2019 U.S. Open Senior women’s freestyle preview
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by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Jacarra Winchester, shown during Final X in 2018, is one of the past Senior World Team members expected to compete at the U.S. Open. Tony Rotundo photo.
The United States has one of the best women’s freestyle programs in the world, placing second in the 2017 Worlds and third in the 2018 Worlds. The program has some tremendous talent up and down the lineup, and a healthy group of hungry, young stars battling their way onto the Senior national scene.
Based upon the results from the 2018 World Championships, four U.S. medalists have earned the right to advance directly to Final X in June and are not expected at this year’s U.S. Open. However, this year’s event will be loaded with talent. The winners at the six weight classes without a 2018 World medalist will advance to Final X. A large part of the field for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. in May will be set based upon the results in Las Vegas.
A peek at the competition in women’s freestyle for this year’s U.S. Open:
50 kg/110 lbs.
National Team: 1. Whitney Conder; 2. Victoria Anthony; 3. Erin Golston
Without a 2018 World medalist, the winner at 50 kg secures the first spot in Final X. This weight has a tremendous amount of depth. Whitney Conder was on the 2018 U.S. World Team and has competed in four Senior World Championships in the past. She beat two-time Senior World Team member Victoria Anthony in Final X last June, needing to go to three matches to secure the team berth. Both has extensive international experience.
However, the No. 3 athlete on the National Team, Erin Golston, could secure the top seed at this weight class after beating both Conder and Anthony at the Dan Kolov International in Bulgaria this winter. Golston comes off a silver at the Pan American Championships this week. Add in 2018 Olympian Haley Augello, who was on the 2017 U.S. World Team up at 53 kg, and also has tremendous experience and skill.
Another successful talent is Amy Fearnside, a past University World medalist who has made an impact at 50 kg. The top young star could be past Cadet World medalist Alleida Martinez, who won WCWA and NAIA national titles for Menlo College as a freshman this year. Or is it 2018 Cadet World champion Emily Shilson, who made her Senior debut this year with a bronze medal at the Dave Schultz Memorial in January? Add in WCWA runner-up McKayla Campbell, a past Cadet World medalist, and veteran Sarah Allen, and this weight class will be very competitive.
2018 U.S. Open results at 50 kg
1st - Whitney Conder (Army WCAP) dec. Victoria Anthony (Sunkist Kids), 7-3
3rd - Erin Golston (NYAC) inj. Amy Fearnside (TMWC)
5th - Alesha Zappitella (Scorpion Fighting System) pin Sarah Allen (Univ of the Cumberlands), 2-0 0:38
7th - Raven Guidry (Aries WC) forfeit Anna Delony (Aries WC)
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Final X qualified - 2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt
Rest of National Team – 2. Haley Augello; 3. Cody Pfau
2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt has accepted her spot in Final X, so the battle at this weight class will be to set the ladder for the World Team Trials. Haley Augello, a 2017 World Team member at this weight, could be dropping down to 50 kg, which opens the door for the No. 3 star on the National Team, Cody Pfau, to be a favorite to win this weight class. Pfau was a 2016 U.S. Open champion and has been on numerous age-group World Teams.
Katherine Shai, who made numerous Women’s National Teams, made a comeback this winter and has the most experience of everybody at this weight class. Shai would love to win her first U.S. Open title after many high placements here. The rest of the field is expected to be very young. Gracie Figueroa, a WCWA champion for Menlo and a past Cadet World medalist, is capable of being a finalist, as is high school star Tiare Ikei, also a Cadet World medalist and Youth Olympic Games participant. This field could feature a number of All-Americans from the college ranks.
2018 U.S. Open results at 53 kg
1st - Sarah Hildebrandt (New York AC) dec. Haley Augello (New York AC), 6-1
3rd - Cody Pfau (TMWC) dec. Dajan Treder (Unattached), 15-10
5th - Gabrielle Weyhrich (McKendree Bearcat WC) tech. fall Alisha Howk (Team Wisconsin), 10-0 1:45
7th - Ronna Heaton (Sunkist Kids) tech. fall Charlotte Fowler (Campbellsville), 10-0 3:24
55 kg/121 lbs.
