – There is one returning Junior Greco-Roman All-American in the draw, Anthony King of Illinois, who was fifth last year. The top athletes from the Junior Freestyle Nationals earlier in the week who has entered in Greco-Roman is second-place Jackson Cockrell of Oklahoma and third-place Jacob Rundell of Illinois. Parker Decker of Texas was second in the UWW Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals earlier this year.
Others separated – Christian Goin (IL), Daniel Rehfeldt (MI), Preston Blotter (UT)
106 – Brendon Garcia of Colorado, the 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion at 100 pounds, is up one weight class this year in his attempt to repeat. He was third in Junior Freestyle earlier this week. Garcia made All-Tournament Team in Greco at the Junior National Duals. In last year’s Junior Greco finals, Garcia defeated Brenden Chaowanapibool of Washington, who has also entered at 106 pounds. 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman Samuel Latona is looking for a third Fargo title after winning Alabama’s first-ever Junior freestyle title earlier this week. Steele Dias of Nevada was sixth in the Cadet Greco Nationals in 2016. David Stepanian of Michigan was fourth in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals, and was fifth at the Cadet Nationals last year.
Others separated – Blake Fredrrickson (CA), Jarod Kosman (CT), Justin Cardani (IL), Devin Harrison (IA), Reese Fry (MI), Manny Drexler (WI)
113 – Joseph Harrison of Nebraska was a Junior Nationals Greco runner-up last year. He will be challenged by Brandon Kaylor of Washington, who was fifth at last year’s Junior Greco and was a Junior freestyle runner-up earlier in the week. Cevion Severado of Missouri of second in the 2017 UWW Junior Greco-Roman World Team Trials in April, then second in the UWW Junior Freestyle World Team Trials in June. Cody Phippen of Missouri was third in the 2015 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman, earned All-Tournament in Junior Greco National Duals and was third in this week’s Junior Nationals in freestyle. Ryan Rowland of Florida placed fifth in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Jace Koelzer of Kansas, a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion, was fourth in the Junior freestyle this year already. Eric Barnett of Wisconsin, sixth in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in freestyle, was fourth in the Junior Folkstyle Nationals this spring, and was a member of the 2015 Cadet World Greco-Roman team. Anthony Molton of Illinois was second in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Destin Summers of Idaho was fourth in the 2016 Cadet National Greco tournament.
Others separated – Andres Lucero (CO), Darrick Stacey (ID), Blake Mateu (LA), Beau Kaup (NE), Login Agin (OH), Nick Onea (PA), Gregory Coapstick (TX)
120 – Patrick McKee of Minnesota, a Junior Nationals freestyle champion this year, was third in the Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman last summer. McKee also was third in the UWW Junior Nationals in Greco in 2017. There are a number of returning medalists from last summer’s Junior Nationals in the field here, including Ezra Elliott of Illinois (4th at 100), Nathan Rankin of Texas (4th at 106), Dominic LaJoie of Michigan (4th at 113), Ty Smith of Nevada (6th at 106). Returning from Israel, where he was a freestyle medalist at the Senior-level Maccabiah Games, Moshe Schwartz of Colorado was a member of the 2016 Cadet World Greco-Roman Team and is a former Cadet Triple Crown winner. Don’t overlook Ridge Lovett of Idaho, who won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco this year and was a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion. Tate Carney of Iowa was fourth in the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals, and was seventh in last year’s Junior National Greco. Go back to the 2015 Junior Natonals, and you find Dylan Koontz of Wisconsin was a Junior Greco-Roman runner-up and Brady Koontz of Wisconsin was third in the Junior Grecos. Last year, Dylan Koontz was seventh at 113 in Junior Greco-Roman. Oscar Nellis of California was eighth in the 2015 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Rayvon Foley of Michigan, a Junior freestyle runner-up in 2016 who was sixth this year in Junior freestyle, is a great talent. As you can see, 120 pounds is loaded with tough competitors.
