Lots of talent expected at Folkstyle Nationals this weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa

USA Wrestling’s Folkstyle Nationals is just around the corner, with action starting this Friday, March 31 at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Several studs have already registered for the event.

So far, six 2016 Folkstyle National champions return to the field, including Junior champions Paul Konrath and Alexander Lloyd and Cadet champions Beau Bartlett, Sebas Swiggum, Brock Hardy and Sergio Villalobos.

All six returning champs will compete in the Junior division this year, with Konrath and Swiggum having a chance of meeting in the 132-pound bracket.

Competing at 145 pounds, Hardy will have another shot at the prestigious USA Wrestling Triple Crown honor after falling just shy last year. The Utah state champion won national titles in both freestyle and folkstyle, but finished second at the Greco-Roman national tournament.

Villalobos and Lloyd went on to earn Fargo All-American status last year in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. Villalobos is expected to compete at 195 pounds, while Lloyd will enter the 152-pound field.

Other Fargo All-Americans registered for this weekend include California state champ Gary Joint (132), Minnesota state champ Daniel Kerkvliet (195), Iowa state champ Zach Barnes (145) and Wisconsin state champ Eric Barnett (113).

The field also features multiple-time state champions like four-timer from Montana Sawyer Degen (132) and Iowa two-timers Kyle Biscoglia (113) and Max Lyon (182).

Registration is still open, and many other wrestlers are still expected to sign up.

This year’s Folkstyle Nationals is scheduled for March 31-April 2 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The deadline to register is Thursday, March 30. Those who wish to register can do so at Trackwrestling.com.