National Team: 1. Jacarra Winchester; 2. Becka Leathers; 3. Dominique Parrish
Jacarra Winchester placed fifth at the 2018 World Championships in her first Senior World appearance, and comes in as the top favorite at the U.S. Open. She has established herself on the international scene, including a bronze up a weight class at the Pan Ams this weekend. She will face a number of tough challenges in her quest to return to the World Championships.
2017 World bronze medalist Becka Leathers is back, looking to avenge her loss to Winchester in Final X last year. Leathers also boasts a Junior World medal and a number of other international successes. The other National Team member, No. 3 Dominique Parrish, is also capable of run to the finals. Parrish, a two-time WCWA champion for Simon Fraser, won the Miranda Medal as the nation’s best women’s college athlete.
Alex Hedrick, who is No. 2 on the National Team at 57 kg and a 2018 U.S. Open champion, is expected to drop down to this weight. She has been second to Parrish, her Simon Fraser teammate, at the last two WCWA Nationals. Alisha Howk, a 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial champion and past Cadet World champion Ronna Heaton add strong depth. Shauna Isbell-Kemp, another past National Team member and head women’s coach at Jamestown, could also make an impact. Arianna Villaescusa, Vayle-Rae Baker and Ainslie Lane will also battle for high All-American honors.
2018 U.S. Open results at 55 kg
1st - Jacarra Winchester (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Dominique Parrish (Sunkist Kids), 5-3
3rd - Cameron Guerin (Team Takedown) dec. Tayler Resuriz (McKendree Bearcat WC), 5-4
5th - Ainslie Lane (Aries WC) pin Monica Mendoza (Aries WC), 6-5 2:54
7th - Daishea Jaime (Aries WC) pin Hailey Schiermeyer (MWC Wrestling Acadamy), 0:48
57 kg/125.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Helen Maroulis, 2. Alex Hedrick; 3. Michaela Beck
2016 Olympic champion and two-time World champion Helen Maroulis is the top star at this weight class. Maroulis has been battling challenges with concussion on the last few seasons, and may not be cleared in time for the U.S. Open. The other two National Team members, No. 2 Alex Hedrick and No. 3 Michaela Beck, might be entering at other weight classes, making this weight a wide-open opportunity for somebody to make a run at the national title.
Looking to take the top spot here are two past Senior World Team members who are moving down from 59 kg, No. 2 Jenna Burkert and No. 3 Kelsey Campbell. Burkert competed in the 2018 Worlds at 59 kg when No. 1 Alli Ragan was injured. Campbell was on the 2012 Olympic Team and has placed as high as fifth in the World Championships.
Among those who could push for a high placement are college stars Koral Sugiyama and Dajan Treder. Sugiyama is a past Women’s National Team member.
2018 U.S. Open results at 57 kg
1st - Alex Hedrick (Titan Mercury WC) pin Michaela Beck (New York AC), 2:41
3rd - Brieana Delgado (Aries WC) tech. fall Lauren Mason (Unattached), 11-0, 4:11
5th - Megan Black (TMWC) dec. Arian Carpio (Sunkist Kids), 9-3
7th - Koral Sugiyama (Campbellsville) tech. fall Daniela Flores (Aries WC), 10-0 1:23
59 kg/130 lbs.
National Team: 1. Alli Ragan; 2. Jenna Burkert; 3. Kelsey Campbell
Two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan missed the 2018 Worlds with an injury, but has been back in competition, looking strong in her win during the Beat the Streets LA dual meet earlier this spring. Ragan’s top challengers last year, Jenna Burkert and Kelsey Campbell, are reportedly dropping to 55 kg. Ragan will be considered a strong favorite, with a chance to punch her ticket to Final X in Vegas.
Her top two challengers could be Lauren Louive, the 2018 U.S. Open runner-up, who is among the top veterans in the field, and Megan Black, a past U23 World Team member who is returning to the mat after missing some time last year. This could be a weight class where some college athletes, or even some talented high school athletes, work their way into All-American honors.