Others separated – Vicente Loiaza (AZ), Derek Ramos (ID), Delon Kanari (IL), Aiden Reeves (IA), King Sandoval (MD), Benjamin Kamali (MI), Tyler Cunningham (NE), Antonio Saldate (NV),
126 – This weight class also has a number of Junior Greco All-Americans back on the mat. Austin Macias of Illinois was second at 120 pounds last year in Junior Greco, followed by Jet Taylor of Oklahoma in third. Alex Thomsen of Iowa was fifth in Junior Greco-Roman at 126 pounds last year and was also fifth in the Junior Freestyle Nationals this year. Go back to 2014 and Corbin Nirschl of Kansas was a Junior Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up. Nirschl was sixth in this year’s UWW Junior Greco-Roman Nationals. Trae Vasquez of Montana has placed nationally in Greco at a number of major events.
Others separated – Braeden Dickinson (ID), Jevon Parrish (KS), Jack Huffman (NE), Graham Shore (OH)
132 – Dalton Young of Washington won the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals at 60 kg, and went on to win a bronze medal at the Junior Pan American Championships later in the spring. Last year, Young was a Junior Nationals runner-up in Greco-Roman. Jack Karstetter of Oklahoma was eighth at 126 at last year’s Junior National Greco. Roll back to 2015, and Coltan Williams of Texas was fourth in Junior Greco. Riley Gurr of Montana was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2015. Job Greenwood of Colorado was seventh in the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Trevor Mansfield of South Carolina was a strong second at the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman and made All-Tournament Team at the Junior Greco Duals.
Others separated – Michael Mello (CA), Mel Ortiz (CT), Caleb Call (ID), Savion Haywood (IL), Rylee Molitor (MN), Dylan Schrickram (OK), Alexander Cruz (WA)
138 – Brent Jones of Minnesota was fifth in Junior Greco-Roman in 2016, and was a strong third in Junior Greco back in 2015. Jones was also third in the Junior freestyle earlier this week. Mason Phillips of Washington was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman champion in 2016, and won the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Jack Davis of Pennsylvania, seventh in Junior freestyle earlier this week, won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2016 and was fifth in the 2016 Cadet World Championships. Mason Hartshorn of California was fifth in the 2016 Junior Greco, and added fourth place in the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Raphael Rodriguez of Idaho was second at 63 kg at the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Allston Nutter of Wisconsin was a UWW Cadet All-American this year. Joshua Steele of Missouri was fourth in the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals and was a Cadet Greco All-American last year. 2017 Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up Jeremy Schoenherr of Wisconsin is giving Greco a try.
Others separated – Alex Miller (AL), Jacob Garcia (AZ), Jevon Pargo (IL), We Rachal (IL), Brandon Ramos (IL), Jared Thieler (KS), Jason Kraisser (MD), Nick Freeman (MI), Zakery Kohler (UT)
145 – This weight has a lot of depth, but no dominant favorite. Returning Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans include Jaden Enriquez of California who sixth at 138, Alexander Lloyd of Minnesota, who was sixth at 145 and Calvin Germinaro of Minnesota, who was eighth at 138 last year in Fargo. Enriquez was fifth in Junior Freestyle at 138 earlier this week, while Lloyd finished fourth at 145 in Junior Freestyle. All have other Greco experience, including Enriquez’ Cadet Nationals Greco title in 2014. Also watch for Brock Hardy of Utah, a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up, who was seventh in Junior freestyle at 145 pounds this week. Nolan Baker of Illinois was fifth in the Junior Greco-Roman Nationals in 2015. Peyton Omania of California has a strong Greco pedigree, placing fifth at the UWW Junior Nationals in 2017, and competing on the UWW Cadet World Team in 2016. Jacob Greenwood of Colorado was third in the 2014 UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Britton Holmes of Colorado, a Cadet Greco All-American in 2014, trains at the USOTC and will compete in Greco at Northern Michigan. Logan Jensen of Utah was fourth in 2016 Cadet Nationals.