2018 U.S. Open results at 59 kg
1st - Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids) dec. Lauren Louive (New York AC/Hawkeye WC), 4-2
3rd - Abby Nette (Lions WC/Emanuel) dec. Brenda Reyna (McKendree Bearcat WC), 15-10
5th - Allison Petix (King University) tech. fall Erin Redford (Aries WC), 11-0 4:10
7th - Axa Molina (Choker WC) tech. fall Charline Hagemaster (Lions WC/Emanuel), 10-0 1:44
62 kg/136.5 lbs.
Final X qualified: 2018 World bronze medalist Mallory Velte
Rest of National Team: 2. Kayla Miracle; 3. Brenda Reyna
2018 World bronze medalist Mallory Velte is eligible for Final X and is expected to skip the U.S. Open. Velte defeated 2018 U.S. Open champion Kayla Miracle in Final X last June. Most recently, Miracle has a win over Velte this winter, but don’t expect another battle until later in the year, if it happens again. Miracle, who has a number of age-group World medals, has won two straight U.S. Open titles.
Brenda Reyna, who is No. 3 on the National Team, is entered here again. Another experienced entry is Alexis Porter, who has made some age-group World Teams and has placed at the U.S. Open in previous years. Solin Piearcy, a WCWA national champion for Menlo, is looking to make an impact on the Senior level this year. If she drops to 62 kg, 2016 U.S. Open champion Amanda Hendey is capable of winning this weight class.
2018 U.S. Open results at 62 kg
1st - Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids) dec. Mallory Velte (Titan Mercury WC), 3-0
3rd - Jenna Burkert (Army WCAP) inj. dft. Amanda Hendey (TMWC)
5th - Kaden Campbell (Daughters of Zion) tech. fall Francesca Giorgio (Unattached), 17-7 4:39
7th - Alexandria Liles (Daughters of Zion) tech. fall Brittany Bates (Wayland Baptist University), 10-0 1:37
65 kg/143 lbs.
National Team: 1. Forrest Molinari; 2. Julia Salata; 3. Jayden Laurent
This weight class could be small in entry numbers, but is absolutely stacked with talent. Forrest Molinari, fifth at the 2018 Senior Worlds, enters as the top competitor here. She beat veteran Julia Salata in a tough Final X series last June, but Salata defeated Molinari in the 2018 U.S. Open finals. Both have been getting considerable international experience lately.
The No. 3 on the national team is also entered, Jayden Laurent, who was the 2019 WCWA champion for Lakeland as a freshman this year. Also entered in this weight class is 2017 Junior World champion Maya Nelson, who won the Dave Schultz Memorial this winter, and 2018 Cadet World champion Macey Kilty, who has looked strong competing on the Senior level this winter. If she enters at 65 kg, 2016 U.S. Open champion Amanda Hendey will be right in the battle here.
2018 U.S. Open results at 65 kg
1st - Julia Salata (New York AC) dec. Forrest Molinari (Titan Mercury WC), 5-0
3rd - Jayden Laurent (Musky WC) VPO1 Emma Bruntil (USA Wrestling Colorado Springs), 6-3
5th - Alexis Porter (NYAC) dec. Kayla Marano (Lions WC/Emanuel), 10-1
7th - Katerina Lobsinger (Army WCAP) forfeit Marina Briceno (Wayland Baptist University)
68 kg/149.5 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World bronze medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock
Rest of National Team: 2. Randyll Beltz; 3. Alexandria Glaude
With 2018 World bronze medalist Tamrya Mensah-Stock advancing directly to Final X, a new U.S. Open champion is expected to be crowned this year. Placing second to Mensah-Stock at Final X last year was veteran Randi Beltz, and No. 3 on the National team is 2019 WCWA national champion Alexandria Glaude of McKendree. Glaude won a U23 World bronze medal last summer.
Beyond that, the entries in this weight class will include a number of college athletes, including 2018 U.S. Open placewinners Anna Naylor and Skylar Grote. Another past National Team member who is a college head coach, Ashley Sword of Life University, is entered in Las Vegas.