Others separated – Jose Rubio (AZ), Brody Lamb (CO), Ezekial Williamson (ID), Duncan Nelson (IL), Jake Stiles (IL), Mason Wallace (KS), Tyler Shilson (MN), Logan Meek (OR), Nathan Moore (WA)
152 – Looking for more Fargo gold is two-time Junior Nationals freestyle champion Anthony Artalona of Florida, who was third in the Junior Nationals in Greco in 2016. Artalona was a Cadet National double champion back in 2015, which means he has four Fargo titles already in his great career. Artalona has moved up from 145, where he won his Junior Freestyle title. There are two returning Junior Nationals Greco All-Americans in the mix this time, Justin Ruffin of Georgia, who was eighth at 145 in 2016, and Thomas Lisher of Missouri, who was eighth at 145 in 2015. Peyton Robb of Minnesota was third in the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman this year, then won Pan American Cadet gold medals in both styles. Last year, Robb was fifth in Cadet Greco. Dawon Andrews of Arizona was a 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman champion and Tyler Eischens of Minnesota was a 2016 Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up. Ruffin was fourth in 2017 Junior Freestyle, while Eischens was eighth in Junior freestyle this year.
Others separated – Perez Perez (CA), Braydon Huber (ID), Markus Hartman (IL), Matthew Ortiz (IL), Zachary Barnes (IA), Peter Enos (NV), Demitreus Henry (NY), Jon McGowan (OK), Isaac Wilcox (UT)
160 – Tyler Dow of Wisconsin won the UWW Junior Nationals title this year, and won a silver medal at the Junior Nationals in freestyle earlier this week. Dow was a Cadet Nationals Greco runner-up last year. Jaron Chavez of Idaho was fourth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year and was seventh in Junior Nationals freestyle this week. Edmond Ruth of Pennsylvania was fourth in the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman in 2017. Braeden Redlin of Texas was third in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman.
Others separated – Nathan Baca (CO), Jack Fisher (IL), Jalin Harper (KS), Jake Rando (LA), Jaryn Curry (OK), Jack Ervien (WA), John Knight (WA)
170 – 2016 Junior Nationals runner-up Max Wohlabaugh of Florida is seeking to win the title this year. He was third in Junior Nationals freestyle this year, after placing second in Junior Freestyle in 2016. Andrew Berreyesa of Nevada was third in 2016 Junior Greco-Roman at 170, while Billy Higgins III of Nebraska was fourth in Junior Greco at 152. Berreyesa was also fifth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Trent Hidlay of Pennsylvania, the 2017 Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up, is giving Greco-Roman a test this year. Hidlay was All-Tournament Team in Greco-Roman at the Junior National Duals this year. Zachary Braunagel of Illinois was third at the UWW Cadet Greco Nationals this year, and was fourth in the Junior Nationals in freestyle earlier this week. Tate Samuelson of Colorado was sixth at the 2017 UWW Junior Nationals in 2017. Samuelson also was All-Tournament in the Junior Greco Duals in June. Benjamin Root of Pennsylvania was fourth in the 2016 Cadet Greco Nationals.
Others separated – Evan Bockman (AK), Faustin Lopez (CO), Hunter Mullin (KS), Josh Ramirez (LA), Jeremiah Kent (MO), Shane Flandermeyer (OK), Jose Acosta (WI)
182 – 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion Tommy Brackett of Tennessee is back for another run for gold. Jack Jessen of Illinois, who was fourth at Junior Greco-Roman in 2016, was second in the Junior freestyle tournament a few days ago. Victor Marchelli of Ohio placed eighth at the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Tyler Barnes of New York was a Cadet Nationals Greco-Roman runner-up in 2016. Lucas Davison of Indiana, third in Junior freestyle this year, and Cameron Caffey of Illinois, fourth in Junior freestyle, are entered in Greco-Roman. Both Davison and Caffey were Greco-Roman All-Americans as Cadets. Joshua Stillings of Pennsylvania was fourth in the 2016 Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman.