2018 U.S. Open results at 68 kg
1st - Tamyra Stock (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Randyll Beltz (Army WCAP), 10-0
3rd - Alexandria Glaude (TMWC) tech. fall Yvonne Galindo (Aries WC), 10-0 5:45
5th - Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) dec. Anna Naylor (Univ of the Cumberlands), 10-7
7th - Skylar Grote (NYAC) tech. fall Alexia Foca (Campbellsville), 10-0, 2:37
72 kg/158.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Erin Clodgo; 2. Rachel Watters; 3. Hannah Gladden
2018 World Team member and 2018 U.S. Open champion Erin Clodgo would be the top seed at 72 kg, but at this point has not entered the field for Las Vegas. Losing to Clodgo in both Final X and the 2018 U.S. Open finals is Rachel Watters, who competes for Oklahoma City Univ. but missed most of the college season with injury. Watters returned in time for the NAIA Nationals, and also wrestled in the Beat the Streets LA dual meet. She has made numerous U.S. age-group World Teams.
No. 3 on the Women’s National team is college star Hannah Gladden, who is currently not entered at this weight class. 2017 World Team member and 2016 Olympic Trials runner-up Victoria Francis returns to competition after missing last year and looks to re-establish herself on the national scene. Francis was a 2016 U.S. Open runner-up, and seeks her first U.S. Open title.
Moving down into this weight class is 2019 WCWA champion Dymond Guilford of Missouri Baptist, who boasts an international gold medal this winter. Alyvia Fiske of Simon Fraser, who was third at the WCWAs this year, won a gold at the Dave Schultz Memorial this year, and Iman Kazem of Menlo, WCWA runner-up, is also entered. High School wrestlers who could have an impact are Jerzie Estrada and Alexis Gomez, both U.S. Open placers last season.
2018 U.S. Open results at 72 kg
1st - Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Rachel Watters (New York AC), 6-5
3rd - Hannah Gladden (Lions WC/Emanuel) dec. Alyvia Fiske (TMWC), 5-4
5th - Jerzie Estrada (Daughters of Zion) forfeit Anastasia Lobsinger (Army WCAP)
7th - Brighton Hutton (Unattached) forfeit Alexis Gomez (Independant)
76 kg/167 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World champion Adeline Gray
Rest of National Team: 2. Korinahe Bullock; 3. Mariah Harris
Four-time World champion Adeline Gray has advanced to Final X, so the battle in Las Vegas will just set the seeds for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. Gray ran through a field of mostly college athletes in winning the 2018 U.S. Open, and it is possible that one of those athletes will emerge as the new U.S. Open champion with Gray skipping Vegas.
Falling to Gray in Final X last summer was Korinahe Bullock of McKendree, who later in the summer won a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships. She had a tough WCWA Nationals this February, placing just sixth in a weight won by Dymond Guilford (expected at 72 kg). No. 3 on the National Team is Mariah Harris, who was third at the 2018 U.S. Open, third in the World Team Trials process and third at this year’s WCWA Nationals.
Leilani Camargo-Noane, a 2018 U.S. Open runner-up from Midland, is entered again this year. Paige Baynes of Wayland Baptist, a past WCWA champion and the 2019 NAIA champion at 191 pounds, is coming down to 167 pounds for the Open. Other collegians who could be a factor if they enter are WCWA runner-up Kiera Gabaldon of Warner Pacific, fourth place Precious Bell of Menlo and fifth place Brittany Marshall of Wayland Baptist.
2018 U.S. Open results at 76 kg
1st - Adeline Gray (New York AC) tech. fall Leilani Camargo-Noane (MWC Wrestling Academy), 10-0
3rd - Mariah Harris (Campbellsville) pin Korinahe Bullock (McKendree Bearcat WC), 4:11
5th - Nahiela Magee (McKendree Bearcat WC) dec. Janelle Fuamatu (McKendree Bearcat WC), 7-1
7th - Precious Bell (Unattached-CA) tech. fall Kaitlyn Hill (Campbellsville University), 15-4 5:24
The United States has one of the best women’s freestyle programs in the world, placing second in the 2017 Worlds and third in the 2018 Worlds. The program has some tremendous talent up and down the lineup, and a healthy group of hungry, young stars battling their way onto the Senior national scene.