Others separated – Christian Knop (AL), Myles Wilson (CO), Drake Barbee (OK), Dakota Carnes (OK), Austin Harris (OR), Samuel Mitchell (WI)
195 – The finalists of the 2017 Junior Nationals in freestyle, Jacob Warner of Illinois and runner-up Miles Lee of Pennsylvania, are both entered in Greco-Roman. Lee was third in the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman. Warner won the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco in 2016. Brandon Whitman of Michigan was fifth in the 2016 Junior Nationals in Greco-Roman and was third in the Junior Freestyle this year behind Warner and Lee. Whitman also made Junior Nationals All-Tournament Team in Greco. Dalton Hahn of Wisconsin was sixth in Junior Nationals Greco-Roman last year. Joseph Miller of Nevada was fourth in UWW Cadet Nationals in 2017, while Kaleb Gaede of Colorado was eighth at the UWW Junior Nationals this year. Chad Porter of Arizona has been a placewinner at the UWW Junior Nationals the last two seasons in Greco. Iowa has a pair of 2016 Cadet Greco-Roman All-Americans on tab, Kaleb Reeves and Logan Schumacher.
Others separated – Brett Campbell (MO), Bear Hughes (OK), Collin McCoy (TX), Jackson McKinney (WA).
220 – Hadyn Maley of Oregon, the 2016 Junior Nationals Greco-Roman champion, is seeking to repeat this year. Maley was second in Junior Freestyle earlier this week. Maley was second in the 2017 UWW Junior World Team Trials and won the Pan American Junior Championships this spring. Tyler Curd of Missouri was a Cadet Greco-Roman national champion in 2016 and was seventh in the Junior Freestyle Nationals this week. Jace Punke of Illinois was a runner-up to Curd in the Cadet Greco-Roman last summer and was fifth in Junior Nationals freestyle this year. Enutifa Gamia of Iowa was fourth at the UWW Cadet Nationals this year up at heavyweight. Max Villnow of Wisconsin was fourth in the 2016 UWW Cadet Nationals. Chase Trussell of Utah was fourth in the Cadet Greco Nationals last year.
Others separated: Chase Umphries (AZ), Keaton Fogler (IL), Tyrell Gordon (IA), Guy Snow (IA), Max Darrah (MO), Cameron Sauerwein (OH), Bradley Smith (OH), Mason Lancaster (OK), Payton Smith (SD), Collin Lawler (TX), Wade Wheeler (VA),
285 – Anthony Cassioppi of Illinois is gunning for a Junior Triple Crown, after winning Junior National titles in both folkstyle and Greco-Roman earlier this year. Cassioppi was also second in the UWW Junior Nationals this year in Greco-Roman, then went on to win double titles at the UWW Junior Pan American Championships. Add in the Junior National Duals Greco-Roman All-Tournament Team honor for Cassioppi. His top challenger will be Brandon Metz of North Dakota, who is the defending Junior Nationals Greco-Roman heavyweight champion, a tournament where Cassioppi was third. In the Junior National freestyle finals this year, Cassioppi beat Metz, 4-1. Looking to mess up a Cassioppi vs. Metz final is Spencer Trenary of Iowa, a Cadet National Greco-Roman champion in 2016, or Aaron Costello of Iowa, who was sixth in the Junior Nationals Greco last summer. Jack Delgarbino of Ohio was second in the 2017 UWW Cadet Nationals. Montana Phillips of Oklahoma was a Cadet National Greco runner-up last year.
Others separated – Jake Levengood (CA), Sammy DeSeriere (CO), Austin Emerson (MI), Jeff Queer (MT), Lee Herrington (NE), Jayvon Davidson (NJ), Jayson Gomez (NY),
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