Based upon the results from the 2018 World Championships, four U.S. medalists have earned the right to advance directly to Final X in June and are not expected at this year’s U.S. Open. However, this year’s event will be loaded with talent. The winners at the six weight classes without a 2018 World medalist will advance to Final X. A large part of the field for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. in May will be set based upon the results in Las Vegas.
A peek at the competition in women’s freestyle for this year’s U.S. Open:
50 kg/110 lbs.
National Team: 1. Whitney Conder; 2. Victoria Anthony; 3. Erin Golston
Without a 2018 World medalist, the winner at 50 kg secures the first spot in Final X. This weight has a tremendous amount of depth. Whitney Conder was on the 2018 U.S. World Team and has competed in four Senior World Championships in the past. She beat two-time Senior World Team member Victoria Anthony in Final X last June, needing to go to three matches to secure the team berth. Both has extensive international experience.
However, the No. 3 athlete on the National Team, Erin Golston, could secure the top seed at this weight class after beating both Conder and Anthony at the Dan Kolov International in Bulgaria this winter. Golston comes off a silver at the Pan American Championships this week. Add in 2018 Olympian Haley Augello, who was on the 2017 U.S. World Team up at 53 kg, and also has tremendous experience and skill.
Another successful talent is Amy Fearnside, a past University World medalist who has made an impact at 50 kg. The top young star could be past Cadet World medalist Alleida Martinez, who won WCWA and NAIA national titles for Menlo College as a freshman this year. Or is it 2018 Cadet World champion Emily Shilson, who made her Senior debut this year with a bronze medal at the Dave Schultz Memorial in January? Add in WCWA runner-up McKayla Campbell, a past Cadet World medalist, and veteran Sarah Allen, and this weight class will be very competitive.
2018 U.S. Open results at 50 kg
1st - Whitney Conder (Army WCAP) dec. Victoria Anthony (Sunkist Kids), 7-3
3rd - Erin Golston (NYAC) inj. Amy Fearnside (TMWC)
5th - Alesha Zappitella (Scorpion Fighting System) pin Sarah Allen (Univ of the Cumberlands), 2-0 0:38
7th - Raven Guidry (Aries WC) forfeit Anna Delony (Aries WC)
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Final X qualified - 2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt
Rest of National Team – 2. Haley Augello; 3. Cody Pfau
2018 World silver medalist Sarah Hildebrandt has accepted her spot in Final X, so the battle at this weight class will be to set the ladder for the World Team Trials. Haley Augello, a 2017 World Team member at this weight, could be dropping down to 50 kg, which opens the door for the No. 3 star on the National Team, Cody Pfau, to be a favorite to win this weight class. Pfau was a 2016 U.S. Open champion and has been on numerous age-group World Teams.
Katherine Shai, who made numerous Women’s National Teams, made a comeback this winter and has the most experience of everybody at this weight class. Shai would love to win her first U.S. Open title after many high placements here. The rest of the field is expected to be very young. Gracie Figueroa, a WCWA champion for Menlo and a past Cadet World medalist, is capable of being a finalist, as is high school star Tiare Ikei, also a Cadet World medalist and Youth Olympic Games participant. This field could feature a number of All-Americans from the college ranks.
2018 U.S. Open results at 53 kg
1st - Sarah Hildebrandt (New York AC) dec. Haley Augello (New York AC), 6-1
3rd - Cody Pfau (TMWC) dec. Dajan Treder (Unattached), 15-10
5th - Gabrielle Weyhrich (McKendree Bearcat WC) tech. fall Alisha Howk (Team Wisconsin), 10-0 1:45
7th - Ronna Heaton (Sunkist Kids) tech. fall Charlotte Fowler (Campbellsville), 10-0 3:24
55 kg/121 lbs.
National Team: 1. Jacarra Winchester; 2. Becka Leathers; 3. Dominique Parrish
Jacarra Winchester placed fifth at the 2018 World Championships in her first Senior World appearance, and comes in as the top favorite at the U.S. Open. She has established herself on the international scene, including a bronze up a weight class at the Pan Ams this weekend. She will face a number of tough challenges in her quest to return to the World Championships.
2017 World bronze medalist Becka Leathers is back, looking to avenge her loss to Winchester in Final X last year. Leathers also boasts a Junior World medal and a number of other international successes. The other National Team member, No. 3 Dominique Parrish, is also capable of run to the finals. Parrish, a two-time WCWA champion for Simon Fraser, won the Miranda Medal as the nation’s best women’s college athlete.
Alex Hedrick, who is No. 2 on the National Team at 57 kg and a 2018 U.S. Open champion, is expected to drop down to this weight. She has been second to Parrish, her Simon Fraser teammate, at the last two WCWA Nationals. Alisha Howk, a 2019 Dave Schultz Memorial champion and past Cadet World champion Ronna Heaton add strong depth. Shauna Isbell-Kemp, another past National Team member and head women’s coach at Jamestown, could also make an impact. Arianna Villaescusa, Vayle-Rae Baker and Ainslie Lane will also battle for high All-American honors.
2018 U.S. Open results at 55 kg
1st - Jacarra Winchester (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Dominique Parrish (Sunkist Kids), 5-3
3rd - Cameron Guerin (Team Takedown) dec. Tayler Resuriz (McKendree Bearcat WC), 5-4
5th - Ainslie Lane (Aries WC) pin Monica Mendoza (Aries WC), 6-5 2:54
7th - Daishea Jaime (Aries WC) pin Hailey Schiermeyer (MWC Wrestling Acadamy), 0:48
57 kg/125.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Helen Maroulis, 2. Alex Hedrick; 3. Michaela Beck
2016 Olympic champion and two-time World champion Helen Maroulis is the top star at this weight class. Maroulis has been battling challenges with concussion on the last few seasons, and may not be cleared in time for the U.S. Open. The other two National Team members, No. 2 Alex Hedrick and No. 3 Michaela Beck, might be entering at other weight classes, making this weight a wide-open opportunity for somebody to make a run at the national title.
Looking to take the top spot here are two past Senior World Team members who are moving down from 59 kg, No. 2 Jenna Burkert and No. 3 Kelsey Campbell. Burkert competed in the 2018 Worlds at 59 kg when No. 1 Alli Ragan was injured. Campbell was on the 2012 Olympic Team and has placed as high as fifth in the World Championships.
Among those who could push for a high placement are college stars Koral Sugiyama and Dajan Treder. Sugiyama is a past Women’s National Team member.
2018 U.S. Open results at 57 kg
1st - Alex Hedrick (Titan Mercury WC) pin Michaela Beck (New York AC), 2:41
3rd - Brieana Delgado (Aries WC) tech. fall Lauren Mason (Unattached), 11-0, 4:11
5th - Megan Black (TMWC) dec. Arian Carpio (Sunkist Kids), 9-3
7th - Koral Sugiyama (Campbellsville) tech. fall Daniela Flores (Aries WC), 10-0 1:23
59 kg/130 lbs.
National Team: 1. Alli Ragan; 2. Jenna Burkert; 3. Kelsey Campbell
Two-time World silver medalist Alli Ragan missed the 2018 Worlds with an injury, but has been back in competition, looking strong in her win during the Beat the Streets LA dual meet earlier this spring. Ragan’s top challengers last year, Jenna Burkert and Kelsey Campbell, are reportedly dropping to 55 kg. Ragan will be considered a strong favorite, with a chance to punch her ticket to Final X in Vegas.
Her top two challengers could be Lauren Louive, the 2018 U.S. Open runner-up, who is among the top veterans in the field, and Megan Black, a past U23 World Team member who is returning to the mat after missing some time last year. This could be a weight class where some college athletes, or even some talented high school athletes, work their way into All-American honors.
2018 U.S. Open results at 59 kg
1st - Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids) dec. Lauren Louive (New York AC/Hawkeye WC), 4-2
3rd - Abby Nette (Lions WC/Emanuel) dec. Brenda Reyna (McKendree Bearcat WC), 15-10
5th - Allison Petix (King University) tech. fall Erin Redford (Aries WC), 11-0 4:10
7th - Axa Molina (Choker WC) tech. fall Charline Hagemaster (Lions WC/Emanuel), 10-0 1:44
62 kg/136.5 lbs.
Final X qualified: 2018 World bronze medalist Mallory Velte
Rest of National Team: 2. Kayla Miracle; 3. Brenda Reyna
2018 World bronze medalist Mallory Velte is eligible for Final X and is expected to skip the U.S. Open. Velte defeated 2018 U.S. Open champion Kayla Miracle in Final X last June. Most recently, Miracle has a win over Velte this winter, but don’t expect another battle until later in the year, if it happens again. Miracle, who has a number of age-group World medals, has won two straight U.S. Open titles.
Brenda Reyna, who is No. 3 on the National Team, is entered here again. Another experienced entry is Alexis Porter, who has made some age-group World Teams and has placed at the U.S. Open in previous years. Solin Piearcy, a WCWA national champion for Menlo, is looking to make an impact on the Senior level this year. If she drops to 62 kg, 2016 U.S. Open champion Amanda Hendey is capable of winning this weight class.
2018 U.S. Open results at 62 kg
1st - Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids) dec. Mallory Velte (Titan Mercury WC), 3-0
3rd - Jenna Burkert (Army WCAP) inj. dft. Amanda Hendey (TMWC)
5th - Kaden Campbell (Daughters of Zion) tech. fall Francesca Giorgio (Unattached), 17-7 4:39
7th - Alexandria Liles (Daughters of Zion) tech. fall Brittany Bates (Wayland Baptist University), 10-0 1:37
65 kg/143 lbs.
National Team: 1. Forrest Molinari; 2. Julia Salata; 3. Jayden Laurent
This weight class could be small in entry numbers, but is absolutely stacked with talent. Forrest Molinari, fifth at the 2018 Senior Worlds, enters as the top competitor here. She beat veteran Julia Salata in a tough Final X series last June, but Salata defeated Molinari in the 2018 U.S. Open finals. Both have been getting considerable international experience lately.
The No. 3 on the national team is also entered, Jayden Laurent, who was the 2019 WCWA champion for Lakeland as a freshman this year. Also entered in this weight class is 2017 Junior World champion Maya Nelson, who won the Dave Schultz Memorial this winter, and 2018 Cadet World champion Macey Kilty, who has looked strong competing on the Senior level this winter. If she enters at 65 kg, 2016 U.S. Open champion Amanda Hendey will be right in the battle here.
2018 U.S. Open results at 65 kg
1st - Julia Salata (New York AC) dec. Forrest Molinari (Titan Mercury WC), 5-0
3rd - Jayden Laurent (Musky WC) VPO1 Emma Bruntil (USA Wrestling Colorado Springs), 6-3
5th - Alexis Porter (NYAC) dec. Kayla Marano (Lions WC/Emanuel), 10-1
7th - Katerina Lobsinger (Army WCAP) forfeit Marina Briceno (Wayland Baptist University)
68 kg/149.5 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World bronze medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock
Rest of National Team: 2. Randyll Beltz; 3. Alexandria Glaude
With 2018 World bronze medalist Tamrya Mensah-Stock advancing directly to Final X, a new U.S. Open champion is expected to be crowned this year. Placing second to Mensah-Stock at Final X last year was veteran Randi Beltz, and No. 3 on the National team is 2019 WCWA national champion Alexandria Glaude of McKendree. Glaude won a U23 World bronze medal last summer.
Beyond that, the entries in this weight class will include a number of college athletes, including 2018 U.S. Open placewinners Anna Naylor and Skylar Grote. Another past National Team member who is a college head coach, Ashley Sword of Life University, is entered in Las Vegas.
2018 U.S. Open results at 68 kg
1st - Tamyra Stock (Titan Mercury WC) tech. fall Randyll Beltz (Army WCAP), 10-0
3rd - Alexandria Glaude (TMWC) tech. fall Yvonne Galindo (Aries WC), 10-0 5:45
5th - Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) dec. Anna Naylor (Univ of the Cumberlands), 10-7
7th - Skylar Grote (NYAC) tech. fall Alexia Foca (Campbellsville), 10-0, 2:37
72 kg/158.5 lbs.
National Team: 1. Erin Clodgo; 2. Rachel Watters; 3. Hannah Gladden
2018 World Team member and 2018 U.S. Open champion Erin Clodgo would be the top seed at 72 kg, but at this point has not entered the field for Las Vegas. Losing to Clodgo in both Final X and the 2018 U.S. Open finals is Rachel Watters, who competes for Oklahoma City Univ. but missed most of the college season with injury. Watters returned in time for the NAIA Nationals, and also wrestled in the Beat the Streets LA dual meet. She has made numerous U.S. age-group World Teams.
No. 3 on the Women’s National team is college star Hannah Gladden, who is currently not entered at this weight class. 2017 World Team member and 2016 Olympic Trials runner-up Victoria Francis returns to competition after missing last year and looks to re-establish herself on the national scene. Francis was a 2016 U.S. Open runner-up, and seeks her first U.S. Open title.
Moving down into this weight class is 2019 WCWA champion Dymond Guilford of Missouri Baptist, who boasts an international gold medal this winter. Alyvia Fiske of Simon Fraser, who was third at the WCWAs this year, won a gold at the Dave Schultz Memorial this year, and Iman Kazem of Menlo, WCWA runner-up, is also entered. High School wrestlers who could have an impact are Jerzie Estrada and Alexis Gomez, both U.S. Open placers last season.
2018 U.S. Open results at 72 kg
1st - Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids) dec. Rachel Watters (New York AC), 6-5
3rd - Hannah Gladden (Lions WC/Emanuel) dec. Alyvia Fiske (TMWC), 5-4
5th - Jerzie Estrada (Daughters of Zion) forfeit Anastasia Lobsinger (Army WCAP)
7th - Brighton Hutton (Unattached) forfeit Alexis Gomez (Independant)
76 kg/167 lbs.
Final X qualified – 2018 World champion Adeline Gray
Rest of National Team: 2. Korinahe Bullock; 3. Mariah Harris
Four-time World champion Adeline Gray has advanced to Final X, so the battle in Las Vegas will just set the seeds for the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. Gray ran through a field of mostly college athletes in winning the 2018 U.S. Open, and it is possible that one of those athletes will emerge as the new U.S. Open champion with Gray skipping Vegas.
Falling to Gray in Final X last summer was Korinahe Bullock of McKendree, who later in the summer won a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships. She had a tough WCWA Nationals this February, placing just sixth in a weight won by Dymond Guilford (expected at 72 kg). No. 3 on the National Team is Mariah Harris, who was third at the 2018 U.S. Open, third in the World Team Trials process and third at this year’s WCWA Nationals.
Leilani Camargo-Noane, a 2018 U.S. Open runner-up from Midland, is entered again this year. Paige Baynes of Wayland Baptist, a past WCWA champion and the 2019 NAIA champion at 191 pounds, is coming down to 167 pounds for the Open. Other collegians who could be a factor if they enter are WCWA runner-up Kiera Gabaldon of Warner Pacific, fourth place Precious Bell of Menlo and fifth place Brittany Marshall of Wayland Baptist.
2018 U.S. Open results at 76 kg
1st - Adeline Gray (New York AC) tech. fall Leilani Camargo-Noane (MWC Wrestling Academy), 10-0
3rd - Mariah Harris (Campbellsville) pin Korinahe Bullock (McKendree Bearcat WC), 4:11
5th - Nahiela Magee (McKendree Bearcat WC) dec. Janelle Fuamatu (McKendree Bearcat WC), 7-1
7th - Precious Bell (Unattached-CA) tech. fall Kaitlyn Hill (Campbellsville University), 15-4 5:24
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